Bit late with the summer updates but here are a few we liked this time around besides all the usual ones we visit that I bang on about every year:
Can Pilot, San Rafael
Incredibly I think the only time I've been here before was for a drink while we were waiting for a table in El Ayoun many, many, many years ago. How times have changed. A highlight of the holiday - Sunday night, absolutely buzzing throughout the whole building from front terrace to the back. And the food was just fantastic. The staff were seemingly effortlessly good. The meat and sides were off the scale in terms of quality. Prices the way they should be. Cannot fault anything. Proper.
Can Suldat, Es Cana
Again our first visit after having it on our list for a few years now. Hidden away in the country lanes near Es Cana, it felt like we were making our way to someones house for dinner. And in a way we were. Such a little gem. There was a band playing when we arrived. Now if I had rang to book a table at a restaurant and they warned me a band would be playing a few feet from our table, I probably would have said no it's ok we'll leave it. But it totally works. Volume was right, tempo was right, atmosphere was great and built at a nice pace throughout the evening. Small menu with simple dishes very nicely cooked and excellent staff all done in a cosy finca in the middle of nowhere. Bliss.
Can Caus, nr Santa Getrudis
Another one on the long term hit list. Unfortunately we went here a few days after Can Pilot and it was going to take something special to beat it. However it missed the mark. It was just ok. Sobrasada was excellent as were some other elements of their own creation, but the meat wasn't the best and the service was all over the place which was disappointing as it wasn't that busy. Quite a few mistakes and wrong dishes brought - Nothing major in the grand scheme of life, but up against Can Pilot, you have to be on the ball!
Can Muson
Called in here for breakfast one day. It's an impressive operation. Cheese, egg, tomatoes, avocado, tostada, juice, coffee. I think it was around €8. All 100% organic ingredients from the garden and farm. Plus there's a tour around for a extra few euros.
Our usual spots were bang on form as ever but in summary:
El Bigotes, Cala Mastella
Still an essential for me every year. Nothing quite like it.
Restaurante Cala Martina
Been fond of this place for a while now. Food always great, lovely atmosphere, reasonably priced and the the beach itself is never overly busy. Table on the sand. The waiters are excellent and know their stuff too for recommendations / catch of the day etc.
La Bodega, Ibiza Town
It is what it is. A firm fave for many reasons.
Comidas Bar San Juan, Ibiza Town
Just so simple and so cheap its ridiculous.
Anitas, San Carlos
Always ace for a pit stop snack
La Vela, Cala Llonga
Superb quality pizzas in Cala Llonga
SOS, Cala Llonga
Nice, simple, family run place specialising in fish. Flamenco nights very busy.
Bar Costa, Santa Getrudis
As essential as El Bigotes. Love it.
Flotante, Talamanca
A Balearic outpost clinging on in a fast changing Talamanca.
El Carmen, Cala D’hort
Gradually has become a big fave with us and I’ve said it before, considering its location, the menu is very reasonably priced. In the hands of the wrong people, I can imagine otherwise. Extremely busy. Waiting list for table if you’re not in quick with a reservation.
Cool Bag, By my side
We had this little guy with us quite a lot too as always and those late afternoon / early evenings staying on the beach when it quietens down a bit, with the change of light and a totally different vibe is hard to beat. It’s one of those special kind of things in Ibiza that no money grabbing bastards will never get their hands on and will never, ever let you down.