Walking into Las dos Lunas is like stepping into another dimension. Something out of a fairy tale, the restaurant is set in the blooming courtyard of an old finca on the road between Ibiza Town and San Antonio.
It feels like an exceptional place as soon as you walk through its doors. Indeed, it has stood the test of time and continues to be the standard that many restaurants would love to emulate. This is a true Ibizan institution. That word can be over used, but in this case it really is true.
Deep intense colours, from the lush garden to the very colourful harlequin colours mosaic floor, bring this oasis to life in vivid colour. At Las dos Lunas, you dine under grapevines and blooming bougainvillea and get to experience another side of Ibiza.
Las Dos Lunas terrace, inspiring throughout
The new generation carries on the legacy of the founding parents Almudena and Massimo, with son Lupo now stepping into the breach of the restaurant management. The ambiance is unique and feels incredibly romantic: low night lights gives the place a heavenly glow, almost like a magical festival of lights.
The secret's in the service
Dedication to detail, fresh pasta
One of the secrets, as Lupo relates, is in the service: treat every client as a king (or queen); make everyone feel important and treat everyone the same. So whether you are just a regular Joe or Johnny Depp, you should expect the same regal service. Mr Depp was in last year and all staff were reminded that in serving him that he be treated like any Las dos Lunas guest. It is touches like this, that explains the loyalty of long-standing customers and why new visitors get hooked.
In the kitchen fresh pasta is made every day. It is an integral part of the classic Italian four course dinner: a starter, a pasta course, main dish and dessert. Home made vegetable, meat and seafood stocks are also made daily, plus the restaurant commits to sourcing the finest produce possible.
Scallops with potato cream and summer truffle
To get things started, we had a delicious monkfish ceviche blending spicy chilli with the freshness of watermelon. This was flavoured with lemon and coriander and garnished with edible flowers - simply beautiful to behold and divine to devour. Scallops came along for my other dining companion and according to her were ‘out of this world'. These shelled wonders were paired with an unctuous potato cream with the distinct and deep forest flavour of truffle mixed through.
The Pantheon of Italian cuisine
Baked aubergines Parmigiana style
For the vegetarians among you, you will be pleased to hear that the Pantheon of Italian cuisine will serve you well and no, we don't just mean pasta or pizza, which is but a smidgen of this country's vast culinary repertoire. Remember that the Romans were great gourmands and the food tradition has only got better over the centuries. My parmigiana starter was unlike no other, and employed baked rather than fried aubergines. As an Italian and lover of this dish, I can tell you that it passed the taste test with flying colours.
Perfectly cooked Cochinillo with apple puree
For our main course we chose the lingote de cochinillo or suckling pig. This dish had tonnes of flavour and was superbly tender, complemented by a zingy apple puree. We also had a ‘Super Milano', which if you have never heard of it is a delicious veal cutlet pressed to resemble the ear of an elephant. The veal brought more fork tenderness and was sharpened by a fresh tomato and basil sauce. Simple in its perfection and excellent in the eating of it.
For me, still waving the flag for the non meat-eaters, it was pumpkin ravioli for my main, which if you have never tried it, is one of the best ways to have these stuffed pasta parcels. My ravioli were sweet, yet savoury with the addition of fresh herbs that gave me a dish so deep of flavour and simple to eat that you want it every day. I am seriously considering this as an option, if I can get a regular table that is.
Desserts almost too pretty to eat
Homemade mint ice cream with chocolate wafers
The desserts were almost too pretty to eat, we had two to share between the three of us. A superbly creamy panna cotta came with a divine raspberry coulis and strawberries. This is one of my all time favourite Italian desserts: simple in its design and brilliant in its expression.
Freshly made mint ice cream with a chocolate wafer does not sound grand, but this is Italian food where freshness and not much messing about with the primary ingredients is key. Like pieces of Renaissance culinary art to match the inspired decor, the desserts were indeed a sweet ending to our enchanted evening.
With all the commercialism in restaurants today, Las dos Lunas is a breath of fresh air, a window into a way of eating that many people have sadly left behind. another epoch. Not many restaurants can claim such longevity, such loyalty from its customers and such legend. It is a place you will want to return to again and again.
Quick Facts
What? Las dos Lunas
Where? Carretera Ibiza to San Antonio km 5.4
When? May to the end of October
Why? It will complete your Ibiza experience
Average spend per head? Around €70 euros for starter, pasta dish, dessert and a glass of wine
Veggie Options? There are antipastis, salads and pasta dishes and special dishes so always worth asking as they might be able to prepare something special
Disabled Facilities? Yes
Top tips? Find someone special and take them there as a surprise
Room for Improvement? Open all year round, please!!!
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