Order an array of light fresh and flavour-filled starters for the table, such as the San Marzano tomato tartare with lightly pickled dressing, tonnata sauce and topped with a ‘carta di musica’ crisp; grilled watermelon glazed in agave; the popular marinated salmon salad; dry-aged Galician beef carpaccio and yellowfin tuna tartare – all ideal for sharing and perfectly suited to the island’s climate. In-between courses, guests drift between Aiyanna Ibiza and the Cala Nova shoreline, taking a cooling dip to keep the summer heat at bay before indulging in the creative and delectable main dishes.

Cipollini approaches Mediterranean cuisine from a contemporary perspective, influenced by seasonal produce and coastal flavours. Specialties include a creamy, seafood-infused risotto ‘a banda’ – arriving layered with whole wild scarlet shrimp; and the melt-in-your-mouth veal rib tagliata is sliced atop silky saffron parmentier, courgette ribbons and Parmesan dressed in a citrussy calamansi vinaigrette. Vegetarians will adore the organic and colourful garden risotto, or the roasted aubergine with hoisin glaze and tzatzkiki, while carnivores are spoilt for choice with a Josper-roasted, zaataar-spiced free-range chicken; the classic Aiyanna Ibiza burger with Mahón cheese and truffle mayo; or the ultra-fresh Atlantic sea bass fillet served with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, capers and more.

While the food naturally steals the spotlight, the design and décor at Aiyanna Ibiza frames the atmosphere around it. Art director and interior designer Mauricio Gonçalves creates spaces – from the lounge and chill-out areas to the iconic terrace – that feel deeply connected to the spectacular natural landscape surrounding the restaurant. Natural wood finishes, handcrafted clay lamps, terracotta details and flowing linen fabrics soften the space throughout the day, while open terraces allow sunlight and sea air to move freely between the restaurant, lounge and beach below. It’s a rustic-chic, design-led aesthetic that lends itself to Instagram, of course, although many guests find simply being present and in the moment satisfaction enough.

As daylight begins to soften over the sandy shores, the atmosphere at Aiyanna Ibiza shifts. Candlelight flickers across the terrace and the moon rises dramatically from the sea before your eyes – especially impressive with the monthly full moon, when reservations are essential to guarantee a front-row view. With very little development beyond the cliffside, evenings here feel wonderfully removed from the busier corners of the island.

“There is something very special about dining here at night,” says Roberta. “The sound of the sea, the absence of noise, the feeling of being almost isolated in nature. It is a very pure experience, deeply connected to the surroundings, and it reflects the essence of Aiyanna.” The fluidity around mealtimes means there’s always a buzz, no matter what time you arrive – some tables may be on their first round of cocktails and others on their last. Speaking of which, you shouldn’t leave Aiyanna Ibiza without trying the signature Espresso-Missú, a twist on the espresso martini where Santa Teresa Gran Reserva rum, coffee and chocolate bitters bringing a decadent finish to the palate, not to mention perking you up as you head out into the Ibiza night.

Part of what makes the restaurant so loved is the variety of people it draws together so naturally. Families arrive after long mornings on the beach, groups of friends settle in for celebratory lunches and couples arrive for romantic dinners overlooking the sea. Between the beautiful beachside setting, the world-class cuisine and its relaxed fine dining atmosphere, Aiyanna Ibiza offers a balance that resonates with this gentler side of the island, capturing the slower pleasures of northern island life perfectly. “The north of the island has a very special energy: more authentic, more natural and less saturated,” concludes Roberta. “Aiyanna fits naturally into that environment, while bringing a level of gastronomy, service and attention to detail that makes the experience truly unique.”