It may be winter but that doesn't mean you have to give up your need for food next to the beach. After the clocks go back, the emphasis turns to lunchtimes, and, with abundant sunshine, it's almost a crime not to make the most of it - especially with it still setting relatively early. Here is our selection of some great lunch options to enjoy right now. See our restaurant guide for more places open during the winter.
Cala Bonita
Playa S'Estanyol
Appropriately named after one of the prettiest bays in Ibiza, Cala Bonita restaurant is equally pleasing to the eye as the stomach. Open at weekends throughout the winter, offering both traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, including charcoal-grilled meat and seafood, Cala Bonita is a perfect location to enjoy the sunshine glittering on the water.
Tip. S'Estanyol is a good drive so call ahead to avoid disappointment.
La Escollera
Es Cavellet beach
La Escollera sits at the top of Es Cavallet beach and oozes class plus getting there via the salt plains is a delight. Take a seat on one of the palm-shaded terraces and take a moment to enjoy the view, stretching out to Formentera. The menu is a blackboard, presented to you with gorgeous items like the shoulder of lamb or fresh fish baked in salt. Be sure to leave room for one of the “to die for” desserts - the tarte tatín is sensational.
Tip: If the weather is not kind, the restaurant is equally inviting inside and with the full-length glass windows you won't miss out on the views. There is even an open fire to warm you up.
Hostal La Torre
Cap Negret, San Antonio
Not strictly a beach restaurant, though Hostal La Torre does have one of the most spectacular views of San Antonio Bay around. Perched on the rocks, there's space for dining inside and out. Inventive food is the order of the day and the menu also contains a mix of top-quality tapas, served all day from 13:00. Sitting here in peace and tranquillity, staring out to sea is probably one of the best ways to while away time that we know of.
Tip: Get up early and go and have breakfast there for a fabulous way to start your winter Ibiza day.
Cana Sofia
Cala Vadella
Beachside at the charming sandy cove of Cala Vadella, Cana Sofia enjoys one of Ibiza's best winter views. From the terrace, you can supervise your family relaxing on the secluded beach, while you enjoy the mix of innovative modern seafood dishes and traditional Ibizan classics, of which the team are extremely proud.
Tip. Try the chef's sharing table, with 3 creative courses plus snacks and an aperitif.
JoCkey Club
Salinas
Jockey Club has been serving up winter fun and food for the whole family (including the dog!) for decades. Open at weekends and public holidays, there are few better places to enjoy fresh seafood and innovative dishes while overlooking the soft sand of Salinas beach. There is always a great atmosphere at this popular beach club, so head down there with a few friends and enjoy!
Tip. Work up an appetite with a stroll along the beach to the Ses Portes watchtower before trying out the chef's seasonal selections.
Beso Beach
Salinas
A little further along the sand, you will find Beso Beach. Also open Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the winter months, Beso is the perfect place to enjoy fine cuisine, while the sunshine warms your face and glitters on the calm sea. A top class choice of wild fish and fresh seafood is always on offer and the musical soundtrack is deep and rhythmic. Make sure to reserve in advance.
Tip. Be brave, take a dip in the fresh shallow water along with many other like-minded winter swim lovers
Restaurante Sa Caleta
Sa Caleta beach
Sa Caleta restaurant is a former fishermen's shelter that today is a cosy family-run restaurant, with views overlooking the beach and the red stone cliffs. You can choose from typical Ibizan and Spanish cuisine on offer, like monkfish with seafood sauce, different types of paella or the delicious bullit de peix fish stew. A must-try is their café Caleta, coffee flavoured with a heady mix of alcohol, fruit and spices set alight at your table in a distinctive clay bowl.
Tip: Take a stroll to the seventh century BCE settlement, established by the Phoenicians, the people that gave the island its name and try to imagine how life was in this proto Ibiza.
Yemanja
Cala Jondal
Just around the coast at Cala Jondal you will find Yemanja serving up tasty dishes every day of the year. This beach takes on a different vibe in winter: forget the rich and famous of summer and tune into a more relaxed and rustic atmosphere. Park easily and make your way through the bar to be met by the inviting tables set right on the sand surrounded by the pine-clad hills. Winter is a great time to appreciate the crystal-clear waters and the slower pace of this beautiful beach.
Tip: Start with a selection of bread and homemade aioli before sampling one of their incredible and raved about paellas with seafood and shellfish.
Check out our guide to Ibiza's best beach restaurants for any time of year.
Words |Julian Heathcote, Anne McPherson, Tim Dackombe
Article completely revised in January 2022
