Ibiza is a paradise for the senses. Its beaches and coves, natural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere are the perfect excuse for a getaway, but its true soul lies in the flavor of its land and sea. Ibiza's gastronomy is a hidden treasure, a fusion of tradition, high-quality products, and a cultural legacy that is embodied in every recipe. If you want a complete experience, don't just use your sight and hearing—let your palate guide you!

The essence of Ibizan cuisine: from the sea and the field to your table

The key to Ibiza's gastronomy lies in the quality and local sourcing of its ingredients. The island draws from two main pantries: the Mediterranean Sea and its fertile interior. This duality is reflected in a simple and delicious cuisine where fresh fish, seafood, and garden produce are the main stars. The traditional Ibizan food restaurants are the guardians of this legacy. In their kitchens, the traditional dishes of Ibiza are lovingly cooked, passed down from generation to generation. It's not just about eating, but about participating in a tradition, a culinary ritual that celebrates the island's identity.

Below, we present 10 typical Ibizan dishes that will give you a unique journey of flavors. Get ready to discover an Ibizan cuisine that will win you over with every bite!

Bullit de peix

If there's one traditional Ibizan dish you must try, it's the bullit de peix. This rockfish stew is a two-course culinary experience that will leave you speechless. First, a plate of high-quality fish (such as red scorpionfish, or grouper) is served with potatoes, all bathed in a delicious, light alioli. Once you've enjoyed the fish, the chef uses the remaining broth to prepare an exquisite arroz a banda, a dry and flavorful rice dish eaten as a second course. It's a complete feast, ideal for sharing, that encapsulates the taste of the Mediterranean Sea in every bite.

Sofrit pagès

For lovers of meat and inland cuisine, sofrit pagès is the jewel of rural Ibizan cuisine. This hearty and flavorful dish combines chicken, lamb, and the island's most traditional sausages, like sobrasada and butifarra. The mixture is slow-cooked with potatoes, garlic, and aromatic herbs, creating a stew that is much more than food: it's tradition. It's a perfect dish for refueling and a testament to the most authentic Ibiza gastronomy.

Arroz de matanzas (pork slaughter rice)

While paella is famous, arroz de matanzas is a dish with deep historical roots in Ibiza's gastronomy. Its origin dates back to the tradition of pig slaughtering in the Ibizan countryside. It's a rich, soupy rice with an intense and comforting flavor, cooked with fresh pork, butifarra, sobrasada, and a touch of local saffron. It's a recipe that celebrates rural life and transports you to the table of an Ibizan family.

Fritada de pulpo (octopus fry)

Fritada de pulpo (fried octopus) is a simple yet delicious appetizer that showcases the mastery of Ibizan cuisine with seafood. The octopus is cooked until tender and then fried with potatoes, onions, peppers, and a touch of paprika. It's a dish that stands out for the quality of the main ingredient and its fresh taste of the sea. If you're looking for an authentic and savory snack, this is your choice.

Paella in Ibiza

Although paella originated in the Valencian Community, the quality of Ibiza's fresh fish and seafood has made it an essential dish. Enjoying a good paella in Ibiza is a classic that cannot be missed on your vacation. Traditional Ibizan food restaurants offer a wide variety, from the classic seafood paella to the arroz a banda that accompanies the Bullit de peix, or arroz negro (black rice). The touch of saffron, the flavor of the broth, and the freshness of the marine ingredients make paella in Ibiza a high-level experience.

Guisat de peix

Similar to Bullit de peix but with its own peculiarities, guisat de peix is a dish consumed in a single course. It's a stew of fresh fish and seafood, cooked with potatoes and a sauce of garlic and parsley. It's a lighter option than its two-course cousin, but equally delicious and full of the flavor of the sea. It's one of the traditional Ibizan dishes you should explore to discover the diversity of its seafood cuisine.

Borriada de ratjada

Borriada de ratjada (skate stew) is another example of the island's maritime tradition. It's a stew made from skate, a fish abundant in the Mediterranean, cooked with potatoes and a refrito (sautéed mix) of paprika, garlic, and parsley. It's a dish with a unique flavor, combining the particular texture of the skate with the heartiness of the potatoes. It's a recipe that speaks of the past of Ibizan fishermen and their skill in turning simple ingredients into delicacies.

Coca de pimientos (flatbread with peppers)

Coca de pimientos is a versatile and delicious flatbread that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a light meal. Similar to a pizza but with a thinner, crispier base, it's topped with roasted peppers, onions, and sometimes sardines or anchovies. It's a perfect option for a snack or for sharing on a beach day in Ibiza. It represents the simplicity and freshness of Ibiza's garden produce.

Flaó: the typical Ibizan dessert

When it's time for something sweet, flaó is the typical Ibizan dessert par excellence. It's a baked cheesecake made from fresh sheep and goat cheese with an unmistakable touch of peppermint that gives it a unique and refreshing flavor. In the past, it was only prepared for Easter celebrations, but today you can find it in many Ibiza restaurants and bakeries year-round. Its taste and texture are unparalleled.

Greixonera: the ensaimada pudding

Greixonera is another dessert you can't miss. This typical Ibizan dessert is a type of pudding, a resourceful dish made from leftover ensaimada (a spiral pastry) from the previous day, eggs, milk, lemon, and cinnamon. Its texture is soft and its flavor is spiced, making it the perfect final touch to any meal. It's a humble dessert, but full of flavor and tradition.

Where to eat well in Ibiza: restaurants with typical Ibizan food

If you're wondering where to eat well in Ibiza to try these delicacies, the island offers a wide variety of options. Restaurants with typical Ibizan food can be found everywhere, from the chiringuitos (beach bars) on the sand where fish is king, to cozy inland restaurants, often located in old rural estates, that specialize in stews and local meats. 

For fish, we recommend looking for establishments on the north coast or in more secluded coves. For Sofrit pagès and rice dishes, restaurants in villages like Santa Gertrudis or Sant Llorenç are a sure bet. Asking locals for their favorite spots is an excellent way to discover authentic culinary treasures.

Invisa Hotels: the perfect place to savor Ibiza

After a day of culinary exploration, discovering the authentic gastronomy of Ibiza and trying its delicious dishes, you need a place to rest and refuel. At Invisa Hotels, we ensure your experience on the island is complete. Our Ibiza hotels are strategically located to offer you easy access to the best restaurants with Ibizan food, both on the coast and inland. 

Furthermore, in our own establishments, you can enjoy a varied culinary offering that incorporates local products and Mediterranean flavors. Let us be your home base for your journey of flavors through Ibiza, guaranteeing that each day ends with maximum comfort.

Typical Ibizan food is an essential facet for understanding the essence of the White Isle. From the freshness of Bullit de peix to the heartiness of Sofrit pagès, and the sweet touch of a typical Ibizan dessert like Flaó, each dish tells a story of tradition and flavor. We invite you to let yourself be carried away by the aromas and flavors of Ibizan cuisine, to explore its restaurants with traditional Ibizan food, and to discover for yourself why food is such a fundamental part of the island's charm. Get ready for a culinary journey that will leave you with an unforgettable memory!