After two years of enforced ‘hibernation mode’, Ibiza is on the cusp of not only a historic, but also one of its biggest and busiest seasons yet!
And with Easter on the horizon, at the beginning of April the island has exploded with opening announcements, outdoor dining and even the first music events.
Here, we round up our top picks for enjoying Ibiza during the early season months as we edge our way from spring into summer.

The Boat House

A year-round favourite and much beloved destination amongst locals, The Boat House sits pretty on the golden shores of Cala San Vicente in the far north of the island. As the name suggests, the restaurant is inspired by seafarers and fishermen, with an eye-catching and cosy maritime décor. Warm and welcoming in the low season, but with a spacious terrace area to enjoy, too, it is a perfect spot to seek shelter during grey days and soak up the rays when the sun is out. The menu offers a wide variety of world cuisines and dishes, from Mexican tacos to Middle Eastern delights and freshly caught fish. “To share your food and spend time with your loved ones while enjoying the beach and sea views on a long, lazy summer day – that’s our idea of paradise,” The Boathouse owners the Zandwijk family says – and they’re most certainly not wrong!

Taste of Salia

Located on Ibiza’s famous sunset coast, Taste of Salia is the onsite restaurant of the luxurious four-star Can Salia hotel. Overlooking the resort’s private sandy area and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea just a few steps away, it is the perfect place to enjoy sundowner cocktails in an elegant, welcoming setting with breathtaking views. The menu is inspired by the flavours of the island with a focus on healthy, modern Mediterranean cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Top tip: Why not start your evening with an aperitif on the stunning Sky of Salia rooftop terrace for the ultimate views on the legendary Ibiza sunset?

Bar Restaurante Royalty

Situated on Santa Eulalila’s vibrant main square, the pastel pink façade of Bar Restaurante Royalty is a well-known sight amongst the many dining options in the seaside resort. Open year-round since the 1980s, Royalty is a welcoming place where both locals and island visitors love to mingle over drinks, tapas and authentic homemade dishes. The bustling terrace is a great spot to while away a few hours and watch the world go by while soaking up the atmosphere. From your morning café con leche and ‘tostada’ sandwich to seafood stew and vino in the evening, the classic Spanish and unpretentious fare are a real crowd pleaser. Don’t miss the rotating menu del dia and make sure you try some of the traditional cakes and puddings!

Es Gerret

Sometimes, nothing but a few delicious bites of tapas will do – and when a craving for the traditional Spanish sharing plates strikes, Es Gerret in San Antonio is the place to go! Still a relatively new addition to the island’s thriving culinary scene, the eatery is headed up by executive chef José González and siblings David and Cristina. Quality produce comes together in an innovative fusion menu that features everything from zesty ceviches to creamy risottos, sticky bao buns and sensational salads. And let’s not forget the aforementioned tasty tapas! With a hip industrial décor, it is a great place for both a romantic date night and groups, who will be spoilt for choice when it comes to sharing options. If you snag a table on the cosy terrace, enjoy the afterglow of the sunset while you tuck into Es Gerret’s imaginative desserts, who come presented like deconstructed works of art. It’s no surprise that this fabulous little eatery has already established a loyal following.

Marc’s Restaurant Ibiza

Another longstanding island favourite, Marc’s Restaurant Ibiza is a chic garden eatery on the edge of the lively Jesus area. Founded by renowned gastronome Marc Lindemann, guests can expect style and service at the highest level as the customer’s experience is highly valued here. Start with a cocktail or something sparkling at the eye-catching garden bar before diving into the divine menu, which boasts a great variety of culinary treats. From freshly made sushi to modern interpretations of Mediterranean favourites such as octopus, savour the flavours with a soundtrack of Jazz and Soul Music drifting into your ear. An all-out fabulous option for both lunch and dinner.

Cru

Charming, with a relaxing atmosphere and incredible location on the beautiful square Vara de Rey in Ibiza Town, Peix Cru – which means ‘raw fish’ in Catalan – is a fabulous dinign option when exploring the island’s capital. The menu is vast, with a variety of price points, and a mix of authentic Spanish dishes as well as international favourites. Fish, of course, is a specialty, and there is an amazing tasting menu for seafood lovers to try. And on Thursday nights, sushi lovers are lured from all over the island thanks to the restaurant’s ‘all you can eat ‘ offer.  Fairly priced, with heaps of ambience and culinary options, it’s not to be missed!

True Ibiza

A newcomer for the 2022 season, True Ibiza is the latest edition to the up-and-coming Port d’es Torrent beach and surrounding area. Owners Francesco and Veronica combine Roman culinary tradition with the colourful and flavoursome local produce of the island, offering innovative cuisine that fuses the best of Italian and Spanish elements. The breezy outdoor terrace and light, boho chic design make it a wonderful little spot to sit down for leisurely lunch or post-sunset dinner.

El Carmen

For a quintessential island foodie experience that will stimulate all senses, head to El Carmen on the beach of Cala D’Hort. Boasting unspoilt views of the mysterious rock island of Es Vedrá, the fresh seafood on offer is just as spectacular as the vistas. Classic Mediterranean cooking is the name of the game, and guests can feast their eyes and taste buds on treats on Spanish delicatessen such as jamon Iberico, Galecian octopus, refreshing Gazpacho, and much more. For a true taste of the island, try one of Ibiza’s classic dishes, such as Bullit de Peix chunks of fish and potatoes coated in a rich saffron sauce, and traditionally followed by rice made with the fish broth, or fideuà, a noodle-based paella. A wide range of juicy meat cuts and luxurious lobster dishes round off the spectacular yet authentic gourmet offering.

Bambuddha Ibiza

Once of the island’s most iconic dining destinations, Bambuddha Ibiza is a temple restaurant that offers an enticing mix of Asian cuisine with a sprinkling of spirituality and sensuality. Enter through the giant green bamboo walls that shroud the restaurant and cocktail bar from prying eyes and begin your night with a naughty concoction from the bar before settling down for dinner. For a very special date night, why not book one of the intimate Balinese-style lounge beds. Sharing is encouraged at Bambuddha, and guests are invited to feast on everything from fresh sushi to aromatic curries, steamed dumplings and tuna tartare. With a luxe, bohemian vibe and sophisticated electronic music soundtrack, it’s definitely a place to see and be seen, and feel the electric atmosphere of the island at night.