What’s the Best Food in Ibiza?

“La Isla Blanca” boasts exquisite gastronomy

The NH Concierge’s Tips

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Ibiza is an island whose cuisine is a delicious reflection of its Mediterranean location, strong island traditions and love of great local ingredients. Though it’s famous for its incredible beaches and nightlife, anyone who’s visited will also know how great the food, drink and culinary culture are there, with everything from delicious street eats through to fine dining at the abundance of great restaurants. Take a look at the best food in Ibiza.

Get to Know Ibiza’s Cuisine

The Mediterranean Sea naturally features heavily in Ibiza’s cuisine, along with the many cultural influences the island has had over the centuries. The Greeks, Romans and Moors have all passed by its beautiful shores, in turn bringing their ingredients, and leaving their influences on how the islanders eat, drink and cook.

The island itself is a rich source of fresh, delicious ingredients. Tomatoes, garlic and olive oil are staples in any kitchen, and the island’s aromatic herbs like mint, thyme, rosemary also feature heavily. And Ibizan salt, of course, comes straight from the Ses Salines Natural Park.

What Are the Must-Try Traditional Dishes in Ibiza?

What could be more delightful than a paella in the sun, with some crusty local bread and a glass of something delicious? Arguably Spain’s most well-travelled and well-known dish, nobody does it better than the locals, who tend to eat it at midday and have strong opinions on the best way to do it. Whether you like it with seafood, chicken or vegetables, Ibiza has some incredible places to try paella. Bring an appetite! 

Sofrit Pagè is a delicious reminder of the island’s rustic culinary heritage. This meaty stew was traditionally made when pigs were slaughtered on festive occasions, known as a matança and is packed with meat, sausages, potatoes and aromatic herbs. Leave time for a siesta afterwards! The Arroz de Matança is a meaty rice stew made on the same occasions, and served with a local picada paste. 

Traditionally made during the matança to see the family through the rest of the year, Ibizan sausages are legendary, made with local pork, herbs and spices. Make sure you try some Butifarra and Sobrassada while you’re there! 

The fisherman’s favourite, Bullit de Peix or boiled fish, is nowadays perhaps Ibiza’s most quintessential dish. Best served with allioli, some hearty local potatoes and a chilled white local vino, this is one of the best foods in Ibiza. 

For salad-lovers wondering what to eat in Ibiza, make sure to try the local favourite Ensalada Payesa, or country salad. While it has many variations, tradition dictates they must contain red potato, red onion, green onion and tomato, stars of the Ibizan harvest. 

When it comes to Ibiza, it’s not just the savoury delights that need a mention. The island is famed for its sweet treats too, perfect for a morning pick me up, or an after-dinner indulgence.

Ensaimadas are traditionally from Mallorca, Ibiza’s next-door neighbour, and are the perfect spiral-shaped sweet pastry treat, dusted in icing sugar. Ingredients include a type of reduced pork lard, which gives them their name. And if you have any left-over ensaimadas, you can always make a Greixonera, a kind of sweet bread pudding made using the day-old pastries, milk, lemon, cinnamon and sometimes a dash of Frigola, a thyme-infused Ibizan liqueur. Or why not treat yourself to a piece of flaó, a mint-infused cheesecake found throughout Ibiza and the Balearics? Simply delicious.

Ibiza’s food scene offers an incredible array of restaurants blending local flavours with global influences. Head to Ohana Ibiza for a mind-blowing fusion of Mediterranean and Hawaiian flavours. Meanwhile, IT Ibiza´s three venues on the island are relaxed and family friendly, fusing Ibizan and Mediterranean cuisine with another classic choice – Italian – in a stunning venue set against the Marina Botafoch. Hayaca Roof Top by Michelin starred chef Mauricio Giovanini brings the flavours of Argentina, Cuba, Peru, Mexico and Brazil to a restaurant with jaw-droppingly beautiful rooftop views for dining by sunset. 

For those seeking that extra something when eating out in Ibiza, the island has fine dining experiences to suit the most discerning of palates. Es Tragón, Ibiza’s first Michelin starred restaurant, digs deep into the island’s culinary and cultural history to deliver an unforgettable dining experience in a magical venue. The restaurant serves an incredible 20-course tasting menu. 

Can Berri Velli, set in a 17th century Ibizan house, in Sant Agusti des Vedrà serves traditional Ibizan fare with a modern twist. With chef Bruno Hernandez at the helm, the focus here is on fresh, local ingredients and intense flavours in a truly magical setting. 

If you’re vegetarian or vegan and looking for the best food in Ibiza, look no further. The Skinny Kitchen in San Antonio and Figueretas has incredible, healthy plant-based food in vibrant venues with stunning views. Eat is Life, in the heart of in Ibiza Town, is a sleek, stylish venue serving great veggie and vegan options like vegan pizzas, Buddha Bowls and delicious raw desserts. The airy, light-filled Wild Beets in San Gertrudis is known for the quality of its ingredients, and serves organic, locally sourced, wholesome food daily.

Street Food Options in Ibiza

The street food scene in Ibiza is buzzing! Head to Lemon Yard in San Antonio for a heady mis of Polish and American street food. Esbirra Ibiza in Santa Eulalia serves great craft beers and street food in a relaxed atmosphere, while Manny’s Tropical Soulfood Bar in Ibiza Town will scratch any Caribbean itch. 

The island has tons of great markets where you can browse the stalls and grab some incredible food while you look. Try the Las Dalias Hippy Market in San Carlos, on Saturdays and Sundays all-year round, or the Sant Joan Artisan Market, which is known for its organic food stalls. 

You could also leave it up to the experts and join one of the great food tours held throughout the island – Buen provecho!

Drinks in Ibiza

Ibiza has a well-deserved reputation as a party island, and what’s a party without a cocktail? Experts often make them using the local speciality ‘Hierbas Ibicencas’ for that Ibizan twist. Sangria is still as popular as ever, the perfect sundowner or refreshing beach-side tipple. 

Ibiza’s wine culture is also thriving. The local grape varieties, the Malvasia white produces wines that are crisp, fresh and citrusy, while the Monastrell yields earthy, robust reds with an undertone of berries. Go for a tasting session at wineries like the legendary Ibizkus, near San Gertrudis, or Bodega Can Rich, a proponent of organic tipples and the only winery on the island that produces sparkling wine.

Dining Tips & Etiquette

Like the rest of Spain, Ibiza embraces late dining, from around 9pm, the whole lunch tends to be eaten around 2pm. Tipping isn’t obligatory, unless you’re really impressed, in which case, 10% is considered standard. And don’t forget, while Ibiza is all about the beaches, some places might not appreciate swimwear indoors, so check out the vibe and cover up if necessary!

Your Ibiza Food Adventure Awaits!

Wherever you go on this magical island, check out this guide to be sure you’ll be getting the best food in Ibiza, and if you stay at the NH Collection Ibiza while you’re there, you’ll also be sure of the very finest hotel experience.

FAQS

What are the most popular Spanish dishes to try in Ibiza? 

Don’t leave without trying at the very least the local favourites like paella, Bullit de Peix and Sobrassada. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, make sure you try the emsaimadas and greixera.

Where can I find the best paella in Ibiza? 

Competition is stiff for the best paella on the island, but you can’t go far wrong at places like Sa Caleta, Es Vental, Cana Sofia or Chambao. 

Are there vegetarian and vegan options available? 

Ibiza is full of them! The island caters very well for its veggie and vegan visitors at just about all eateries. The island is full of excellent fresh fruit and veg and places like the Skinny Kitchen, Wild Beets and Eat is Life are consummate experts in the field. 

What's a typical Ibizan breakfast like? 

A freshly squeezed orange juice, café con leche and ensaimada or croissant are always great options. Mediterraneans also love toasted crusty bread with tomato, olive oil and salt to start the day 

What are some authentic local Ibizan drinks? 

The local wines are legendary, and most bars have signature cocktails, sometimes made with the local thyme-infused liqueur, Frigola, or Hierbas Ibicencas. The Sangria is excellent here too.

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