The season is here - time to hit up these classic Ibiza chiringuitos.
Dining with your feet in the sand is one of Ibiza’s greatest pleasures. Here are some of L’OFFICIEL IBIZA’s favourite lo-fi chiringuitos.
El Bigotes
You won’t find a menu at this family-run classic located a short walk along the rocks from the cove of Cala Mastella, but you won’t need one. At midday a selection of local fish is thrown on the grill, but the real fun is to be had at the 2pm sitting when a cauldron of bullit de peix, a Balearic specialty of saffron-hued potato and fish stew, is cooked over a woodfire. Established more than 40 years ago as a workers' café, until recently the simple seaside eatery in the north-east of the island had no phone and bookings had to be made in person. In an oft-repeated tale, it is said that King Juan Carlos of Spain was once turned away after arriving without a reservation. This mildly inconvenient system has changed; fortunately, the food has not.
Chiringuito Xuclar
The road to Portinatx has an several beautiful beaches from which to select in what is one of the most serene parts of Ibiza. The northern trifecta of Cala Xarraca, S’illot and Cala Xuclar is a good place to start, with the latter deserving of a special mention since its chiringuito is undoubtedly one of the most perfect places on the planet to enjoy dinner and one of the island’s lesser-known gems. A meal here, timed with sun setting slowly over the sea, is the ideal way to end a day of snorkelling, sunbathing and scrambling around the rocks. The whole wild fish served simply to be shared from the unassuming shack should not be missed. Ask owners and siblings Sara and Carlus for their recommendation amongst the day’s catch and be assured to be steered towards something delectable.
Ses Boques
Found at the foot of the cliffs of Es Cubells, in a secluded cove in the south of Ibiza, Ses Boques is a perennially popular seafood restaurant, known for its fresh local seafood, including fish, lobster, and squid, served in a rustic, beachside setting beneath the shade of the pines. Friendly and family operated, the food served here belies its modest surrounds, with the famed lobster stew being the star of the show, alongside a studied selection of wines with which to wash it down.
Balneario Cala Carbo
Balneario Cala Carbo is a seafood restaurant located in the small cove of Cala Carbo in the municipality of Sant Josep. Since the founder Pepe Benet retired, the venture now has now been passed on to the capable hands of Vicent Curtet and Toni Escarrer at the helm, experienced restaurateurs who also operate Can Vincent close-by. The menu features an array of classic Balearic treats from the sea. Lobster is a speciality here, offered either in a sumptuous broth or perfectly grilled and served with fried eggs in the traditional fashion.
