As you drive along the San Jose road from Ibiza Town, you'll see a new face for what for many is an old friend of a former much loved supermarket, now a cool new restaurant and organic market. Cas Costas is a new concept that blends the traditional tastes and flavours of Ibiza and the Mediterranean and offers some of the tastiest grilled meats on the island. It's open for breakfast lunch and dinner offering great food that's not been messed about with – just simple, delicious and satisfying.
When you enter the place, it is like a secret grotto. The bar was constructed using an old aviary that sat in the yard and has a beautiful flowering tree at its centre. The wooden tables and chairs provide a rustic charm, whilst the overhead canopies above give much needed shaded protection.
Fresh flesh
You can see the food being prepared in the outside kitchen, with the intoxicating smell drifting to your table. The meat and vegetables are mostly prepared in a charcoal Josper grill – the ultimate in tender, flavourful and smokey fare. All the beef is from Galicia, from the much-prized Gallego breed and all the products are of the best quality. The meat display is one of the few that actually makes the stuff look appetizing; the quality shines through here. Look out for the steak that's aged for 60 days, with its dark colour and slight marbling of fat. For meat lovers, this is a dream.
As well as the restaurant, there's the vast bar or adjacent chill-out area to grab a pre- or post-meal cocktail or just lounge around, enjoying the setting. The addition of an organic market is a clever idea to pick up and update on the old supermarket trade, but with a modern twist. Here you will find lots of eco-products, including fresh organic fruit and vegetables plus lots of quality local island products. There's also an extensive selection of wines on sale, including those that the restaurant sells, though sold at shop prices. Like the rest of the place, it is open every day of the week, except Tuesdays, from early morning till after midnight.
Starters for ten
We were shown to our table, where the menu was presented on a large wooden board. The first starter was a salad in a jar, quite literally. It comes in a large jam jar with marinated veg at the bottom, big chunks of tuna and various leaves on top. It is then shaken at your table and served on a plate. How fresh can you get? The next starter was a taste sensation: figs stuffed with foie gras, coming with thin slivers of toasted walnut bread. Finally, a dish of roasted vegetables with asparagus, aubergine, courgette and oyster mushrooms came with a dazzling Romesco sauce, made of ground almonds and red peppers; the moans of delight at my table were palpable.
Quality meats
For the mains, we shared a selection of three different meats. We had chuleton, which normally comes in one big piece, though here is cut into slices and grilled. Then we had a bunch of lamb chops tied at the top with leek and some deboned chicken thighs that will change your mind about eating this bird forever, with its deep concentrated flavour. The quality of the meat cannot be overstated and when it's this good, all you will need is some sea salt. If you are extra hungry, there's a nice selection of sides to go with the mains – our favourite was the patatas con pimiento, with the thinnest of thin sliced potatoes flavoured with pepper, onion and garlic.
A light touch
Desserts almost seemed too daunting after the generous quantities of food delivered; however, when they sound this good (as they do), you simply want to indulge a little. We shared two - one which was pieces of soft brownie with roasted strawberries and an amazing vanilla ice. The next one was the traditional Ibiza pud, Greixonera with an ice cream made with orange peel. Both of these were simply delicious, light enough not to fill you to bursting and the perfect end to a lovely evening.
We are sure that once you go to Cas Costas, you'll be hooked. It's fresh, attractively priced high quality food and service with a smile. A new star is born and one which will have you going back for more.
Quick Facts
What? Cas Costas
Where? Ibiza to San José road, km 3
When? All year round for lunch and dinner from 1.30pm to 1.30am. Also open in the mornings for breakast
Why? Well cooked tasty meat at good prices
Average spend per head? €54 for starter, main, dessert and glass of house wine
Veggie Options? The vegetables with Romesco sauce is fab and there are salads - the good news is that more veggie dishes are on their way
Disabled Facilities? Yes
Top tips? Try the 60-day aged beef
Room for Improvement? It's early days, though the signs are very good for this place.
WORDS | Julian Heathcote PHOTOGRAPHY | Peter Young
