It may be winter but that doesn't mean you have to give up your need for food next to the beach or overlooking the sea. After the clocks go back, the emphasis turns to lunchtimes, and, with abundant sunshine, it's almost a crime not to make the most of it - especially with it still setting relatively early. Here is our selection of some great lunch options to enjoy right now. See our restaurant guide for more places open during the winter.
On the coast
Cala Bonita
S'Estanyol, Talamanca
Appropriately named after one of the prettiest bays in Ibiza, Cala Bonita restaurant is equally pleasing to the eye as the stomach. Open every day from 13:00, offering both traditional and contemporary Mediterranean cuisine, including charcoal-grilled meat and seafood, Cala Bonita is a perfect location to enjoy the sunshine glittering on the water.
Tip: S'Estanyol is close to Ibiza Town yet totally unspoiled. Take your time to enjoy a very special meal - you’d be hard-pressed to find a better restaurant.
Hostal La Torre - open from 5 December onwards
Cap Negret, San Antonio
Hostal La Torre has one of the most spectacular views of San Antonio Bay around. Perched on the rocks, there's space for dining inside and out. Inventive food is the order of the day and the menu also contains a mix of top-quality tapas, served all day from 13:00. Sitting here in peace and tranquillity, staring out to sea is probably one of the best ways to while away time that we know of.
Tip: Every afternoon a different DJ spins the decks and creates the vibe for the sunset, which can be quite spectacular in the winter.
Restaurante Sa Caleta
Sa Caleta beach
Sa Caleta restaurant is a former fishermen's shelter that today is a cosy family-run restaurant, with views overlooking the beach and the red stone cliffs. You can choose from typical Ibizan and Spanish cuisine on offer, like monkfish with seafood sauce, different types of paella or the delicious bullit de peix fish stew. A must-try is their café Caleta, coffee flavoured with a heady mix of alcohol, fruit and spices set alight at your table in a distinctive clay bowl.
Tip: Take a stroll to the seventh-century BCE settlement, established by the Phoenicians, the people who gave the island its name and try to imagine how life was in this proto-Ibiza.
Yemanja
Cala Jondal
Just around the coast at Cala Jondal you will find Yemanja serving up tasty dishes every day of the year. This beach takes on a different vibe in winter: forget the rich and famous of summer and tune into a more relaxed and rustic atmosphere. Park easily and make your way through the bar to be met by the inviting tables set right on the sand surrounded by the pine-clad hills. Winter is a great time to appreciate the crystal-clear waters and the slower pace of this beautiful beach.
Tip: Start with a selection of bread and homemade aioli before sampling one of their incredible and raved-about paellas with seafood and shellfish.
Cana Sofia
Cala Vadella
Beachside at the charming sandy cove of Cala Vadella, Cana Sofia enjoys one of Ibiza's best winter views. From the terrace, you can supervise your family relaxing on the secluded beach, while you enjoy the mix of innovative modern seafood dishes and traditional Ibizan classics, of which the team are extremely proud.
Jockey Club
Salinas
Jockey Club has been serving up winter fun and food for the whole family (including the dog!) for decades. Open at weekends and public holidays, there are few better places to enjoy fresh seafood and innovative dishes while overlooking the soft sand of Salinas Beach. There is always a great atmosphere at this popular beach club, so head down there with a few friends and enjoy!
Tip. Work up an appetite with a stroll along the beach to the Ses Portes watchtower before trying out the chef's seasonal selections.
Zazú Ibiza
Playa d'en Bossa
Zazú Ibiza, the Playa d’en Bossa beach club inspired by Disney’s timeless classic The Lion King, remains open during winter and serves a fine mix of sushi, pokes, salads, grilled fish and meat, and excellent paellas. You can dine with your feet in the sand or inside if the temperature is cooler.
The vast expanse of beach in front is practically deserted out of season, making the world feel like a better place. After lunch, stroll along 2km of sand in either direction to help your meal go down.
Tip: Be blessed on Sundays with a special paella + drinks offer before the bingo and dancing begins!
La Escollera
Es Cavellet beach
La Escollera sits at the top of Es Cavallet beach and oozes class plus getting there via the salt plains is a delight. Take a seat on one of the palm-shaded terraces and take a moment to enjoy the view, stretching out to Formentera.
Tip: If the weather is not kind, the restaurant is equally inviting inside and with the full-length glass windows you won't miss out on the views. There is even an open fire to warm you up.
Blavós Ibiza
Figueretas
Looking out from the resort of Figueretas, continue along the promenade to the left to reach this gem, situated at the furthest end, in its own tiny harbour. With an extensive terrace and a westward-facing position, Blavós Ibiza is a great spot for enjoying some straightforward Mediterranean fare accompanied by a fine wine or a cocktail.
Open year round, it also does a nice line in club sandwiches and burgers, along with some tasty vegetarian options.
Tip: Get out early and enjoy a healthy breakfast in the morning sunshine
Marinas
The great thing about marinas is they are lively places all year round. With the weather so nice on Ibiza during the winter months, they also make great locations to unwind over a long, lazy lunch during the week.
Our selections here are generally pricey in the evenings, but some produce great value, 3-course set menus at midday. Combined with their beautiful locations beside the boats bobbing at their moorings, they are all real winners.
El Náutico Ibiza
Ibiza Town
Combining superb views of the port and Dalt Vila, delectable, home-cooked Mediterranean cuisine with Ibizan flourishes and impeccable service, El Náutico is a must-visit for every connoisseur of fine dining. Its menu highlights high-quality, locally sourced produce, with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood. With an airy interior and a spacious outside terrace, patrons can enjoy amazing vistas as they feast on the food and wines in the company of friends and family.
Tip: Their wonderful paellas are available in individual portions. No need to share!
Trattoria del Mar
Marina Botafoc, Ibiza
For hearty and generously portioned Italian home cooking, Trattoria del Mar in Marina Botafoc is a firm favourite with locals. The menu del dia offers 3 options of starters and mains but you will be hooked from the first bite of bread and olive tapenade.
This is a popular place to be in the winter, with a lovely view of Ibiza's old town and the port, so don’t be surprised if it’s fully booked.
Tip: Be sure to reserve a table in advance.
Roto Ibiza
Marina Botafoc, Ibiza
Roto Ibiza is a vibrant restaurant and bar located directly on the water’s edge in Ibiza Marina. With magnificent views of the port and Dalt Vila, it’s known for its lively atmosphere and eclectic décor, making it a favourite with both locals and visitors.
Roto combines Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, inventive cocktails, and live music to create an unforgettable dining and nightlife experience in Ibiza.
Tip: Open Thursday to Sunday. Check out the special Sunday roasts.
CBbC Marina Sta Eulalia
Santa Eulalia
After an end of season break from 3 November until 1 December, CBbC Marina Sta Eulalia is a prime seaside location at the mouth of the Santa Eulalia sports marina. It’s the perfect spot to relax your eyes and stomach watching the boats come in.
It has a fine reputation for serving fish and seafood and at lunchtimes, there are plenty of options on the CBbC lunch menu to create the perfect 3-course combination, all for a reasonable fixed price. Plus, each day there is a special dish for a little extra premium charge.
Tip: Check out Lobster Day on Thursday.
Es Nautic
Club Nautico, San Antonio
The tinkling of the yacht masts is a familiar sound to regular patrons of Es Nautic in the marina of San Antonio. Local fish landed by the local trawlers at this harbour and is always very fresh in the restaurant.
This is a big restaurant and yet is frequently full during winter. The daytime menu is very good value and people in the know flock here.
Tip: On Tuesdays, Paella is included in the menu del dia option so it's a great value way to enjoy this traditional dish.
Check out our guide to Ibiza's best beach restaurants for any time of year.
Words |Tim Dackombe and Julian Heathcote
