Nowhere embodies this essence more than La Gaia, the exquisite restaurant housed within the walls of the Ibiza Gran Hotel and resided over by world-renowned chef, Óscar Molina. This Ibiza restaurant was recently awarded the first Michelin star on the island for its remarkable tasting menus and accompanying wine list and cocktails. As far as fine dining goes – this is where the Ibiza restaurant benchmark has been set. But spectacular cuisine doesn’t always need to have won awards to be noteworthy. Take Es Boldado, for example. A traditional restaurant overlooking Es Vedrá near Cala d’Hort, it’s known by locals as one of the best places on the island for fish and seafood dishes like paella and the typical Ibizan dish bullit de peix. At weekends you’ll be lucky to get a table here so if you want to visit, be sure to book in advance. Elsewhere and El Chiringuito Es Cavallet is a beach club that’s long been a fine dining hotspot with a more laid-back approach. Delicious Mediterranean sharing plates (tapas) take the majority of the spotlight but don’t miss the fresh fish and meats cooked on the wood-fired grill enjoyed while gazing out at the Mediterranean Sea – it’s perfection for the senses.
For a more relaxed Ibiza fine dining experience, head to one of the island’s most famously adored restaurants, La Paloma, located near the tiny village of San Lorenzo. Spilling out from the whitewashed walls of an ancient Balearic finca, the floral, fruit tree-lined terraces here are an idyllic space in which to enjoy an alfresco lunch. The menu is primarily organic, with ingredients sourced locally where possible, and there’s a wealth of options available for vegetarians. According to Ibiza locals, there’s no better way to spend a sun-kissed afternoon. Back down south, and Beachouse is a seaside venue on the shores of Playa d’en Bossa that specialises in all-day fine dining that’s as relaxed as you’d hope – try the mouth-watering burrata and you won’t be disappointed. Meanwhile, Asian food devotees will love Bambuddha, where you’re transported to another world aesthetically and gastronomically. Try the tasting menu to sample a little of everything that makes this restaurant and its cuisine so great.
