Situated within the protected landscape of Ses Salines Nature Reserve on the southern coast of Ibiza, La Escollera owns one of the most privileged positions the island offers.
Just a step up from Es Cavallet's sandy shores, the restaurant has crafted a stunning multi-layered outdoor dining space, where every stage still dines alongside the gentle sea breeze. With its sandy front terrace and a colour scheme that incorporates its natural surroundings, they’ve done an admirable job in making you feel like you’re actually sitting within the scene before you.
The idyllic views don’t end there; if you look just a little further to the horizon, you can catch a glimpse of Formentera in the distance.
Around us, families and large groups occupied the tables, which, even at the early lunch hour, were buzzing with conversation and energy. Others relaxed on the large sofas, shoes off and feet in sand for a more casual dining experience.
La Escollera is highly regarded not just with returning tourists, but locals who will still frequent it regularly, year after year.
Of course, settings like this are important, but the applause for its continuous and growing popularity must go to its menu, one that's rooted in Mediterranean and Catalan tradition. And all thanks to the restaurant's grandmother and her family recipes.
Over 30 years ago, she began sharing her legendary paellas from this very spot, and her culinary story has continued to grow and flourish since then. Now the menu has broadened, still including seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, but with additions of fresh fish, premium meats and much more.
Although an island staple, in our dining party of four, there was just one of us who had visited before. It always makes for a more interesting experience when all you have are stories to go by, so every dish really is a first-time experience.
And so, with the sound and sight of the waves lapping just a glance from our table, we were ready to experience what makes this restaurant just so beloved.
We began with a trio of Mediterranean delights, including one of La Escollera's original house recipes: Croquettes de Pollo. An original family recipe, they could not be faulted. Bites of perfection, the warm creamy centre was encased perfectly in a crisp outer shell.
Alongside, the classic Goat's Cheese Salad is always a welcome plate. Delivering fresh, savoury and sweet flavours, the crisp and fluffy goats cheese was joined by juicy pomegranate seeds and crunchy pecans.
The star of the first round: the fresh Tuna Tartar. Subtly sweet chunks of tuna were further complemented by fruity pieces of strawberry and pineapple. The combination was a fresh finale to our hosts of appetisers.
For a refreshing interlude between courses, we sampled the house special La Escollera cocktail, offering a slight tanginess thanks to its passion fruit base, alongside a super-fresh Strawberry Daiquiri and a perfectly spicy-edged Bloody Mary.
A second round surprised us, although there is nothing better than seeing a plate like this laid before you. The Wagyu Carpaccio is a dish that exudes luxury, and served with these simple garnishes, the creamy and buttery Wagyu melted in the mouth and was a dream to devour.
Oozing in garlic, the juicy and plump Camarones were perfectly partnered with creamy and incredibly cute quail eggs. Alongside, the meaty mushrooms were brought to life by the strong flavours of their companions.
Although resembling traditional paella, the Fideuà is instead made with pasta noodles. Cut into small pieces; its base is enhanced with the natural and simple flavours of the seafood and shellfish medley, lemon and garlic. A first-time experience for many of the group, it was a pleasure to taste an authentic Catalan family recipe, one that's been prepared for decades on these shores.
When two such succulent, meaty offerings are laid down before you, it's simply impossible to choose a favourite. On the left, the Entrecôte was prepared exactly as a cut of such quality should be; simply seasoned with salt. Juicy and tender, the meat flavours were exquisite.
The accompanying Veal sirloin steak comes in joint first! Though lighter in texture and flavour, this cut is a smoother bite, with the red wine jus pairing adding a beautiful richness.
You’ll have to try for yourself and give us your vote.
A sweet ending that we barely had room for, but, of course, managed to find.
Although named the Three Chocolate Cake, this stunning piece of art was not overpoweringly sweet. The soft texture was almost mousse-like with a delicate richness that invited our spoons to keep going back for more.
Next in line, the Tiramisu may have been light and creamy in texture, but it sure packed a punchy alcoholic kick. If you're wondering about the tiny bites, these were special homemade hazelnut and chocolate deliciousness offered by the chef.
A first for many of us, the Tatin Cake was a real homemade treat and deserves a special mention. Warm cinnamon and apple oozed through the soaked, soft and pillow-like bread centre, which the fresh strawberries and smooth ice cream topped off perfectly.
All in all, beautiful homemade triumphs.
La Escollera is truly an island treasure, as the abundant tables of returning diners will attest to. Open all year, it's a buzzing meeting point both summer and winter, maintaining its Mediterranean roots, alongside a relaxed Ibizan dining experience.
Its popularity means that reserving a table is always advised.
