Roca House

Perhaps it’s hard to believe that some areas of Ibiza remain concealed but these discreet corners of the island, among pretty, pine covered hills and brightly-coloured hibiscus bushes, are where the most exciting concepts bubble up to the surface. Take Roca House, for instance. A brand-new Ibiza restaurant that’s become the destination du jour for anyone in search of fantastic food in a supremely stylish setting, it’s also perfect for working days broken up by refreshing pool dips, icy cold pre-dinner cocktails, and stocking up on local products and baked goods too tasty to resist.

Set among the peaceful countryside of Roca Llisa on the eastern cusp of the island, Roca House is more akin to a sleek and exclusive members’ club than a standard Ibiza restaurant. Coming to life in a building that was formerly used for special events back in the 70s, it’s now been beautifully revived by owners who wanted to reinforce their strong connection to the island. By teaming up with esteemed Belgian designers Creneau Int, they’ve created a chic space in the campo where creatives can convene for luxe but laid-back dining that celebrates the freshest and most delicious ingredients.

Co-owner and chef Bart Thoelen heads up the Roca House kitchen, where an emphasis on purity extends to both product and method. Plump, sumptuous veggies are sourced from local farms, for example, while meat and fish are infused with a certain smokiness after being sizzled atop the Ibiza restaurant’s Josper grill. The menu also features exquisite, hearty dishes like succulent roasted chicken breast with glazed baby carrots, Galician grilled octopus with crushed baby potatoes, a tower-high burger with cheese, gherkin and pickle sauce, and lobster linguine in the sweetest of broths, designed to be shared between two.

There are rich, bountiful salads, plus starters including gambas with garlic and harissa, and creamy burrata with marinated tomatoes, as well as heavenly sharing plates like cured Ibérico ham, pickled anchovies and spicy padrón peppers that are perfect for nibbling poolside. Otherwise, pull up a pew on the Roca House alfresco terrace, where tables are dotted between trees, sofas sit atop brightly-coloured rugs, and parasols offer shade from the high summer sun, or head indoors for a clubhouse-inspired Ibiza restaurant experience surrounded by hand-curated artworks, leather-bound armchairs and the invigorating buzz of lively chatter.

Open for breakfast (plus morning yoga classes five days a week – check Instagram for details), lunch and dinner, Roca House pool passes are available for sun-drenched sessions spent lounging by the pool and indulging in the Ibiza restaurant’s tempting offerings all day long. And remember, no session at this snappy venue is complete before visiting the onsite bakery, where delicately crafted pastries sit alongside homemade sourdough bread and an enticing collection of local products that promise to jazz up the insides of any self-respecting foodies’ pantry. More than just exceptional dining, Roca House is bringing a dynamic new social dimension to this often-overlooked area of the island.