Zeneat

Nestled among the gently undulating hills of Benimussa, on the cusp of the west coast town of San Antonio, picturesque Ibiza restaurant Zeneat is a hidden gem that sings with quiet romance. Although open to the public, the location – within the postcard-worthy grounds of boutique hotel Can Vistabella – still feels off-the-beaten-track, like a secret to be shared only with your closest friends and loved ones. And while the setting alone is worth the journey, so too is the spectacularly soul-filled Mediterranean cuisine, designed to nourish the body as much as it nourishes the soul.

By day, the atmosphere at Zeneat is divinely laid-back, thanks to a poolside location encompassed by swaying palm trees, brightly coloured hibiscus bushes and plumes of vibrant bougainvillea where lounging is the only thing on the agenda. Sunlight falls softly on shaded wood tables and birdsong from the surrounding forest echoes across the spaces. In harmony with its natural surroundings, the talented team behind Zeneat have lovingly created a menu dedicated to using local ingredients to create colourful dishes brimming with flavour and flair.

Brunch at Zeneat ranges from brekkie faves like scrambled eggs with fresh herbs and toast with tasty toppings like smoked salmon and poached egg, to banana pancakes with chocolate and breakfast bowls bursting with seasonal fruits, açai, yoghurt and homemade granola. Sip on smoothie combos like pineapple, beetroot and mint or a detoxifying spinach, apple, ginger and celery to perk up, then follow up with freshly brewed coffee or a matcha latte as you melt into the relaxed vibe of this Ibiza restaurant and see where the day takes you.

If you’ve woken up late, or feel like something a little more lunch than brunch, Zeneat boasts an array of hearty salads including the Athena with tomato, cucumber, red onion, olives and feta, and the Solaris with zucchini carpaccio, lemon, pine nuts and parmesan. The menu also doesn’t shy away from satisfying the carnivores – the entrecôte with millefeuille potatoes, pistachio pesto and thyme butter is not to be missed nor is the grilled hake with leek purée and almonds.

Come dusk, the pretty year-round  Ibiza restaurant transforms into a more intimate space where twinkling stars and flickering candles are the primary sources of illumination as the same delectable menu takes Zeneat diners into the evening. Oven-baked salmon comes with a pistachio crust and roasted carrots, while plump homemade spinach gnocchi is doused in a coconut curry salsa. For something more substantial, opt for the slow-cooked beef cheeks in red with a black garlic parmentier. The kids’ menu is guaranteed to satisfy even the fussiest little eater with choices like creamy tomato pasta and a classic fish and chips that always go down well.

Zeneat offers a range of organic wines, chilled vermouths and sparkling cava in a list designed to complement the food, while cocktails lean on local fruits and herbs, and fresh-pressed juices and light spritzes suit any hour of the day. This relaxed Ibiza restaurant is a tranquil escape from the busyness of the island, where day or night diners can enjoy good food made with love in a beautiful setting, all summer long.