A large part of a villa holiday in Ibiza is enjoying the incredible Spanish cuisine. Once you're set on this epic island as your destination, it’s time to start thinking about what and where to eat. If you haven’t booked a villa yet, or even decided when to visit (travel restrictions still pending) there is no harm in getting a little bit of inspiration; you might even try your hand at some Balearic recipes at home!
Ibiza is an island of exciting, vibrant cuisine where world-class chefs in fine dining restaurants meet relaxed beach bars for casual vibes and cocktails. The island’s restaurants use lots of local ingredients from kitchen gardens and incredible fresh seafood; seafood paella is often seen on the menu, did you know that each region of Spain has their own version of paella? Check out this seafood paella recipe from Francesc, one of our amazing in-villa chefs in Ibiza!
Traditional Spanish tapas is also a big part of Ibizan culture; expect popular favourites such as Croquetas de Jamón, deliciously light and crispy on the outside, while soft and creamy on the inside, bursting with flavour. Pair your small plates with a cold cerveza or a glass of fruity Sangria - the “official drink” of Spain.
When the island opens up again for the summer season there are a few places we recommend adding to your itinerary covering everything from family brunches at the beach, to farm-to-table dining in the breathtaking Ibizan countryside.
Bam Bu Ku
Bam Bu Ku is a family-friendly beach club in the heart of Ibiza serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner in a beautiful seafront setting in San Antonio. The colourful menu features delicious fresh fruit and smoothie bowls, among a range of wanderlust inspired dishes and tropical cocktails - think pineapple mojitos and papaya piña coladas.
Every Sunday they host a family brunch with lots of activities for children, entertainment for parents and certified childcare; Monday and Sunday might be more tempting for those travelling without kids when brunch is bottomless.
Aubergine
For relaxed al fresco dining in the heart of the Ibizan countryside, the relaxed garden terrace at Aubergine is the perfect spot. This farm-to-table restaurant is ideally located between our villas in Santa Gertrudis and San Miguel, in the north of the island and the menu encapsulates its authentic Ibizan charm.
Their three hectare vegetable garden is at the heart of every wholesome dish, using organic seasonal produce that’s lovingly represented in the menu, for example the ‘smoked burrata with vegetables from the garden’.
A meal here is not complete without sampling the stuffed aubergine, washed down with a glass of refreshing organic wine.
Casa Maca
Located in the peaceful hills of Can Palau, just outside of Ibiza town is Casa Maca, where a fusion menu is divided up into three sections: our farm, our meat and the sea. Mouth-watering dishes include grilled calamari with pico de gallo and manchego cheese with roasted sobrasada (traditional spicy sausage from the island) with Ibiza honey.
Dinners are served al fresco on the charming terrace along with a laidback soundtrack.
Chiringuito Blue
Chiringuito Blue is the place to be for first class cuisine by the sea. Located close to many of our villas in Santa Eulalia on the east coast of the island, this impressive spot is right on the beach with epic sea views from almost every table.
The magnificent menu is a culinary journey through the Mediterranean, inspired by Italy in dishes like Lobster linguine, through to middle eastern style dishes like roasted eggplant with tahini, pomegranate; the selection of seafood from the surrounding sea is also outstanding - try the Charcoal grilled Sea Bream with Ibicenco lemon and garlic confit.
There’s even a children’s area to play in, so parents have time to savour every delicious bite.
Now you’ve got some inspiration for what and where to eat, head over to our Ibiza destination guide to find out more about this fantastic island and start planning your villa holiday - it’s never too early!