Shanti

A great debt is owed to the grandmothers worldwide who passed their culinary traditions onto their grandchildren. At Shanti, an eclectic tandoor restaurant and cocktail bar near the velvety sands of Cala Llonga, the credit goes to Mrs Mangaka Barve. Her grandson, chef OjasNaware acquired the foundational skills of Indian cooking at her side, later embarking on a globetrotting culinary career before landing in Ibiza to man the pans at this diverse and deeply flavoursome new Ibiza restaurant.

The culinary philosophy at Shanti rests on two core principles: locally sourced produce and a reverence for India’s gastronomic heritage. Every ingredient at the stylish Ibiza restaurant is chosen for its provenance and superfoods bursting with nutrients take centre stage. Prepared with ancient culinary techniques, including fermenting, pickling, and sun-drying, the menu traverses flavours from the Himalayan peaks down to the fishing villages of Kerala and finally to the shores of Ibiza.

Mixologist Marcus Garvin crafted the unique libations at Shanti, collaborating with Chef Naware to marry the rich and exotic flavours of India with global influences. Standout cocktails at the one-of-a-kind Ibiza restaurant include the Flying Turban, blending date and cardamom syrup with Markers Mark and the Shanti Town ­– a journey from Mexico to Kolkata with Mezcal Cómplice, Tequila Curado, chipotle liqueur, falernum, and homemade cinnamon-orange syrup.

The best thing to pair with your cocktail – and before exploring the Ibiza restaurant’s carefully curated wine list – is a plate of Delhi potato bravas with crispy onions, sesame, mint chutney and chilli yoghurt. Other starters include Monkfish hariyali kebab with dried mango and marinated onions or the Bombay-style lamb kheema on toast with green pea yoghurt. The heart of Shanti’s magic lies in its traditional tandoor, exotic marinades and rare spices, resulting in dishes sizzling with colour and spirit. Mains touch on local flavours with dishes like the tandoori octopus with truffle potato and green apple slaw and morcilla crumbed pork belly with green apple slaw.

Shanti expertly caters to vegans and vegetarians with options like smoked tofu, aubergine and courgette moussaka saag as well as potato and cashew malai kofta with saffron milk and crispy leeks. Sharing is encouraged via the butterflied tandoori chicken with mint and coriander chutney or the slow braised lamb shoulder rogan josh. The desserts are simply exquisite, featuring sweet morsels like carrot halva and almond tart, Darjeeling tea crème brûlée, and a Kulfi magnum. Diners with kids will be pleased to know this family friendly Ibiza restaurant also boasts a dedicated menu designed for less adventurous little palates.

As your evening ends, be sure to raise a glass to Mrs Mangaka Barve, who taught her grandson so well. Thanks to her, Shanti is a culinary gem that promises to become one of your favourite Ibiza restaurants for many years to come.