Surrounded by some of the world’s most beautiful waters, fish and seafood play a large role in traditional Ibizan cuisine. Many seafood restaurants on Ibiza have been in the same family for generations and are the guardians of traditional Ibizan cuisine, preserving recipes that go back for many years. Others are modern and have brought new techniques and refinements to the art of seafood preparation.
Look out for rice-based recipes such as paella, arroz negro, black rice tinted with squid ink and fideuà, a type of paella, only made with small noodles instead of rice. One of the most traditional fish dishes is bullit de peix, a fish stew that comes accompanied with arroz a banda, literally rice on the side; these are hugely popular with both locals and tourists alike. Chipirones, or battered and fried baby squid, giant Ibizan red prawns and lobster with chips and fried eggs are just a few of the other recipes you will frequently see on menus.
Here is our pick of some of the best fish and seafood restaurants on Ibiza.
Note: due to the scarcity of Mediterranean fish and the high demand, prices can be relatively high, so check each menu first.
Chiringuito de Maria
Sa Punta, Talamanca
Known to most as the Fish Shack, Chiringuito de María is located on the rocks at the furthest point of Talamanca bay. This ramshackle little restaurant is an island classic, offering only grilled fish caught on the day. There is no menu and the waiter will verbally list your options. Superb sea views, cold beer and fresh fish with simple trimmings – what more could you ask for? First come, first served and remember to take cash, as they do not accept cards.
Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay
Talamanca
The Nobu name is world-famous for its high-end Japanese cuisine, but the Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay offers two further dining options that have some excellent fresh fish on the menu. Chambao, which is Spanish for ‘beach shack’, is an elegant but laid-back seaside restaurant offering everything from grilled octopus to a variety of paellas and, of course, freshly caught fish from the island.
Sa Caleta
Sa Caleta
A rustic shack steeped in island history, Sa Caleta started life as a genuine fisherman's refuge, just metres from the peaceful beach of the same name. Open all year round, this family-run restaurant has continued to evolve but maintains its principles of utilising the freshest fruits of the sea to create delicious grills, paellas and stews. Book a table in front of the ochre cliffs or in the shady garden and be sure to round off your meal with a potent Café Caleta, a must-try coffee with liqueur and spices.
Cala gracioneta
San Antonio
One of the island's most charming and popular seaside eateries, this elevated 'chiringuito' offers relaxed fine dining in the petite cove of Cala Gracioneta. Part of the renowned Mambo Group, come and enjoy fresh juices, cocktails, Spanish and Mediterranean classics and - of course - specialities from the sea such as mussels, a variety of rices, fish from the grill and much more. Afterwards, why not enjoy a cheeky siesta on the sand just steps away from your table?
Port Balansat
San Miguel
Another custodian of authentic Ibizan cuisine, Port Balansat specialises in serving the perfect combinations of fresh seafood, complemented by locally grown vegetables and sits in an elevated position overlooking the beach of Puerto de San Miguel. It's renowned for huge portions, including enormous seafood mixed grills consisting of everything from giant red prawns to mussels to razor clams and reputedly the finest bullit de peix on the island. On a Sunday it's essential to book early to squeeze a table in amongst the enthusiastic locals.
El Bigotes
Cala Mastella
Another iconic seafood destination in one of the most hidden corners of the North, El Bigotes is famed for its guisat de peix. This traditional fish stew is made freshly every day with the morning's catch, bubbling away over an open fire in the rustic fish shack. The breath-taking location in the beautiful Cala Mastella cove, as well as the simplicity of the place attract visitors from all over the world. Rumour has it that even the King of Spain was once turned away because he didn’t have a reservation – so booking ahead is essential. The restaurant also doesn’t accept cards, so make sure to bring cash!
El Gallo Viejo
Port des Torrent
El Gallo Viejo, also known as The Old Cock, has been catering for clients in Port des Torrent since the 1960s and continues to maintain its high standards to this day. Ideal for visitors to the island looking for an authentic traditional touch, there is an abundance of seafood to choose from on the menu, notably the mixed fish grills and creamy lobster rice. El Gallo Viejo is also highly rated for the quality of its superb stone-grilled meats for those who don't like fish.
Can Pujol
San Antonio Bay
Located on the shoreline at the far end of San Antonio Bay on the road to Port des Torrent you will find Can Pujol. It may not look much from the outside but like many old “fish shacks” this one is a Mecca for lovers of seafood. A firm favourite with locals, the restaurant is famous for perfect paellas, bullit de peix and mixed fish grills. Although definitely not cheap, the price is compensated by the freshness of the locally-caught seafood. Open for lunch all year, but especially good for a sunset meal in the long summer evenings, it is essential to pre-book.
Es Boldado
Cala d'Hort
Es Boldadó on the rocks above Cala d'Hort is a restaurant famed not only for the quality of the fine seafood, but also for its marvellous panoramic views of the island of Es Vedrà. Worth making the trip along the south west coast for the ambience alone, this wooden restaurant, perched precariously on the side of a cliff, offers probably the most evocative view of any restaurant on Ibiza - ideal for accompanying the mixed fish grills and tasty paellas.
Restaurante S'espartar
San José
A fish restaurant that's not located by the sea? This observation might raise eyebrows at first, but the family-run Restaurante S'Espartar will win you over with its sunset views over the island of the same name! That, and of course fantastic seafood and fish dishes such as fish soup, lobster casserole, and a seemingly endless list of paellas and fish varieties, which have earned the 25-year-old restaurant an entry in the Michelin Guide 2021.
S'Illa des Bosc
San José
Situated in a paradisical setting just metres away from the white sand and sparkling blue sea of the famous Cala Conta beach, enjoy Caribbean-style sea views by day or breathtaking sunsets in the evening at S'Illa des Bosc. It's the perfect spot for a G&T or cocktail while you wait for treats such as the mixed fried fish platter, steamed mussels, or black rice with cuttle fish to arrive.
Juan Y Andrea
Formentera
Over on our neighbouring paradise island of Formentera, Juan Y Andrea on the glamorous Illetes beach started out as a tiny restaurant in 1971, but has established itself as one of the top restaurants for seafood and fish. Run by the Bonet family, guests dine with their feet in the powdery sand while feasting on fish, seafood, rice, and lobster. Competition for tables is high, and the first two lines closest to the sea have a minimum spend per person - so make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Casa Pacha
Formentera
Boutique hotel Casa Pacha celebrates 'barefoot luxury' and the beauty of the simplicity of life guests can enjoy in Formentera. The same ethos applies to their onsite restaurant, which was inspired by the authentic island 'chiringuito' beach bars from 30 years ago. The terrace at Casa Pacha is the perfect location to enjoy unadorned fruits of the sea and incredible lobster rice, executed to perfection with the finest fresh ingredients.
You'll find lots more fish and seafood restaurants on our pages and a much wider choice of all types of cuisines in our restaurant guide.
If you plan on driving to different restaurants, our selection of local Ibiza car hire companies is as fresh as the fish you'll eat any of the eateries above.
