The municipality of San José encompasses the entire southwest of the island, a huge zone. For that reason, we've decided to limit the scope of this article to the area - mostly coastal - between the airport and Cala Bassa. The zone has everything: some of the Mediterranean's finest and most exclusive beaches, stunning scenery, popular resorts, and charming villages.
Naturally, all this is accompanied by some amazing gastronomy. Whether you're on a holiday splurge or looking for fine dining without breaking the bank, San José is sure to have the right dining option for you.
Below we present you with our selection of great places to eat to meet all tastes and pockets.
HIGH-END
El Silencio
Cala Molí
Nestled in Cala Molí, around eight kilometres from San Jose, El Silencio is a premier dining experience. With a menu that highlights the best of modern Mediterranean gastronomy, French haute cuisine and South American meat-grilling expertise, there’s something special here for any palate.
Its shaded, sand-floored beach restaurant – under the expert guidance of the three-Michelin-starred Chef Mauro Colagreco – is perfect for chilled-out luxury dining. Meanwhile, this summer, its pop-up restaurant El Silencio Inside will be featuring a rotating line-up of world-famous chefs, curated by Guillaume Sanchez.
El Silencio’s eclectic fare caters to all tastes and diets, and its use of local Ibizan produce is noteworthy: try the delicate dish made solely of indigenous flowers and leaves for a marvellously subtle and inventive salad.
7Pines Ibiza
Close to Cala Comte
7Pines Ibiza has it all: spectacular views of the southwest coast and the islet of Es Vedrà, to-die-for sunsets and no less than three great dining options. These include its ultra-fresh take on the Japanese Izakaya concept that pairs contemporary Asian cuisine and raw bar with signature mixology.
This is supplemented by its Tex-Mex food truck and the Cone Club, which serves up tasty, simple locally-sourced Mediterranean fare that’s made for sharing in an easy-going ambience.
Drinks-wise, 7Pines is no slacker, either: whether it’s the expertly mixed cocktails at the Pershing Bar, its reputable wine list or the Cone Club's signature Cava sangria, your thirst and taste buds are sure to be well-slaked.
ES TORRENT
Bay of Es Torrent
Combining a matchless seaside setting, high-end gastronomy and the glamour of one of Ibiza's most renowned beach restaurants, Es Torrent is one of the island's most exclusive dining destinations. The location, down a steep dirt track, offers spectacular views of the coastline, the crystal clear sea and pine forests. Es Torrent prides itself on its outstanding seafood and fish dishes, which are locally caught and served fresh for the finest culinary experience.
When you've sated yourself on the delicious fare, chill out on its sun loungers or beneath the juniper trees dotted about that provide lots of shade, Unusually for a beach club like this, Es Torrent has no DJs, preferring its select clients to revel in the natural sounds of the waves and the gentle summer breeze. There's no question it's a genuine feast for the senses; just don't forget to check your bank account beforehand!
Can Berri Vell
San Agustín
Tucked away beside the church in the tiny, charming village of San Agustín, Can Berri Vell has a well-earned reputation with discerning diners. The restaurant has a lovely garden and a beautiful terrace with views. Its menu offers Mediterranean fare with a stylish, modern twist.
Can Bass
On the road to San José
Situated at Km. 7.5 on the Ibiza-San José Road, Can Bass offers both traditional and modern dishes in opulent surroundings. Its extensive menu offers dishes from around the world including Caesar salad, steak tartare, ceviche, tacos, Pad Thai and Gyozas. Sushi lovers will be delighted to know it has its own dedicated sushi bar, serving a wide selection. With two highly experienced mixologists on hand every night, you can also be sure of sampling some expertly made cocktails.
MID-RANGE
Tropicana Ibiza Beach Club
Cala Jondal
Tropicana Ibiza Beach Club, on the high-end beach of Cala Jondal, is one of the island’s best-known beach clubs, and with good reason: just take a look at the number of yachts moored up in the cove! Looking out over the aquamarine waters, this sophisticated restaurant specialises in delicious Mediterranean cuisine and cocktails that you can enjoy in situ, on the beach or delivered to your boat.
Its fare ranges from meticulously prepared Ibizan classics – the seafood is superb – to Mediterranean and international dishes along with simpler ones such as pastas, salads and sandwiches.
On Sundays, Tropicana Beach Club hosts their Tropical afternoons, where you can shimmy on the sand to the best Latin rhythms by live bands and enjoy spectacular shows.
Can Limo
Village of San José
Located right in the centre of San José, Can Limo - now in its second iteration – serves up delightful Peruvian fusion food.
With a small but well-designed menu that runs from Peruvian classics such as ceviches to fusion dishes – think Chinese “Chifa” noodles, Italian “quinotto” and the Mexican-influenced Tako Criollo – this is one where you can truly expand your culinary boundaries.
One of the delightful aspects of the approach to dining taken by its congenial hosts, Marcos and Stefania, is the way the dishes are served up with accompanying add-ons, making the experience inventive and fun. With very reasonable prices and a terrace that’s perfect for people-watching, this is definitely one to try!
Destino Bar de Tapas
Village of San José
Just up the road stands one of the best tapas bars on the island, Destino Bar de Tapas. Destino serves up tapas with a twist. Its menu embraces all the well-known tapas classics to dishes that artfully fuse traditional Spanish tapas with world cuisine. Its large, bustling terrace is perfect for people-watching and the cool breeze afforded by its position at the junction of several side streets keeps you delightfully cool.
The menu includes outstanding starters such as leeks in coconut milk - with just the right touch of piquancy - and a delightfully refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad with spearmint that's perfect for balmy summer nights.
Main dishes run the gamut from lots of mouth-watering meat, fish and vegetarian choices that show off the best of typical Mediterranean ingredients to highly inventive international options that are guaranteed to wow your taste buds.
If you're seeking top-notch tapas served with a personal touch, look no further!
Sa Caleta Restaurant
Beach of Sa Caleta
Sa Caleta is home to an island institution, Restaurant Sa Caleta, a friendly family-run restaurant that upholds the finest traditions of Ibizan home cooking. Diners can opt to dine in the wonderfully rustic surroundings of its cosy interior or out on the terrace garden, under the pleasant shade of the pine and juniper trees.
Using to great effect locally sourced herbs and vegetables, its menu emphasises straightforward, wholesome fare such as rice dishes and stews, seafood and fresh grilled fish.
Before you go, though, make sure you try out its very own Café Caleta: a bracing mix of coffee, brandy, cinnamon, citrus zest and sugar.
If you appreciate live music while dining, Sa Caleta runs its highly popular musical evenings every Tuesday and Thursday from 20:30 onwards.
Mimí Pizza Bistrot and Cocktails by Can Domingo
On the road to San José
On the outskirts of San José, Mimí Pizza Bistrot and Cocktails by Can Domingo is an absolute must for lovers of authentic Neapolitan pizza, not to mention plenty of other Italian delicacies and desserts. Mimi’s has just opened its lovely new terrace for a really rustic dining experience complete with sea views. It’s ideal for families and events and beautifully lit.
The pizzeria has the same extensive wine list you can find in Can Domingo’s main restaurant and an unusually wide range of fine wines you can order by the glass including plenty of organic and bio-vegan options. Both the starters and the pizzas employ lots of locally sourced produce. Its generously sized pizzas range from classics such as the tricolore to exciting original creations such as the Mimí, a winner!
Add to that some genuine wizardry at the cocktail bar and you have all the ingredients for a memorable dining experience.
For high-quality pizzas and drinks served up in opulent surroundings, Mimí’s is hard to beat!
S'Espartar
On the road to Cala Molí
If you seek Ibizan cuisine in its purest form, then the number of locals eating at S'Espartar - located between San José and Cala Tarida - should be an accurate gauge of its authenticity. The locally caught fish and seafood - the owners come from a long line of fisher folk - draw discerning diners from far and wide. With a pleasant countryside location, fine views from its terraces, and generous servings, this Mediterranean restaurant is a great option for lunch or dinner.
Cas Costas Grill
On the road to San José
From its roadside location at Km.4 on the Ibiza-San José Road, Cas Costas serves up succulent grilled meats using the finest quality produce and including fresh vegetables and greens from its own vegetable garden. It has a spacious, shaded terrace that's perfect for dining with friends or family. The restaurant also has regular live music nights throughout the summer.
Attracting both locals and visitors, Cas Costas also has its own playground for children.
S'Illa des Bosc
San José
Enjoying exceptional views of Cala Comte beach and the islands on Ibiza's west coast, S'Illa des Bosc serves up generous portions of Mediterranean cuisine including salads, grilled fish, fresh seafood, paellas, and meat dishes. On top of that, it has extensive vegetarian and vegan options. Unbeatable for classy sunset dining.
BUDGET
Es Cuco
On the road to Cala Tarida and Cala Conta
Located on the road to Cala Conta, Es Cucó is a popular favourite with locals and residents alike thanks to its signature "pollo al ast" (rotisserie chicken) - cooked using a long-held family tradition - along with other tasty dishes.
It's a typical family-run restaurant, friendly and devoted to its customers' satisfaction. The outside terraces are perfect for hot summer days and afford wonderful views of the countryside and the cove beyond. Add to that the generous portions and this should definitely be on your list!
Chimichurri Restaurant
Near San Agustin
Another restaurant with a broad, avid fan base is Chimichurri Restaurant, also located on the San José - Cala Conta road. It specialises in grilled meats, especially German and Argentinian, and has an extensive selection of wines and beers (over 100 international varieties), a gorgeous garden terrace and vegetarian options, too.
Famed for its hospitality, generous portions and reasonable prices, this restaurant is sure to be a hit with all the family.
For a full low down on restaurants on Ibiza, check out our restaurant guide.
