11 Local Foods in Ibiza: A Guide & Where to Eat Them

In this comprehensive guide, I embark on a mouthwatering journey through the labyrinthine streets and sun-kissed shores of Ibiza, uncovering the island’s most sought-after local dishes and best places to eat them.
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Overshadowed by it’s natural beauty and vibrant nightlife, the local foods in Ibiza are often overlooked. From traditional dishes that have been cherished for generations to modern culinary creations that fuse global influences, Ibiza’s food offerings are as diverse as the island’s visitors. In this comprehensive guide, I embark on a mouthwatering journey through the labyrinthine streets and sun-kissed shores of Ibiza, uncovering the island’s most sought-after local foods in Ibiza and best places to eat them.

From savoring the complexity of a Cafe Caleta to relishing the delicate balance of flavors in bullit de peix fish stew, each dish has a story to tell. Whether you’re a food enthusiast seeking authentic experiences or a traveler eager to indulge in unique flavors, my curated list of local foods in Ibiza will tantalize your taste buds and provide you with a genuine taste of the island’s culinary heritage, all the while delving into the cultural significance and preparation techniques that make each dish a cherished part of Ibiza’s identity. These are 11 of the best local foods in Ibiza:

1. Bullit de Peix

11 Local Foods in Ibiza: A Guide & Where to Eat Them bullit de peix

The #1 place to eat the traditional Bullit de Peix fish stew is at El Bigotes in Cala Mastella. El Bigotes literally translates to the moustache in Spanish because of the owners own handlebar moustache. The creator of the restaurant, Juan Ferrer El Bigotes, used to make Bullit de Peix for his friends every day with the fresh caught fish of the day. Bullit de Peix is a modern take on fish stews that fishermen used to make out at sea on their boats. The owner eventually opened up his fisherman’s house to the public. Today, you can’t get in without making a reservation a minimum 2 weeks in advance via WhatsApp or phone. The restaurant is on the water and one of the most down-to-earth experiences you’ll ever have. Plus, the price is right.



2. Greixonera

I had the local dessert Greixonera the last night I was in Ibiza at Las Dalias hippy market. Greixonera is a traditional Balearic dessert made with leftover ensaimada, a sweet-spiral shaped pastry. It dates back to when locals didn’t want to be wasteful and throw away old bread and pastries. They would repurpose them into greixonera dessert. Honestly, it tasted like bread pudding and was not my favorite local foods in Ibiza, but at least I tried it. My favorite still had to be either the bocadillo or the flaó or cafe caleta.



3. Cafe Caleta

This is one of my favorite local specialties, and if there wasn’t caffeine in it, I’d have multiple in a day. Cafe Caleta is a local digestif. It’s an Ibicenco concoction mixed in a pot with coffee, cinnamon, lemon peel, sugar, orange, rum, and brandy…I know it sounds bizarre, but it’s AMAZING. It tastes like ginseng coffee in my opinion. Legend has it that fishermen at Sa Caleta beach on Ibiza came up with this drink when they would add liquor to their coffee to stave off the cold at sea. I couldn’t taste any alcohol, it’s probably dangerous because it’s so good I could have 20…! It’s 26% alcohol, so more than a glass of wine, but less than a shot. You can have one at El Bigotes among other places.

4. Hierbas

Hierbas Ibicencas, or simply Hierbas, is a traditional herbal liqueur deeply rooted in Ibiza’s culinary and cultural traditions. It is made by infusing a variety of aromatic plants and herbs in alcohol, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant spirit. The recipe for Hierbas can vary from one producer to another, but it’s usually a concoction of up to 28 different herbs including anise, thyme, rosemary, mint, lemon, orange, and other botanicals. It’s known to be really good for your health and digestion, similar to an Italian grappa or Genepy.

The history of Hierbas Ibicencas dates back to ancient times when the island’s inhabitants would craft their own herbal remedies and liqueurs using locally available herbs and plants. Over time, this tradition evolved into the production of Hierbas as a popular alcoholic beverage. It is often enjoyed as a digestif or an aperitif, and it is known for its unique blend of flavors and its connection to Ibiza’s identity. This you can find at literally any restaurant on the island. Some make their own from scratch.

5. Paella de Marisco

In all honesty, paella is not special to Ibiza. We all know that. It’s really originated from the Valencia region of Spain, but can be found across all of Spain. In Ibiza you will specifically find Paella de Mariscos, or seafood paella, with shrimp, mussels, clams, squid and other fish cooked with rice. The dish is typically seasoned with saffron and other spices. Paella was started by farmers in Valencia who would cook rice over an open flame using whatever ingredients they had on hand, such as rabbits, snails, and vegetables. Over time, each region evolved paella into it’s own version – hence the seafood version in Ibiza. You can find it at Las Dalias Hippy Market if you go at night, as well as other restaurants on Ibiza.

6. Sal de Ibiza

Sal de Ibiza is salt that is exclusively made on the island of Ibiza. It is quite famous and available for purchase around the world. It is renowned for it’s purity, distinct taste, and its connection to the island’s natural resources and salt production methods. The salt is harvested from the pristine waters surrounding Ibiza. Salt production has been happening on the island since ancient times at the salt pans, or salinas, which you can still visit today.



7. Orelletes

Orelletes are known to have originated as a traditional dish in Catalonia, but somehow made their way over to Ibiza. They can be found at places in Ibiza town like La Cava or Le Croissant Show. The name orelletes literally translates to ‘little ears’ because of their shape. They are soft and fluffy cookies made fried and coated in sugar with a hint of anise. Typically eaten at weddings, baptisms, communions and other special occasions, you can now find them in many places across Ibiza, particularly in Ibiza Town.

8. Jamon with Pan Con Tomato

Like Paella, jamon with pan con tomato isn’t necessarily Ibizan specifically, but many people eat it around here. It’s a traditional Spanish meal aka bread with tomato pulp and cured ham. An easy breakfast or lunch.

9. Sangria

Sangria is Spain’s beverage of choice. It’s red wine, fresh fruits, sweeteners, and sometimes a splash of spirits. The name “sangria” is derived from the Spanish word “sangre,” which means “blood,” referencing the red color of the wine used in the drink. Creepy…I know! But you can have white sangria too, like the one pictured above that Pat and I enjoyed at the Chiringuito beach bar at Aguas Blancas. Sangria evolved as a creative way to make wine more palatable and enjoyable. Historically, it was common to use lower-quality or leftover wine, which might not have been as enjoyable on its own. By adding fresh fruits, sweeteners, and sometimes spices, the resulting mixture became a flavorful and refreshing beverage that was perfect for warm weather.



10. Bocadillo

Found throughout a lot of Spain, bocadillos are particularly popular in Ibiza as a grab and go lunch option. A “bocadillo” is a type of Spanish sandwich that consists of a variety of fillings enclosed in a baguette-like roll called a “barra.” The bocadillos bread is usually very soft and chewy. It’s not a hard baguette. The fillings are similar. They should complement the soft bread by being pureed and moist. The bocadillo is never dry, which sets it apart from it’s Italian counterrpart paninis. I particularly loved the tuna and tomato bocadillos on Ibiza! I bought one as a grab and go option at Cafe Girasol in San Carlos (amazing spot to get them by the way, as well as have breakfast), and I brought them with me for a beach day at Punta Galeras.



11. Flaó

11 Local Foods in Ibiza: A Guide & Where to Eat Them flao

My favorite local food and dessert in Ibiza, alongside Caleta Cafe is Flaó. It’s a traditional Ibicenco dessert made from fresh sheep or goat cheese with egg, sugar, milk, anise, and spearmint. Upon my first bite of this traditional Ibizan delight, the flavors instantly transported me to a world of culinary bliss. The crust provided a perfect foundation for the creamy filling. The creamy texture melted in my mouth, leaving a lingering sweetness that was beautifully complemented by the refreshing notes of spearmint and anise. It was a culinary revelation—an exquisite combination of flavors that captured the essence of Ibiza’s rich culinary heritage. The dessert reminded me of a sweet polenta in consistency. It was incredible and my favorite dessert on the island, by far. You can get it at El Bigotes alongside a Caleta Cafe.

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