With over 40 years of residence on the same sand-lined shores, Yemanjá Ibiza is an island staple that has been delivering a laid-back afternoon dining experience since 1984. Such a long-standing presence on the pristine Cala Jondal is a testament to the continuous, high-quality, creative dishes you can feast upon, all while your toes play in the sands.
Yemanjá, meaning Mother of the Sea in Afro-Brazilian religion, offers fresh fish, juicy meats, and exquisite paella to both holidaymakers and locals, with barely a day's rest. Open seven days a week, 365 days a year, it's considered a go-to restaurant by any Ibiza regular throughout summer and winter.
In the warmer months, tables are laid out upon the sand, with palm-fringed canopies for those who want a little shade. In winter, the view remains unaffected as the clear glass-framed restaurant, with a roaring fire to boot, offers patrons a warm and cosy place to dine.
We joined Yemanjá in springtime, where the softly whispering breeze eased the bright sunshine shining down upon us. As we settled in and observed the picturesque views, we came to realise that Yemanjá is a place of beautifully executed contrasts.
Despite the island's fast pace, this place still manages to hold onto its gentle essence, inviting an experience of ease. There's no rush here; it feels like the day could almost escape you as you allow yourself the space to take it all in. It's as if every element is at play - soft sand, rocky shore edges, and crystal-clear water, all cocooned by rugged cliffs and a balcony of lush green trees.
This contrast is also evident throughout their À la carte selections. Classic Mediterranean dishes, authentic Spanish cuisine, and secret family recipes all vie for attention on the simple but well-crafted menu. We were keen to delve into the restaurant's history.
Over the years, beloved dishes have rightfully remained on the menu to ensure faithful friends return and new long-standing partnerships can be formed.
As we undertook the challenging task of selecting our choice of paella from the many tempting options, we were invited to taste their original and time-tested Sangria recipe.
Renowned island-wide, the authentic recipe from the founding owners has its own Ibiza legacy. We can certainly see why, with its perfect balance of fruity notes and fresh strawberries against the crisp, dry Cava.
Our first taste of the menu arrived: a simple starting plate that proved difficult not to devour immediately. Everything here was as it should be: plump, juicy olives, soft bread with a crispy crust, and smooth and irresistible aioli accompanied by delicately light boquerones (pickled anchovies).
Homage to the bounty of these islands, the fresh Ibizan red prawn carpaccio was placed before us. Against the blue sky, the masterfully sliced slivers of prawn created a pink-hued plate of heaven. Tiny droplets of avocado puree and sunshine-yellow caviar added a pop of colour and an extra layer of taste to this simple yet exquisite dish.
Sitting upon a bed of ice, the Amélie Les Huîtres oysters arrived. For oyster fans, these are worth the trip alone. A top-tier in French mollusc farming, they came with Yemanjá signature twists: Bloody Mary sauce and ceviche-style marinade.
The ever-so-sweet flavours of the latter were the perfect partner to the spicy punch of the red Bloody Mary liquor.
And now, the experience we had been so eagerly anticipating arrived: Paella de Wagyu y ceps. A Yemanjá house special, it became evident upon our first mouthfuls that we had made the correct selection. Succulent and tender, the rich and deep flavours of the beef and the earthy flavours of the mushrooms played beautifully against the slightly crisp bite of the rice, tantalising our tastebuds.
Even with full bellies, each member of the table sat with a fork in hand, vying for every last grain from the paella dish, attempting to get that last rich hit from this stunning reinvention of a classic dish.
As we finally laid our cutlery down to rest and took a few deep breaths, we found room for a final palate cleanser. With such an alluring array of sweet treats available, resisting this final offer would have only been considered foolish.
Tasting the smoked banana semifreddo with pistachio crunch and lusciously chocolatey soup was a divine moment. Its presentation was a piece of art, whose aesthetics were soon destroyed as we resumed combat over mouthfuls.
The Yemanjá cheesecake offered a refreshing counterbalance. Made with seasonal fruits, each element, from the fluffy cheesecake to the smooth sorbet, embraced the zingy fullness of its orange flavour.
Whether holidaymaker or resident, Yemanjá is the off-switch we all need, it's impossible not to become forgetful about life outside of the moments here, as the laid-back energy and soothing surroundings pull you in.
Yemanjá's opening hours honour the best the day has to offer, lunch through to early evening, so the night is still yours. On weekends, however, you're invited to stay on until midnight and dine under the starlit sky.
In gratitude for the many years of support from islanders, Yemanjá offers a resident discount. Speak with them when booking your table and remember your resident documentation.
Yemanjá is a very popular restaurant, so reserve your table here.
