Once considered the landing spot in San Antonio for mainly British tourists, ‘the Bay', starting at the small beach of Es Pouet and continuing all the way to Port d'es Torrent, has undergone much regeneration in recent years.
Now a culinary destination in its own right, San Antonio Bay offers an array of dining options and price points. From high-end to budget, traditional Spanish to Asian cuisine, family to casual dining, the Bay really does have a little bit of everything.
The best feature of this 2.5km extended area of San Antonio, taking in the coves of Cala de Bou and Playa Pinet, is its stunning coastline. The incredible sunset viewpoints from the many coves and beaches mean you can marvel at the changing night sky, whilst you eat or enjoy the vivid colours on a post-dinner stroll.
Here, for your dining pleasure, is a roundup of our favourite Bay recommendations:
High-end
Right at the far tip of the Bay, you can dine with your toes in the sand at the beautiful Tigre Morado, on Port d'es Torrent beach. A fresh-fish lover's delight, its bursting seafood menu is filled with creative flavours and interesting twists. Set in a beautiful sandy cove, it's worth hanging out until the evening to enjoy your meal in harmony with that special sunset spectacle.
On your stroll back into the Bay, you'll likely spot Can Pujol, who holds one of the island's finest beachfront vantage points. Founded in the 1980s, its enduring popularity is thanks to its never-ending perfection of the freshest Mediterranean seafood dishes. The holidaymakers and Ibizan families who return year after year are testament to this. Traditional, authentic and with wonderful views, it's an especially beautiful spot to dine for that golden hour.
Just next door, within the beautiful four-star grounds of the hotel Can Salia, a Taste of Salia takes conscious cuisine to a whole new level. Stylish, sustainable and with spectacular views, the Mediterranean menu is designed in tune with the changing seasons, with an extensive menu of the most exquisite dishes from the sea's finest produce.
About midway along the bay and located on the top Bay road, Pom Thai serves some of the finest, most authentic Thai food on the island. The classy outside dining is beautifully set up so you can crunch on your prawn crackers poolside, whilst enjoying the cool summer evening. Be careful not to fill up on the great selection of starters, as the chef's specials and perfectly spicy curries need room to be devoured.
Mid-range
Let's pop back to Port d'es Torrent, this time to a restaurant that's stood the test of changing times, El Gallo Viejo - also known as The Old Cock. Set slightly back from the beach, it dates back to the late 50s, and is well-known for its excellent meat, fresh fish and charming atmosphere. For a taste of Ibiza in days gone by, make sure to check out the many photos they have on display.
A beautiful garden restaurant, the serene Sundara Ibiza is a lush location with an even more lush Thai fusion menu. The stunning setting, with soft lighting and palm trees looming over, makes you feel like you're a world away. Vegetarian or not, the corn ribs are devilishly delicious and should make it onto every order.
Health food lovers will adore Natural Pau by Es Pueto Beach. The garden setting is perfect for enjoying nutritious salads and bowls, and the slightly naughtier pizzas and grills. Wash it all down with healthy juices served by a super-friendly team of staff.
Perfectly placed, Pisco Beach is a popular destination, with front-row seats onto the S'Estanyol sands. Offering a fine menu of fresh fish, along with a great international menu with flavours that span several continents. Of course, when tasting the cocktail menu, the Pisco Sour must be first on the list.
Burger lovers will be in heaven, with two of the finest Bay burger joints within shouting distance of one another. Multiple award winner The Kitchen 62 offers a vast and hearty burger menu, served with a dollop of homemade sauce for the win.
A special mention has to go to Johnny's Burger Bar, which serves its own mean meat mountains, just across the road. With a wide selection of toppings and sauces, you can enjoy your burger pretty much any way from their open terrace. Vegetarian options are also available at both.
Just around the corner, Relish, with its chilled hangout pool and relaxed lounge dining area, comes in as one of the coolest spots in the Bay. Offering an extensive menu of intriguing tapas creations, scrummy mains, delicious desserts, cocktails and popular Sunday Roasts, it's no wonder it's such a well-loved home-from-home.
For Sushi lovers, Kojima creates excellent Japanese home cooking and sushi at very reasonable prices. The owners are very friendly, so don't hesitate to ask for their recommendations. If you want to try tasty and authentic Japanese food, then make your way to this intimate restaurant on Carrer de la Corunya.
Heading back towards San Antonio, why not take in a super sunset as the backdrop to your beachfront meal? The chiringuito Es Puetó is a famed sunset dining experience with tapas, fish and Spanish specials on the menu. This is a no-frills, plastic chairs, fingers in food, feet in sand authenticity and well worth the visit.
Slightly more upmarket, Es Virot serves some of the best seafood in Cala de Bou, and has the perfect location to enjoy it, right on the water's edge. Looking for the perfect lunch? Aim for the titular Es Virot paella, with prawns and crab, for the ultimate holiday feeling.
With its cute roadside terrace that looks out to the sea, Sofia Gastrobar is the place to enjoy a laid-back lunch or sunset dinner. The selection is huge, incorporating Brazilian influences from its owners, who you may also find behind the decks at sunset. Cocktail fans will be happy here, and there's a lot for veggies and vegans to get stuck into.
Budget
Pizza lovers will be delighted by the choice in the Bay, with two of the island's best wood-fired ovens along this stretch, namely Ausonia Pizza Bar and El Kiosco.
Ausonia Pizza Bar is the first one you will encounter. Apart from superb thin-base pizzas, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of delicious Italian dishes if pizza isn't your thing. There's also a great children's play park to keep the little ones occupied.
El Kiosco is a little further along and probably wins in terms of atmosphere. With its brightly coloured stone walls and open-plan dining space, this little roadside rebel is hard to miss. Very popular, you will find it buzzing with customers come early evening.
Did someone say chicken and chips? Then look no further than Es Cucó, who serve up the finest Pollo al ast - rotisserie chicken - known to Ibiza. At the top of the hill heading out of Port d'es Torrent, it does involve a little effort to get to. However, as every local will tell you, that juicy chicken is worth every step.
Another popular and relaxed dining location, Cool Cafe is the perfect pit stop, even for those early risers. From dawn until the very late hours, you can select from the tantalising and incredibly tempting deli counter, filled with freshly made sandwiches, sweet treats and homemade cakes.
If you need a little more heat on these balmy summer evenings, then Curry Palace is an absolute must. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of its outside terrace, as its heavenly and hearty menu makes up for its lack of decorative frills. Its wide selection of traditional Indian dishes are all packed full of flavour. We'd advise choosing your spice rating carefully because they don't scrimp on the heat!
To take the edge off, why not cool down with a homemade ice cream? A small parlour just around the corner from the popular Playa Pinet beach, Dodò Gelato is a firm favourite with, well, everyone! Easy to spot, just look out for the long queues of hungry gelato fans that form day and night.
Not strictly speaking a restaurant but still a great venue, Kumharas is a little hippy hangout with an unbeatable sunset viewpoint. This beachside gem steals the show every evening with its live music and DJs, and street food court that offers a range of international delicacies. Freshly cooked as you wait, you can grab a tasty bite before plonking yourself in front of the most spectacular of Ibiza sunsets.
For even more ideas, check out our choice of restaurants in San Antonio Bay and find our full island restaurant guide here.
Hero Image | Taste of Salia
