La Barra de la Bientirada Ibiza

No trip to the white isle is complete without experiencing the vibrant ambience of Ibiza town – it’s an essential piece of the jigsaw that makes up the island’s unique character, and a few hours spent among the ancient, picturesque streets, by day or by night, aren’t to be missed. With that in mind, first on the must-visit list is La Barra de la Bientirada Ibiza, a stylish, Spanish-style taverna right in the centre of the island’s capital. Open from midday to midnight, seven days a week, it’s a casual Ibiza restaurant that offers up fantastic food and drinks at reasonable prices, and – most importantly – it’s great fun to boot.

Located just a short stroll from Ibiza town’s pretty port, La Barra Ibiza is bustling at all times. Indoors, stylish blue and white tiles wrap the statement bar area, while outside, tables line the street, looking out on to the world as it whizzes past beneath the sunshine. A feel-good mix of locals and visitors congregate here, lost in lively conversation as much as they are in the Ibiza restaurant’s menu, which centres on tasty tapas and delicious sharing plates that are all made using fresh, local ingredients, and which change at least twice a year to reflect the seasons.

First things first: take a look around at La Barra Ibiza and it soon becomes clear that the Ibiza restaurant’s famed Spanish tortilla is its signature – you won’t spot a table without it. Cooked to perfection, and with a different special every week (think sobrasada, or onion and goat’s cheese, or luxurious truffle), it’s already the stuff of legend. A slew of additional Spanish favourites have been given a modern twist, often inspired by the intricacies of Andalusian cuisine. There are fluffy ham or red prawn croquetas, for instance, plus squid with citric ink mayonnaise, and wedge shell clams in wine sauce with ham shavings.

The tapas selection also features the fiery La Barra Ibiza spicy potatoes; the salmorejo with egg, ham and olive oil, and the homemade Russian salad with tuna belly and peppers. The ‘between bread’ section on the Ibiza restaurant’s menu includes a salmon tartare brioche with wakame and crispy onions; the garlic prawn brioche with sriracha and chilli mayonnaise; and an irresistible mini burger of matured beef with chunky cheddar and onion. To share, try the burrata salad with rocket and a trio of tomatoes; the Iberian pork with fries and padrón peppers, or the sweet and smoky octopus with paprika parmentier.

There are desserts too, of course. Don’t miss ‘The Cheesecake’ – made using an especially creamy in-house recipe ­– and wash it down with the Ibiza restaurant’s range of ice cold beers, Spanish wines and well curated spirits. Open all year round, and especially busy at weekends when revellers line up wall-to-wall as they bid farewell to the week, La Barra Ibiza epitomises the spirit of Ibiza town, welcoming everyone with open arms.