• ‘La Era’ at Aguamadera Ibiza – Open in winter

Surrounded by nature, immersed in stillness and filled with soul, Aguamadera Ibiza is the conscious Agroturismo concept created by islander Iria Urgell. Hidden within an expansive hillside on the east coast of Ibiza, the project encompasses a beautifully restored finca, a divine wellness hub, an impressive permaculture farm and the culinary jewel in its crown, La Era – the visionary wood-fire Ibiza restaurant that’s open to the island community and discerning diners all year round.

Chef Gonzalo Cerrato Laguna, whose international career trajectory has taken him from London to Mexico and beyond, is the mastermind behind the menu at La Era at Aguamadera Ibiza. Eschewing electricity in favour of flames, the result is a symphony of seasonal flavours inspired by traditional farming lifestyles, the purity of Mediterranean produce and the art of wood-fire cooking.

By day, guests dine on the tranquil, sun-drenched terraces at Aguamadera Ibiza, taking in the panoramic valley views to the idyllic soundtrack of cicadas and birdsong, while dedicated farmers tend quietly to the adjacent and abundant garden. After dark, mealtimes are centred around the crackling fireplace in the cosy, candlelit interior of La Era, where authentic soul and jazz music floats over the airwaves and an undeniable sense of home permeates the atmosphere of the Ibiza restaurant.

Start by snacking on traditional coca bread with trout, radish and Ibiza goat butter; share a fresh fennel salad with a burst of mandarin, kalamata olives and lemon leaves, or tuck into sweet and savoury leeks with beurre blanc, tartare and anchovies. Eat the rainbow – plucked straight from the Aguamadera Ibiza garden – with a plate of beets, blackberries, dill and roasted hazelnuts or roasted red peppers with cod pilpil. It’s important to note, there’s no rush at La Era – time in the Ibiza restaurant should be spent savouring each unique dish and honouring its provenance.

Cerrato’s mastery of the grill truly shines when it comes to main courses at La Era. Seafood lovers will adore the mussels in ponzu, dill, coriander and chili lemon drops, or the ever-changing catch of the day, its natural flavours enhanced by the combination of fire, wood and smoke. The suckling pig terrine with braised cabbage, peanut and shiso cream fuses local flavours with international flair; the succulent veal cheeks with butternut squash and sage are a testament to the earth and the Ibiza restaurant‘s specialty – wild mushroom rice with pork ribs and shrimp carpaccio – is a masterclass in culinary creativity.

With friends, old and new, gathered around the table, laughter and conversation flows as freely as the hand-crafted cocktails and expertly selected fine wines. More than just a meal, each and every gastronomic experience at La Era at Aguamadera Ibiza becomes a memory, and yet another reason to return to this unforgettable Ibiza restaurant.