A foodie’s guide to Ibiza
Exploring Ibiza’s culinary highlights with chef and DJ Hannah Lederer
British-born Hannah Lederer is an Ibiza-based chef, DJ and partner in hip catering outfit La Grande Bouffe. Her route to Ibiza was an unconventional one, taking her from vipassana in Myanmar to a permaculture farm in Nicaragua, where she developed her love for slow and sustainable produce. Hannah has carved a niche for herself on the island cooking colourful, creative, health-conscious cuisine for wellbeing retreats and private events. We asked her to choose her favourite places for eating, drinking and food shopping in Ibiza, from summer standouts to cosy winter hangouts.
I really love both this cosy, atmospheric restaurant and its glorious owners, Antía and Matias. The small plates of beautiful food are always delicious and the selection of natural wines varied and exciting. They have a rotating menu with new specials and a focus on KM0 ingredients. But the menu also hosts dishes which will never change - see the epic vegan kale salad or broccolini with pine nut pesto. If these ever disappeared there’d be an uprising! Hämbre is my favourite for a winter date night or dinner with friends.
Yes, I’m serious! When I’m in need of a quick, delicious and budget-friendly dinner, alone or with a pal, we hit the Lebanese in Santa E. I always get falafel in a box, with no wrap or it’s a little too heavy for me. Occasionally I might dive in for a side of chips with spicy sauce. The salads, pickles and sauces are made daily and taste so fresh. I pile extra pickles and load of za’atar oil on top. The staff are so great and you can eat so well for less than ten euros. Disclaimer – I’m pescatarian and have only eaten ever the falafel, but I imagine the rotating meats are great if you’re into that kind of thing!
This is my hands-down fave for a lazy summer lunch with sea views. The paella is epic, and the grilled fish specials are to die for. The cocktails flow freely and the staff are so friendly and the sea laps away at the shore – it’s hard to imagine a prettier place to eat, right up until the end of their generously extended season.
This is one of the best low key beach restaurants and has divine food. I can never believe it comes from their tiny shack-like kitchen at the back. There are amazing fresh prawns and ceviche, along with Ibiza classics like simple salads. It’s cash only so make sure to load up before you come as you’ll probably want to laze around on the beach after for hours until sunset views take over.
La Paloma is an absolute classic and surely a favourite of any of any northerner on the island. For any newbies it is worth checking out the beautiful setting in the orange and lemon grove and the delicious, colourful food. Everything feels simple and authentic yet luxurious and exquisite and the clientele is a great mix of locals and tourists. The ingredients are farm fresh and I’d go so far as to say there’s something to suit everyone here. I would recommend a lazy late lunch with loads of crisp veggies and free-flowing rosé and make sure to leave space for one of the epic desserts.
I love this place for its consistent vibe of simplicity done exquisitely. There’s an ever-changing menu of small plates that always put the quality of ingredients front and centre. The team are true experts in the natural wines they serve and are passionate about sharing whatever bottle is open. There’s a focus on local ingredients and when a dish has sold out, it’s gone. Highly recommended for a beautiful summer supper tucked away in the garden at the back or for joyful music-fuelled Sunday roasts in winter.
This smart waterside spot is great for a long leisurely brunch in the winter sun. They have a great selection of classic mid-morning dishes like eggs benedict and the best bloody marys, which are the perfect accompaniment to killer views of Dalt Vila. Cappuccino is a real treat on a hangover I assure you!
I adore this delicious and delightful farm shop and organic garden in the Morna valley. I have been buying fruit and veggies from India Williams, who owns the farm, for a few years and I love seeing how she’s expanded with the farm shop. Homemade bread, sweet treats, local yoghurt and of course high-quality organic veggies in a lovely rustic setting.
This traditional produce market is of the first places I bought fish and vegetables from when I originally moved here. I was working alone as a private chef and I loved getting to know the people selling their goods. I also loved getting a free bunch of asparagus or a fresh lettuce head which was proudly presented as the best of that week on their land! There’s lots of variety in here - the butcher is great for all your meaty needs, there’s a selection of fabulous fish stalls - I won’t choose my favourite as I’m fond of all the sellers - and loads of fresh produce alongside olives, nuts, seeds and interesting flours by the kilo.
This beautiful grocery store is my guilty pleasure because it’s definitely on the higher end spend-wise, but I love coming in to look at the extraordinary selection of dry goods - oils and organic ingredients thoughtfully curated by the team. I always leave with things I didn’t necessarily need but I know I’ll relish using when I get home. I’ve discovered some of my go-to products here and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience.
