Nestled amidst the tranquil countryside just outside of the (in)famous town of San Antonio lies a hidden gem – Tapas Ibiza. This charming, reformed farmhouse boasts a sprawling alfresco dining area and lush gardens, creating a strong setting for a memorable culinary journey.
A welcome haven for both tourists and locals alike, Tapas Ibiza draws them in through its exquisite food, impeccable service, and intimate ambience.
Tapas Ibiza takes pride in its inclusivity, offering a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Whether you’re a dedicated herbivore, or omnivore, or have specific dietary needs, the restaurant caters to all with the same level of care and creativity.
In an effort towards maintaining sustainable practices, the restaurant also partners with Ibiza Preservation, which works to protect Ibiza and Formentera’s land and sea. Husband-and-wife team Tony and Becky, the driving force behind Tapas Ibiza, have poured their hearts into creating a truly exceptional dining experience.
Delightfully decadent drinks
The drinks menu was divided into three sections, featuring classic cocktails and gin & tonics, and house cocktails. Our server was eager to direct us towards the meticulously crafted house drinks and we readily obliged. The local specialities included The Flamin’ Paloma, a fruity mix of Ojo de Tigre Mezcal, grapefruit juice, smashed jalapeños & strawberries and The Pirates Friend, a tiki-inspired cocktail with spiced rum, Havana 5, honey & cinnamon syrup, and grapefruit juice.
I started out with a Feeling Chilli?, a spicy mix of white El Jimador tequila, ancho reyes verde (chilli liquor), pineapple juice, and lime. It was refreshing and delightful, with a punchy heat that was rather addictive. My dining partner really enjoyed the Southern Punch, a bright concoction of Jack Daniels, Southern Comfort, Vodka, Creme de Cassis, lemon & lime juice, topped with Sprite.
We decided on two more house cocktails for dessert as well, and I absolutely could not resist the Dark Chocolate Negroni, a delightful twist on a classic that really put a smile on my face. Ever the sweet tooth, my partner eyed the Pina Colada before settling on the Solero, Tapas Ibiza’s alcoholic take on the famous ice cream, made with vanilla vodka, passoa, mango syrup, pineapple juice, passionfruit and a splash of cream. It was love at first taste; his only disappointment was that this cocktail was not readily available at other bars!
Six strong dishes of perfection
With a menu offering a gastronomic adventure also divided into three parts, From the Earth, Sea, and Land, it featured an enticing array of classic Spanish tapas and international-inspired dishes, everything looked incredible. The kitchen team, led by passionate chefs, constantly innovates, crafting exciting new creations alongside beloved favourites. Our hosts suggested 2-3 plates each, which presented a very real problem: our eyes wanted 4-5 each!
Dishes we did not try, but surely would go back for included the Chickpea Coconut Curry, with bok choy, green beans, fried sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, and topped with coriander; the Deep Fried Brie with red onion marmalade; and the mouthwatering sunflower seed & basil coated pan seared Tuna with an avocado & lime puree, honey & soya sauce, sesame and topped with wakame.
We almost went with the classic Pimientos de Padrón, a common Spanish dish of deep-fried green peppers where every bite is a bit of a lottery: most are not spicy, but every once in a while you get a little surprise to keep you on your toes! A personal favourite of ours, we somehow managed to not give in to temptation, in favour of trying new dishes.
The first was the melt-in-your-mouth Pan Fried Butter Beans, bathed in a vibrant ancho chilli sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and aubergine, topped with a jalapeño salsa verde, pickled onion & coriander. This paired extremely well with one of their signature dishes, Popeye, which is a must-try. A unique blend of spinach, parmesan, and cream, topped with a generous showering of parmesan shavings, we devoured it and could have had seconds if more food wasn’t already on the way.
Believing the opener could not be topped, the Red Fish of the Day challenged that idea, as it was expertly prepared, cooked to perfection, and bursting with fresh flavour. The signature Balsamic & Chilli Glazed Octopus, served on a bed of pico de gallo, arrived at the same time, attempting to take the top spot as our favourite.
Last but not least was the roasted Pork Belly, with crispy crackling, and an apple, horseradish and thyme sauce, which was the perfect combination of salty, sweet, and spicy.
We ended our culinary journey with the Lemon Delight, a delicious baked lemon cream, with frozen chocolate and lemon meringue.
A must visit
An unassuming place without a hint of pretentiousness, Tapas Ibiza was a wonderful experience from top to bottom. From sharing food outside with friends to an intimate dinner for two with mood lighting, this restaurant has it all.
Tapas Ibiza
Camí des Regueró, 4, 07820
Sant Antoni de Portmany
Illes Balears, Spain
