Who Else is Looking for Amazing Seafood in Ibiza?

Here is Dynamic Lives founder, George Burdon’s current favourites. Head away from your exclusive Ibiza villa and find these treats all over the island.

Es Torrent, Porroig, San Josep

If you only go to one seafood eatery make it this one. Stunning cliffs surround the little bay of Es Torrent with pine-studded pathways leading down to the sand and the restaurant. Here you find traditional seafood dishes that rely on the freshest catch. Razor clams, lobster stew, sea snails, mussels and octopus, baked whole fish, paella and many more delicious treats. Start off with a selection of Ibicenco entrees like marinated tuna, boquerones and jamon with melon. Meat lovers will not be disappointed with the excellent sirloin either.

Open every day from 13.00 until 22.00. Reservations only, call +34 971 802 160 or email xicusala@estorrent.net and tell them George Burdon sent you!

Restaurante Sa Caleta, Playa Es Bol Nou, Sant Jordi

This restaurant was once used as a refuge for fishermen during storms. Sitting on the dramatic beach of Es Bol Nou the restaurant name comes from the nearby ruins of Sa Caleta, a Phoenician settlement. Sa Caleta is famous for its bullit de peix (local seafood stew), arroz a banda, lobster stew and seafood and chicken paella. There are lots of other delicacies too, such as local prawns, calamari, whole fish, steak, lamb chops and more. If you have room try some of the homemade traditional desserts such as graxionera or flao but whatever you do make sure you finish off with a Cafe Caleta, coffee brewed with spices, brandy and orange – an invention of the owner’s father and frequently copied all over the island.

Open all year for lunch and dinner. Reservations advised, +34 971 18 70 95

El Bigote, Cala Mastella, San Carlos

The food is great here but what makes it so special is the eccentric experience. There is no menu and there are only two sittings for lunch. At midday they serve grilled pescado de roca (rockfish) and mixed salads. The 2pm sitting is the one you want to aim for however. Starting with bullit de peix (fish stew) with potatoes followed by arroz a banda (rice cooked in the liquid from the stew). There is no kitchen per se, just a large open grill fuelled by olive wood and adorned with massive pots of bubbling deliciousness. El Bigote (the Moustache) himself sits Buddha-like overlooking operations while pouring wine into his mouth from a traditional flask. In the bay is his original llaüt, a traditional Ibicencan fishing boat. The nearby beach of Cala Mastella is so cute and inviting you’ll be hard pressed not to park your full bellies on the sand after lunch.

Open every day in summer. Bookings essential, call well in advance and only between 11am and 1pm, +34 650 797 633

Fish Shack, Talamanca

This is rustic defined, but a must do Ibiza experience. It really is a shack and there is absolutely nothing fancy about this place. Except for the exceptional seafood and the mind blowing view. It’s kind of near Talamanca Beach but the easiest way to find it is to head towards Sa Punta restaurant and walk over the rocks until you think you are going to get lost, that’s when you’ll see Fish Shack. Fresh sardines, whole fish or a mixed grill – it is literally the taste of the sea. Matched with a crisp rosé and the magical colours of sun setting over Dalt Vila across the water will make you feel like you are really living Ibiza. Word of warning however, the toilets are ‘out back’ i.e. find a bush and use it!

Try calling +34 97 132 5019, or just show up and hope for the best.

Es Xarcu, Porroig, Sant Josep

Just around the corner from the chi-chi Cala Jondal is this beauty of a place where it’s about the quality of the food and not the brand of flip-flops you’re wearing. It’s recommended to start with a selection of shellfish entrees like razor clams, langoustine, prawns, clams and mussels. Then move on to a whole baked fish (the wild caught sea bass is amazing) or seafood rice dishes or stews. Meat lovers are looked after too. The champagne list is excellent and highly recommended.

Reservations recommended +34 971 187 867 or email restaurante@esxarcu.com