Gertjan’s Ibiza restaurant tips!

First of all, I would like to introduce myself: my name is Gertjan Holleman and I am responsible for the social media for One Villas Ibiza and therefore I write reviews of restaurants and beach clubs. During my first holiday in 1983, I instantly fell in love with lovely Ibiza and with its relaxing atmosphere.

Thirty years later, I sold my modelling agency MAX Models in Rotterdam and emigrated to Ibiza with my husband Johan.

Our new, all year round residence is much more than just a “party island”. You can go sailing, cycling and take beautiful walks, laze in the sun at one of the many chiringuitos and enjoy lovely food.

In the last two years, a number of nice restaurants have popped up, some of which are only known to insiders. If La Paloma, Aubergine, Casa Piedra, Can Domingo, Bambuddha Grove and Nagai are also part of your Top 10, then you will definitely appreciate my tips for new restaurants!

LA IMPRENTA

Many tourists visit the island for the relaxed atmosphere, the beach clubs and hippy-style terraces. La Imprenta is nothing like this! The elegant, Grand Café-Restaurant is rather unique and innovative. This is currently ‘the place to be’.

Located in the old printing building of ‘El Diario de Ibiza’, the local newspaper, this neo-classic building dates from 1898 and has been fully renovated. It takes you back in time with luxurious marble floors, heavy velvet curtains with matching wallpaper and a classic spiral staircase with dramatic chandelier.

Here you can thoroughly enjoy the captivating cabaret “Chicago” with its sizzling song and dance, which will take you back to the roaring 1920s.

The menu is composed by the famous chefs Lorenzo D’Abate and Andrea Santili.

MAISON LE VRAI

Pastis has been my favourite restaurant for years when it comes to French food. But since the arrival of Maison Le Vrai in 2017, Pastis has definitely got some competition. This chic bistro with high walls and mirror ceilings serves French cuisine dishes that make your mouth water.

And owner Boris is unstoppable! On 30 March 2018 he opened a patisserie with the same name within walking distance of the bistro. Here you can enjoy breakfast with coffee, cakes and smoothies, but you can also buy a French baguette to take away.

He has also opened a lunch restaurant with a view onto Placa Parque, serving lovely sandwiches and salads.

THE BOAT HOUSE

On their way to the north, most Ibiza visitors do not get past San Joan, but Cala San Vicente is definitely worth a visit. With a view across the deep blue bay, the restaurant The Boat House has been there since 2017.

The interior has a vintage style with plenty of second-hand furniture from various countries.

In 2016, the owner Jay decided to give up his modelling career and, together with his Brazilian girlfriend, he crossed over to Barcelona. With a pick-up truck they travelled across the Spanish mainland. They ate in numerous restaurants, talked with fishermen and so came up with their menu full of fusion dishes, influenced by Morocco, Iran and of course Spain.

The menu has something for everyone. Vegetarian, vegan, fish and meat and even a burger with fries. The fish on the menu is delivered fresh every day by the boats on the beach. If you are not that hungry you are also welcome to lie down in one of the hammocks with a delicious cocktail or smoothie.

AIYANNA

Beach Club Aiyanna is owned by the same person as the popular Amante and opened its doors in 2017.

The restaurant is located on the beautiful bay of Cala Nova and immediately had a great first season.

On 25 April 2018 it opened for the summer season with a spectacular show and live music. The interior is what you expect on Ibiza with a beach club, but the enormous parasols are unique. These high parasols were declared cultural heritage in 1999 in Guatemala.

From 7th May onwards, you can also have breakfast here in the early morning sun along with yoga lessons. These lessons, in English and Spanish, are held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9am. After the lessons, you can enjoy a healthy breakfast with freshly baked wholemeal bread, eggs, yogurt with fruit and muesli and freshly squeezed juices. It is recommended to make a reservation in advance.

LOS ENAMORADOS

Last but not least: Los Enamorados. This boutique hotel, just past the small port of Portinatx, has a great restaurant and an elegant shop with beautiful vintage furniture, art, decorations and high fashion.

The owners are the French ex-basketball player Pierre Traversier and Rozemarijn de Witte, the founder of design studio Studio Room with Linda-magazine and several other Dutch magazines. A lovely couple, who cannot be missed on the mural of their hotel.

Please note: the hotel has a minimum age limit of 18 years and dogs are not allowed. People mainly go to Los Enamorados for a romantic mini-break. It is a lovely place to be with a view of the sunset at Punta Galera.