La Mar de Santa stands in a truly privileged setting on a tiny headland to the east of the charming town of Santa Eulalia, just a stone’s throw from the Ibiza Congress Centre. So close is it to the town's stylish marina, in fact, you can easily walk to it.
It’s an inviting spot surrounded by pine forest and Juniper trees twisted into unique shapes by the wind. The shade afforded by the large parasols and the trees is one of its key attractions, making dining, chilling out in the hammocks and bathing on the rocks nearby a pleasure.
The views are lovely: the waves breaking on the rocks just metres away, the sight of yacht masts from the marina and glimpses of Santa Eulalia and Siesta in the distance. The feeling is that of an exclusive enclave that’s home to culinary delights.
There's even a Balinese bed and some sun loungers for the heliophiles among us.
.
La Mar de Santa has two ample terraces with nicely separated seating areas that feature plenty of seating such as rattan chairs and comfy sofas. The fact there’s so much space between the tables means you really get the impression of exclusive dining.
There’s a little rustic beach bar dispensing drinks and cocktails, too. With all the nooks to enjoy a drink with friends, it's easy to imagine oneself here.
Given such surroundings, it’s hard to imagine anywhere in Santa Eulalia better to eat seafood or a typical rice dish alfresco.
We started our midday feast with a La Mar de Santa classic: the pica pica. Comprising breaded deep-fried small squid, salt cod cubes, salmon and green garlic croquettes and squid rings, it really gets you in the mood for the fruit of the sea to follow. The fact they served it on newspaper brought back fond memories, too.
The sweet potato and mushroom croquettes surprised us with their unusual earthy taste and nutty texture.
Salmorejo is the perfect summer soup - in this case, served with preserved tomatoes and tuna sashimi.
Though the restaurant has appetising meat options, we opted to stick with La Mar de Santa’s forte: seafood and fish.
The crown jewel, a fish and seafood paella, was perfectly cooked, with the grains of rice tender on the outside but slightly firm in the centre.
Hence, we eagerly awaited the next dish which showcased a delicious marbled slab of black cod nicely presented amid a selection of green veggies - think fennel, mangetout, courgette and asparagus - in a bright lime green coloured pea sauce. It was irresistible, all the way to the crunchy black skin!
For dessert, we plumped for cheesecake with a tasty raspberry confit.
Though just minutes away from the town, La Mar de Santa just 'feels' like it's in its own little world, a little wild almost. Further proof of its well-earned popularity, if needed, can be seen in the number of repeat clients it gets on top of all the walk-ins. This is one Santa Eulalia institution you can always count on. Go ahead and book yourself a treat here
Wheelchair access is available.
