• Yalla Ibiza – Open in winter

There was a buzz about new fusion restaurant Yalla Ibiza before it even opened its doors in 2023, and now it’s confirmed: the furore is totally justified. A must-visit destination for after dark feasting inspired by the vibrant flavours of the Middle East, the Ibiza restaurant was conceptualised and brought to life by Lana Love, founder and creator of the world-famous Passion Café empire. Adding a new string to her already bursting bow, Lana has personally curated the mouth-watering menu and elegant dining space in Santa Gertrudis – the island’s cosmopolitan foodie hotspot.

Located in the centre of the pretty village, every dining experience at the hot new Ibiza restaurant leaves the senses sizzling. The signature ‘salatim’ section of the Yalla Ibiza menu sets the bar for what unfolds over the course of the balmy Balearic night — a selection of nine delectable salads, mezze and cold dips designed to be shared among the table and eaten at leisure. Followed by salads like fattoush, a crunchy, lettuce-based Middle Eastern classic with plump tomatoee, cucumber, mint and pita bread croutons, and the house Yalla salad, this is where sensory satisfaction begins.

Meanwhile, the mezze section of the Yalla Ibiza menu weaves its own irresistible spell. Dishes include tart pickles, creamy hummus and smoky babaganoush, alongside roasted cherry tomatoes so pretty they gleam like gemstones, hearty falafel, zaatar halloumi, and chargrilled aubergine enhanced by the rich intensity of tahini, harissa oil and pine nuts. A selection of the finest quality meats are enriched by flames and smoke on the Ibiza restaurant’s expansive grill, with spiced chicken shish tawook, mouth-watering lamb kofta and succulent solomillo or entrecote, all elevated to the next level from behind a mesmerising smoky haze, and if you’re sharing with friends, don’t go past the mixed grill platter.

Don’t leave Yalla Ibiza without sampling its carousel of exquisite desserts, delicious Turkish coffee, and fresh mint and Moroccan tea. Try the sweet pastry layers of the baklava; the Muhallabieh, a vegan pudding made of coconut milk, rosewater and pistachio; or the Persian ice cream, already so popular at the Ibiza restaurant that it’s an icon in the making. There’s an innovative cocktail list here too, with concoctions like a refreshing ginger and coriander martini, and a botanic-inspired rose mojito, as well as a hand-picked selection of Lebanese and Croatian wines that perfectly complement the menu’s vivid flavours.

Coming alive once the sun goes down, Yalla Ibiza promises to ignite tastebuds and conversations alike. Indoors, the Ibiza restaurant hums with activity and glimmers with absorbing atmospheric light, while outside on the alfresco terrace the pink-hued petals of Bougainvillea hang low over the tables that are stacked with stylish crockery and glassware ready to be filled. Reserve a table, come with friends – the sharing style menu, with plenty of plant-based, healthy and vegetarian options is ideal for mixed group celebrations – and settle in for a dining session that will guarantee you return time and time again.