Driving around the narrow country lanes and exploring the pretty, tranquil villages of the north is the perfect way to discover some of the island’s most traditional and beautiful restaurants.
The main road up to the northern town and municipality of San Juan is festooned with great places to dine - it has become a tourist attraction in its own right. Keep your eye out and the restaurants will keep appearing all around you.
Prices can be high in the north due to the quality of the locations that you dine in and the locally produced delicacies on your plate. And yet there are still budget surprises to be found. The key is to go out, with a little help from the Spotlight team, and find out for yourself. Here are a selection of our favourites.
Pro tip: Much of the island’s famous digestive liqueur Hierbas Ibicencas is distilled in the north. Don’t forget to ask for casera (homemade) if you’re offered a post-meal tipple.
HIGH-END
JUNTOS HOUSE
Set in the grounds of a traditional Ibizan finca in the picturesque village of San Mateo, Juntos House brings together high-quality organic produce, haute cuisine and local handicrafts in one place. Its made-for-sharing simple menu features seasonal Mediterranean produce from its very own Juntos Farm using traditional and regenerative farming techniques. A great selection of wines, cocktails and mocktails along with a boutique stocking handicrafts by local artisans and ecological products round out the offer of this unique spot.
A Mi Manera
Exquisitely decorated and landscaped, A Mi Manera stylishly combines urban sophistication and rustic charm. Its Mediterranean and Italian-influenced menu uses produce grown directly in the restaurant's on-site vegetable garden. Standout dishes include fresh pasta and risotto, meat dishes, and sustainably sourced fish, along with excellent desserts and cocktails. Open for lunch and dinner, it's also a great venue for weddings and celebrations.
Atzaró
As befits this gorgeous agro-tourism hotel, the two restaurants at Atzaró are high-end dining experiences that any discerning gourmet visiting Ibiza won't want to miss. Featuring stunning scenery - think enchanting pergolas with hanging vines, romantic lighting, and matchless countryside views - they are ideal for groups or couples seeking the ultimate in romantic dining. Their farm-to-fork fare emphasises natural healthy eating with lots of fresh organic produce and herbs picked daily from the vegetable garden, along with locally sourced meats and fish.
AUBERGINE
Situated in an unassuming roadside location just outside San Miguel, Aubergine by Atzaró is a charming countryside restaurant surrounded by nicely kept gardens. The menu features plenty of farm-to-table Mediterranean dishes, including fresh fish and seafood, grilled meats, nourishing salads and a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Live music sessions, regular art exhibitions and mini markets round out the attraction of this distinctive rustic-chic dining experience.
THE GIRI CAFÉ
An intimate restaurant that exudes the bohemian vibe that typifies the village, The Giri Cafe is tucked away in the heart of San Juan. It is known for its inventive approach to Mediterranean and Asian fusion food and use of seasonal, organic produce, much of which comes from its kitchen garden. Enter via its modest exterior and discover a lovely outdoor terrace to the rear with comfy loungers ideal for a post-prandial drink while soaking up the atmosphere of this bijou eatery.
MID-RANGE
LA BOCA JUNTA
A recent arrival on the seafront in the resort of Portinatx, near to San Juan, La Boca Junta serves up traditional cuisine from the region of Asturias, on the north coast of Spain. The restaurant uses high-quality ingredients, in particular, freshly caught fish and seafood from the Cantabrian Sea, and the finest local produce from Ibiza. Its expansive terrace overlooking the beach of S'Arenal Petit makes the ideal spot for a leisurely lunch with friends or family or a romantic dinner.
PORT DE BALANSAT
Outstanding seafood and fish dishes are the order of the day at this northern institution, which comes with impressive views of Puerto San Miguel and the Mediterranean. Upholding the best of authentic Ibizan cuisine, Port de Balansat uses the finest locally sourced produce to feed its many loyal fans and first-time visitors. Don't leave without trying its speciality, the local classic, Bullit de Peix.
La Luna Nell'Orto
Ensconced in a gorgeous old farmhouse nestled in the village of San Miguel, in the north-west of Ibiza, La Luna Nell'Orto (the Moon in the Orchard) offers an innovative take on Mediterranean cuisine with its homemade fresh Italian pasta dishes, grilled meats and vegetables and salads. Much of the produce comes from its kitchen garden. The beautiful terrace setting includes colourful bougainvillea, an ancient fig tree, lots of fascinating nooks and crannies, and subtle lighting. Unmissable around the time of the full moon when there is live music accompaniment.
LA PALOMA CAFÉ
A charming little restaurant nestled in San Lorenzo - one of the island's most picturesque villages - La Paloma is renowned for its tasty cuisine and homely feel. Showcasing a delectable array of homemade Italian, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, it's a firm favourite among residents and visitors alike and the perfect spot during the daytime to enjoy good food under the trees in a lovely, rustic setting.
The Boat House
A homely, stylish maritime-themed restaurant in an unbeatable location looking out over the wide bay of Cala San Vicente, The Boat House manages to unite delicious cuisine, design, ample ambiance and top-notch service. Featuring lots of marine and naval artifacts and lovely lighting, the restaurant is truly eye-catching. Its tasty, wholesome food shows Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian and South American influences and there are plenty of sharing dishes. One for a lovely romantic meal or a gregarious dinner with friends.
SHAMARKANDA
Standing back from the road close to the roundabout that leads to Portinatx and San Juan, Shamarkanda is an easygoing gastro garden bar serving international fare. Its eclectic menu draws upon classic dishes from around the globe, prepared with a Mediterranean touch. It also has a good range of vegetarian options. Delicious cocktails, private parking and a special kids menu round out the offer.
Sabores Naturales
As its name suggests, Sabores Naturales (Natural Flavours) is a tribute to healthy eating. Specialising in vegan and vegetarian food, this tiny restaurant is found on the right-hand side just as you enter the village of San Juan. Its superb salads, fresh homemade pasta, yummy pizzas and an excellent range of detox drinks & foods make it the North's go-to spot for health-conscious gourmands.
San Carlos Bar Restaurante
Drive a couple of hundred metres beyond the charming village of San Carlos on the road to Es Figueral, and you will find San Carlos Bar Restaurante on your right-hand side. A meat-lovers heaven, this verdant venue specialises in the finest cuts of Uruguayan meat (check out some of its lesser-known cuts to really tickle your palate), all lovingly prepared on the grill. Friendly and unpretentious, it's a great choice for al fresco dining - lunch or dinner - with family and friends. Good cocktails and regular acoustic music sessions add to the appeal.
Perhaps surprisingly, it’s possible to eat great authentic Asian food in the north in some of the most unlikely places. Both of our favourite Thai restaurants fall between the budget and mid-range brackets.
Es Cafè "Casa Pepe"
Who would have expected a restaurant serving exceptional Thai cuisine in a tiny hamlet set amid the green countryside of Ibiza's far north? That's Es Cafè Casa Pepe, located in the sleepy setting of San Vicente. With an ardent fan base comprising locals and visitors, this well-run establishment prides itself on its broad menu of authentic Thai dishes. Possessing ample outdoor and indoor seating, Es Cafè caters to groups, parties, and families (there's a safe exterior play area for kids). Takeaway is also possible.
Ca Na Hathai
Ca Na Hathai is a firm favourite among health-conscious locals and holidaymakers. Located in the heart of San Miguel village, this popular restaurant - pre-reservation is highly recommended - serves up classic Siamese specialities such as green, red and Massaman curry as well as a nice range of lesser-known regional Thai dishes. Proudly highlighting its low-sugar, MSG-free fare, Ca Na Hathai offers a competitively-priced midday menu, and takeaway is also available.
Budget
Lydia’s North
One of Ibiza’s most iconic burger joints can be found on the road to San Juan. This ‘Rock & Roll Smokehouse’ is an authentic American barbecue serving up classic burgers, steaks and ribs, with all the side dishes you would ever think of. Not forgetting rich, smokey BBQ ranch sauces, of course. Open all year. If you get lucky on a Sunday lunchtime, you might even be treated to a vibrant musical surprise.
Can Sulayetas
For a nourishing pit stop on a northern tour of the north of Ibiza, you can't beat this lovely little countryside eatery set close to Portixol, between San Miguel and San Mateo. Very peaceful and friendly, it offers straightforward fare ranging from tapas to salads, sardines, pizzas and burgers. The epitome of country chic.
Can Cosmi
A genuine island favourite. Locals and tourists flock to this little gem of a restaurant in the tiny village of Santa Agnès just to sample its exemplary take on that classic Spanish dish, Spanish omelette (tortilla española). Combine it with succulent lamb chops, rustic salads and a glass of beer and you have the perfect, peaceful location to watch the world go slowly by. The long, straight road out of the village is especially mesmerising as you sip at a post-meal glass of the Ibizan digestive liqueur, hierbas.
To see a full list of our recommended restaurants check out our comprehensive restaurant guide.
