In recent years, a new name has become firmly cemented in the lists of bona fide ‘must-dos’ for visitors to Ibiza: the restaurant at boutique hotel Casa Maca. Every day throughout summer, discerning diners and A-list celebrities beat a path to this unique celebration of Ibiza’s rural heritage, from breakfast to late-night supper.
Located in the grounds of a beautifully restored 300-year-old finca in the hills just above Ibiza Town, Casa Maca is a property of the Mambo Group, who have been giving loving makeovers to many cherished Ibizan institutions in recent years.
Following the narrow camino that wiggles its way around the back of the town, you are transported back in time to a peaceful and romantic haven, and the idyllic scene that greets you on arrival is exceptionally pleasing on the eye. As is the uninterrupted view to Ibiza’s old town, Dalt Vila, and the sea in the distance.
It has taken the team behind the project many years to develop the restaurant to the pinnacle of excellence that it stands at today. But it has been a worthwhile mission, and since the pandemic pandemonium subsided, dining under the stars at Casa Maca has grown exponentially in popularity every year, while the surrounding farmland has continued to develop and mature.
Casa Maca’s menu is delightfully rustic and invites you to share, with the focus on grilled meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables and herbs from the finca’s extensive organic kitchen garden. South American influences are evident, particularly in the Argentine grill, and subtle Colombian touches have been added by the head chef, Alvaro David Ospina.
The restaurant is rightly renowned for the quality of its prime cuts of beef from Argentina, Nebraska, and Japan, as well as the fresh catch-of-the-day fish that hits the grill.
Yet, for many, it is the veneration given to the vegetable dishes, many of which are given a gentle grilling of their own, that sets the restaurant apart. It is truly a vegetarian’s dream.
After wandering among the neatly cultivated produce, it was time to settle down to our pre-dinner cocktails: a Caribbean-inspired Bombastik, a very potent and spicy Negroni and a Virgin Mary, and to nibble on an essential entrée of crusty bread, aioli, and olives, while contemplating the exceptional view.
As the first wave of dishes arrived, we were immediately overawed by the freshness, quality and distinctive flavours, especially the vegetable dishes.
Grilled artichokes, with a generous sprinkle of pine nuts, were a sensation that none of us had tried before. The lightly charred edges of the petals helped to create the standout dish of the day, among some stiff competition.
Soft, smoky and creamy aubergine in a white miso emulsion and crushed, caramelised nuts.
South America’s finest, a trio of exquisite empanadas with a rich filling of minced black angus beef, served with lime and chilli dipping sauce.
Asparagus spears in miso and zuke
Cauliflower with toasted sliced almonds and a citrus emulsion that penetrates right into the core of the vegetable.
Mashed potato, with truffle and a very generous topping of grilled Parmesan!
Grilled sea bass, served with pico de gallo salsa, had a magically crispy skin - incredibly difficult to execute so perfectly on an open grill without damaging the delicate flesh
A meat-lover's dream, Wagyu filet with chimichurri. Without specifying how we wanted it cooked, it arrived exactly as it should; seared dark and crisp on the outside, whilst soft and tender in the centre.
A bottle of La Mar albariño from the Terras Gaudas vineyard may be the cheapest white on the winelist. But it is guaranteed to satisfy.
Casa Maca's desserts are a continuation of the theme - traditional, and where necessary, exposed to an open flame.
After resting by the open fire all day, the grilled pineapple with coconut ice cream and crumble is ready to go!
A Spanish home-cooked classic, Torrija. This version of bread pudding is rich with caramel and topped with cinnamon ice cream and a sprinkle of almonds.
On sultry summer nights like this, the restaurant is packed with at least 200 diners per sitting. Nevertheless, the highly motivated and attentive waiting staff are constantly clearing the tables and replacing cutlery. It needs to be pointed out that the cost of dining at Casa Maca is relatively punchy, but the service is always exceptional and in keeping with the price.
Additionally, a note about the soundtrack. As you might expect from the Mambo Group - a brand synonymous with musical excellence - it was a warm blend of smoothly mixed Organic House and mellow grooves that perfectly complemented the surroundings, and was selected by a DJ who was clearly enjoying playing them.
Dining under the stars with a magical view of the moon rising out of the sea, the scent of the surrounding herb gardens, the buzz of 200+ glamorous, jet-set clientele, and the wafts of smoke from the open fires are all ingredients that combine to create a truly divine experience.
From a romantic table for two to a rustic banquet for 20 or more, the Casa Maca team would be able to accommodate you, but advance booking is advisable, especially in high season.
It's imperative to book at Casa Maca, so ensure your booking here
