From local legends and island institutions to cutting-edge gastro bars serving international dishes, Ibiza offers a wealth of tempting spots when it comes to your first meal of the day. Before we tuck in, let’s get acquainted with the standard fare that makes up a traditional Ibizan breakfast.
Local bread - "pan con tomate"
Bread (if local, it’s called 'pa pagès' or farmhouse loaf) or toast is traditionally served smeared with a delectable concoction of olive oil, crushed tomato pulp, and salt. These tostadas can be enjoyed as simply as this or with a growing number of additions, such as Spanish serrano ham, goat cheese, avocado, and eggs.
Croissants and ensaimadas are also popular, along with bocadillos filled with cow’s and goat’s cheeses and cured meats known as embutidos.
For a taste of Ibiza's baking traditions, local bakery Forn Can Bufí, with various locations islandwide, offers ensaimadas, magdalenas, flaó, orelletes, and traditional breads made with recipes and local produce rooted in the island's culinary heritage.
The tortilla, a Spanish favourite
The uniquely Spanish deep-pan omelettes, 'tortilla', are made with eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onions and can be found everywhere. Often served at room temperature, they are enjoyed as a breakfast or tapa later in the day.
When it comes to coffee, café con leche (coffee with milk), cortados (half espresso, half steamed milk), and americanos (espresso diluted with hot water) feature heavily. So popular, we've created our own guide to the best caffeine fix (teas and infusions are also available) across the island.
You will also spot many residents enjoying an early morning caña (beer) to kick-start the day, and you’re always welcome to join them if you fancy.
Ibiza Town and around
While CBbC Ebusus Restaurant on Vara de Rey offers a refined setting, they still serve up the classic tostada with all the trimmings, and for an incredibly reasonable price. From its lovely open terrace, they also serve coffee, juices, and one of the prettiest views of the blooming square.
Another central stop, with stunning views included, is the famed Croissant Show Ibiza. Lying at the foot of the steep stone drawbridge leading up to the entrance of Dalt Vila since the 1980’s, you can add Spanish serrano ham to the humble French pastry and enjoy a taste of both cultures.
Back in the main shopping area Es Tap Nou on Carrer de Madrid, offers fresh juices and your ham tostada on its open terrace. On the other end of town, on Carrer del Bisbe Abad y Lasierra, Es Vermell Cafè is a firm favourite with the locals, thanks to its reasonable prices and lively atmosphere.
In prime position in the marina, El Náutico Ibiza allows you to be dazzled by the Mediterranean, glitzy boats and busy port, as you take your time easing into your day with a table full of nutritious treats.
Further round in Marina, towards the resort of Talamanca, specialist coffee shop Massa Coffee serve well-made coffee alongside pastries, juices and savoury breakfast dishes.
On the Talamanca beach, Hostal Talamanca has a beautiful east-facing beachside location and is a firm favourite with holidaymakers and locals alike. Try their traditional Spanish tostada (toast) with sobrassada (sausage) and two cheeses, a winner!
Heading out on the Ibiza Town-San José Road, Bar Can Bellotera occupies an ideal crossroads location. With its lively atmosphere and mix of residents and visitors enjoying the sun on the terrace, it should be high on your list. Top Tip: their bocadillos with a super choice of warm and cold fillings.
Heading north towards the town of Santa Eulalia, you’ll pass by the neighbourhood of Cana Negreta, where two firm favourites, Bar Can Toni and Sa Barda, are unpretentious restaurants with terraces, plenty of parking and affordable breakfasts.
Santa Eulalia area
One of Santa Eulalia's oldest restaurants, Royalty on the main square, remains a dependable breakfast address. Grab a pavement table for coffee, toasties, and baguettes watch the world go by.
On Santa Eulalia promenade, Capricho serves a delicious selection to kickstart your day. Their Eggs Benedict is the star of the show, offering stunning views of the sea and port. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. By the port, Forn des Port offers a straightforward breakfast and is a great place to stop when shopping in town.
Smaller towns and villages
Further north in the resort of Es Caná Argentine flavours make M&M Medialunas y Más stand out. Alongside coffee and savoury options, look for medialunas, pastries and sweet treats that give breakfast a distinctly South American twist.
Nearby the picturesque village of San Carlos is home to island icon Bar Anita. This legendary spot has been serving breakfast to locals and visitors from around the world for donkey’s years. Top tip: house classics, huevos fritos (fried eggs) and montaditos (open sandwiches).
Brekkie fans staying near the village of San Miguel should make a beeline for Can Rei. With attentive, friendly service and affordable prices, this typical village bar-restaurant is a big hit. Don’t miss its excellent range of dishes featuring homemade and Km0 produce.
Naturally, Santa Gertrudis, Ibiza's foodie capital, has to feature in this guide. Once a village bar, Bar Costa is famous for its bocadillo de jamón, which is a perfectly acceptable breakfast choice, or you could stick to one of their classic tostadas. Chez Bibi, behind the church, offers a sunny patio perfect for a relaxed morning. Fresh juices, wholesome breakfasts and homemade bread, pastries and cakes make it a firm favourite.
In the village of San Rafael, Bar Cruce is the place to get good coffee and a tostada. With ample of seating area inside and out, it's the place where all the locals meet.
In the south, in the charming village of San José, Racó Verd is a favourite among locals and travellers alike. Its beautiful patio and delicious menu make it a must-visit. While heavily influenced by Mexican cuisine, the breakfasts still offer Spanish favourites at great prices.
San Antonio area
It might be the sunset side of the island, but San Antonio and its environs have their fair share of eateries to get your day started, too.
Everyone associates San Antonio's Sunset Strip with evening drinks, pre-clubbing and cocktails. But Café Mambo deserves your consideration by day, too, with popular favourites such as a Full English breakfast and Eggs Benedict – because holidays are no time for a modest breakfast.
A sunny San Antonio institution, Rita's Cantina is as much about the atmosphere as breakfast. Grab a table, order coffee and something from the broad menu, and watch the waterfront come to life.
A local favourite with a friendly, sociable atmosphere, Melbourne Street Café is a popular spot in the summer for coffee thanks to its cold brews; it also offers a broad breakfast menu, including home-baked sausage rolls and cakes. Around the corner, the popular meeting point La Guay is the place to join locals for coffee, freshly made churros and breakfast.
If you are in the San Antonio Bay area, then Cool Cafe is a standout breakfast joint. Open from the early hours, it’s very popular with locals and holidaymakers alike. It serves up a super selection of tostadas and Spanish tortillas, plus great coffee and juice.
Leaving San Antonio on the road to San José, you’ll see a roadside bar at the turn-off to the village of San Agustín. Simple and unadorned, Can Guillem is an authentic local bar that’s great for coffee and tostadas. Top Tip: their exceptionally tasty jamón serrano and Manchego cheese tostadas.
Breakfast by the sea
Family-run and serving diners for over 30 years, Sa Caleta is a hotspot for regulars and tourists, year-round. Great coffee, juices and chunky baguettes laden with toppings will help you kick your day off in this beautiful setting.
For a breakfast with a view, Aiyanna Ibiza on Cala Nova Beach is hard to beat. Its natural setting overlooking the sea makes it an appealing place to linger over a relaxed, healthy start. Wood-fired cooking and a laid-back setting overlooking the sea make Nūn Ibiza in Cala Llonga an interesting option for those who prefer a later breakfast that edges towards brunch.
One last thing...
Breakfast on Ibiza doesn't have to mean getting up early. Whether you're after a quick coffee and something sweet, a proper Spanish breakfast, a healthy brunch, or a table beside the sea, there is somewhere on the island ready when you are. See our Breakfast and Brunch page for more ideas.
Words | Will McKenzie and Hayley Morgan
