Article published on February 4, 2016 in LF Guides
Winter In Ibiza: Enjoying the Island’s Year-Round Culinary Scene
Aubergine
Aubergine is the product of a collaboration between Yolanda Torres and Victor Guasch of Atzaró. Serving up health mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine with a great emphasis on organic “farm-to-table” dining. Luckily for us, they stay open year-round.
Located in the tranquil countryside between Santa Gertrudis and San Miguel, Aubergine is set within a stunning ancient finca surrounded by vegetable gardens and orchards. It is a stylish, idyllic hideaway perfect for taking cosy shelter on an (altogether rare) wild wintry day, or basking al fresco in the winter sunshine. They even have a delicious juice menu and sell an array of local produce.
Every Sunday from 11am-3pm, they even host a marvellous organic farmers market selling cheese, jams, paté, eggs, vegetables, baked goodies and fresh flowers in a gorgeous vibrant setting!
On the road to Sant Miquel Km 9.9, between Santa Gertrudis and Sant Miquel
+34 971 090 055
Atzaró Winter Sunday Market
Partners Victor Guach and Philip Gonda have transformed an original finca set within 300 year-old orange groves into the 5 star agroturismo Atzaró, amalgamating traditional Ibicenco architecture with exotic Balinese influences. Long gone are the days of closing up shop after the last of the closing parties, and the
Every Sunday throughout the winter season, Atzaro hosts a fantastic charity market day and lunch session in beautiful garden surroundings. Expect BBQ street food stands, a fantastic fashion and jewellery market from 11am, kids activities (workshops, music, sports) and live music from 3pm. Much loved restaurant La Verana will be serving up a healthy lunch menu for just 25€.
And in case you’re not based on the island full time, but the above has made you want to leap head first into the nearest Ibiza-bound plane, Atzaro are also offering fantastic weekend deals until the end of February, for blissful mid-winter pampering in a heavenly setting. You’re Welcome.
Ctra Sant Joan Km 15
+34 971 33 88 38
Wild Beets
Founded by Cliff Grubin following his successful his juice bar, Sejuiced at Benirras Beach, Wild Beets is a tranquil spot in Santa Gertrudis serving up organic, locally sourced meals with an emphasis on vegan and raw cuisine. Cliff and his team are committed to promoting awareness of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle – “mindfulness” and “conscious eating” are the buzzwords du jour here.
A great spot for catching up over a replenishing bowl of guilt-free goodness, Wild Beets even offer a catering service, for hassle-free hosting with zero additives. Looking for a complete lifestyle overhaul this winter? Carl, also runs a much acclaimed juice cleanse service, – iPurify! (popular among the island’s party people) if you’re feeling brave, I dare you!
C/Venda de Llatzer 9
Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
+34 971 19 78 70
Clandestino
There’s nothing clandestine about Clandestino – this much loved foodie sanctuary is a a firm favourite and a far cry from the dancing-on-tables ruckus of Playa den Bossa, with a homely welcoming atmosphere perfect for lazy laid-back winter lunches. This rustic, whitewashed haven embodies the boho-chic that Ibiza has come to epitomise, with gorgeous handmade furniture (by French-Italian owners Sabrina and Pier Paolo), a roaring log fire at all times and cool understated accessories.
With gorgeous weekend brunch dishes, and scrumptious Sunday roasts, not to mention mouth-watering cocktails. Clandestino may well carry the torch as cosiest place to be on the Island this winter. Super affordable for this part of town and oozing warmth and charm, their house rules include letting “your soul guide your fork” and (crucially), “no texting & eating” – they had us at hello.
C/Pablo Picasso 22
+34 653 37 40 95
The Olive Tree
After closing for a well earned post-Christmas break, The Olive Tree in Cala den Bou re-opened on the 31st January. Bringing a slice of the UK to Ibiza’s Mediterranean shores, this authentic gastro pub serves one of the most renowned Sunday roasts on the island, most popular with hungry locals from afar. Just in case you needed another incentive, they show all major sporting events in HD and even serve Guinness! If you hail from Blighty, it’s a dream come true!
www.facebook.com/THEOLIVETREEIBIZA
Ca’an Pilot
When nothing but a great juicy steak will do, cue Ca’an Pilot, long time local favourite specialising in tantalising grilled meat and a wine list as long as your arm in San Rafael. This unpretentious warming setting is ideal for a hearty winter feast, serving simple, affordable food executed to perfection.
Their succulent meat is renowned across the island, perfectly tender and flavoursome. A crowd pleasing favourite is the “Chuleton de Buey” which diners sizzle over smoking hot coals right at the table. Guaranteed to be filled with locals, always book ahead.
Ctra Sant Antoni Ibiza s / n
+34 971 198 293
La Cava
For sophisticated contemporary tapas in a setting worthy of Carrie Bradshaw & co, look no further than La Cava. One of the first ultra modern tapas bars on the island, there are no dark oak furnishings or dangling hams in sight. The trendy, minimalist setting and buzzy ambience is great for gathering the troops on a rainy day. The menu is well thought out, reasonably priced and the hosts are friendly. They even have a terrace for when the sun comes out, not to mention a great cava list.
Passeig Vara de Rey 4
+34 971 316 074
Sa Brisa Gastro Bar
A new foodie haven, this avant-garde gastro bar is a supremely popular one-of-a-kind concept to hit the White Isle’s notoriously up-to-date shores. Set in the heart of Ibiza Town, the team at Sa Brisa serve up high-end dishes at wallet friendly prices. Intrigued? Their flawlessly presented, tapas-style cuisine is inspired by Latin American dishes, constantly evolves and is served with panache. Sa Brisa is a brilliant spot for a long lunch, late-night snack and everything in between. Don’t miss their unique “gourmet croquette tree”, great for impressing a date!
Passeig de Vara de Rey 15
+34 971 090 649
Top Tip: Keep an eye on Foodie Event page “Degusta Ibiza”. Each Winter, many of the island’s restaurants get together to promote their menus, offering special set menus and wines at super affordable prices..
For some of Ibiza’s best coastal restaurants open all year, click here
