From Sunset Chasing To New Openings: An Insider’s Guide To Ibiza
Like anywhere, your first Ibizan experience is improved tenfold if you know someone who can tell you what’s hot and what’s not on the famous White Isle.
So we’ve enlisted the help of a bonafide insider, model-turned-food writer Aiste Miseviciute, who knows the places to be, whether it’s chasing the famous sunset or booking a table at a new opening.
This month, Aiste is set to release her guide to restaurants and food on the Balearic Islands through her website and newsletter, Luxeat Insider, and she’s given us a sneak peak into the very best of Ibiza. Her award-winning writing has taken her around the globe, from exploring sustainability with Obama’s ex-chef to how pizza is taking over the Japanese food scene. Well travelled and fuelled with an abundance of good taste and foodie knowledge, you’ll be safe in Aiste’s hands if you have a trip to the White Isle booked this summer.
If you want to blow the budget head to…
Heart, in collaboration with Cirque du Soleil. It’s my absolute favourite but unfortunately it’s closed this year due to Coronavirus, but keep checking their website for updates as it’s so worth it.
For date-night make it…
La Paloma. The family owned Italian restaurant is a Mediterranean institution with Middle East influences in the shade of a beautiful garden in Sant Llorenc.
Keep it local at…
C’An Alfredo. It’s a traditional family-run Ibicencan restaurant, in the heart of Ibiza Town.
For a big group check out…
Can Balafia – the wood fire grilled meat institution. The chicken, lamb chops, potato chips and the fresh aioli made daily are all a must-try. As is Macao Café, it’s the best Italian café on the island with a gorgeous tree-shaded terrace. It is the place to be on hot summer nights.
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The best new restaurant on the island…
is Casa Jondal. It opened in June and is the newest seafood spot on Cala Jondal, headed up by one of Spain’s best chefs, Rafael Zafra.
For something more affordable…
you can’t go wrong with Can Cosmi. It’s a traditional tapas and rustic tortilla restaurant, overlooking the plaza of the sleepy Santa Agnes village.
For a party vibe that’s actually better than the food itself…
head to Cipriani. If you’ve been to Cipriani, you know what I mean!
It, in Marina Botafoch, is also great for contemporary cuisine with ambiance.
For the best hidden bar head to…
Bar Costa on Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera. They do the best jamon and bocadillos and it’s set in the charming village of St Gertrudis. I love going there for an aperitif.
For brunch it has to be…
Passion Café. The menu focuses on plant based foods and their specialties are juices, smoothies and superfood. They have multiple locations on the island but the nicest is definitely in the marina with the view of Ibiza old town.
For brunch it has to be Passion Café. The menu focuses on plant based foods and they do the best juices, smoothies and superfood dishes.
For an incredible view…
Es Boldado is stunning. The traditional seafood and rice restaurant has views of Es Vedra and it’s even more beautiful at sunset.
Speaking of views…
Sunset Ashram has some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. Head here for great live music and food here is a delicious mix of Spanish and Indian cooking.
If it’s your first time to Ibiza…
Check out Es Xarcu, the authentic beach restaurant that sits right to the water’s edge. The food is excellent, with a focus on traditional seafood and rice – their oven baked fish, especially the John Dory, is a must-order.
To experience Ibiza's famous sunset there's only one place. Head to Sunset Ashram for live music and a mix of delicious Spanish and Indian cooking.
Clubs are closed for the 2020 season but you can get the club vibe at…
Lio, a great option for a night out in Ibiza. It’s a restaurant with a nightclub vibe in the middle of Ibiza Town’s marina.
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The morning after, head to…
Wild Beets, a vegan restaurant with lots of delicious plant-based dishes, and a great selection of juices.
If live music is your thing…
Cana Pepeta offers great live music and fantastic food. It’s a Modern Argentinian grill restaurant, serving also Mediterranean dishes in a beautiful renovated space. Josper grill nights on Thursdays are a must.
For a fun night out, head to Lio in Ibiza Town for a restaurant that feels like a club.
My favourite hotel on the island is…
7 Pines by Kempinski. It’s nestled between Cala and Cala Condolar and is surrounded by pine trees and the most spectacular views of the Balearic Sea.
For a hidden spot on the island only locals know…
Check out El Bigotes. This rustic chiringuito located on the picturesque Calla Mastella serves traditional fish soup cooked over a wood-fire (bullit de peix) from the catch of the day. Book in advance for the second service at 2pm when the two-course dishes are available.
For some R&R head to…
Ibiza Gran Hotel Spa is a fantastic choice for a day of relaxation in the spa’s multiple saunas and steam room areas.
For boutique hotels it has to be…
La Granja. The organic restaurant and hotel is an old farmhouse. Head there on Friday nights for dancing.
Finally, get your shopping fix at…
The Charo Ruiz flagship store and Mayurka, both in Ibiza Town.
For more of Aiste’s culinary recommendations and foodie knowledge visit www.luxeat.com
Follow her on Instagram at www.instagram.com