Indisputably one of Ibiza's most iconic restaurants, Las Dos Lunas has seen it all since owners Massimo Lucarini and Almudena Robles started this mythical story in 1981. Its location next to Amnesia, and being a stone's throw from the already world renowned Ku (now Privilege), put it centre stage in the melting pot of Ibiza history that was the 1980s, garnished by the likes of Freddie Mercury and Roman Polanski and the usual Royal face or two from across Europe's aristocratical circles. This description is so common these days that it has almost become a cliché of the cliché it describes! Las Dos Lunas is the most iconic and famous restaurant in Ibiza for a good reason; consider this your new benchmark for fine dining.
Island legends
Situated on the main road from Ibiza town to San Antonio, right next to Amnesia, it's hard to miss the beautiful exterior stone walls, bougainvilleas and delicate inspiring lights. When entering, the courtyard has many candlelit tables, surround by a finely pampered garden and bold portraits of contemporary and modern Italian art, the centrepiece being various takes on Leonardo's Mona Lisa. We chose to sit inside the restaurant, which was equally as charming and immediately noticed the legendary “King's Table”, an enormously round Arthurian style table that has witnessed an A-Z of island legends down the years. We were privileged to meet both the owners who have actually always resided above the restaurant and they humbly indulged us with just a slice of the history that this place has created. It came as no surprise to hear that the immaculate garden and flower arrangement was 100% courtesy of the hand of owner Massimo, a perfectionist who didn't hesitate in treating us like royalty ourselves!
Italian classics
A sense of nervousness proceeded the arrival of the food, such is the reputation of Las Dos Lunas' celebrated Italian cuisine, but we needn't have worried, as we were treated to a banquet of special dishes to showcase their menu. Our starter consisted of their famous air dried beef 'bresaola' with arugola and shaved parmesan cheese and pear, followed by a unique dish of gratin rock mussels. The mains came without delay, a tricolour of homemade pasta, including a mushroom risotto to die for, with the famous Italian pasta course, beautifully inserted in between the starter and main, catching our overflowing stomachs off guard. The main course was a moment to savour, the signature milanese veal escalope, whose fame is noteworthy in itself. In summary, the beauty of the food is the familiarity of the dishes, as well known Italian classics, but delivered to a quality level you're unlikely to have witnessed before. We've all tasted pasta and carpaccio and tiramisu, but this is something quite different. It's definitely a case of familiarity breeding content!
Must-do
Such is the legend of Las Dos Lunas, that the whole island owes a debt of thanks to the role it has played in cementing Ibiza's reputation as a winner for food lovers. There are few more romantic or historic places to enjoy traditional good quality food in Ibiza, where that touch of class reminds you this isn't just some beach club or trendy sushi place, and that 34 years of being the go-to restaurant on an island like Ibiza isn't an easy feat. Your must-do list in Ibiza just doesn't get any more serious than Las Dos Lunas.
Quick Facts
What: Las Dos Lunas Restaurant
Where: Next to Amnesia on Ibiza - San Antonio road
When: 8pm till 2am, May to October
Why: Traditional fine dining in a venue that provided the meeting point for Ibiza's gliterrati since the 1980s
Average spend per head: For 3 courses and wine, 70€ upwards per person
Veggie Options: Some, but not many.
Disabled Access: Easy access all on one level and easy parking
Room for improvement: Would be great to see some events happening here.
Top Tip: Don't order what you want and let the chef choose
WORDS | Anton E.
