Once considered the landing spot in San Antonio for mainly British tourists, ‘the Bay’, starting at the small beach of Es Pouet and continuing all the way to Port d’es Torrent, has undergone much regeneration in recent years.
Now a culinary destination in its own right, San Antonio Bay offers an array of dining options and price points. From high-end to budget, traditional Spanish to Asian cuisine, family to casual dining, the Bay really does have a little bit of everything.
The best feature of this 2.5km extended area of San Antonio, taking in the coves of Cala de Bou and Playa Pinet, is its stunning coastline. The incredible sunset viewpoints from the many coves and beaches mean you can marvel at the changing night sky, whilst you eat or enjoy the vivid colours on a post-dinner stroll.
Here is a roundup of our favourite Bay recommendations:
High-end
Pom Thai serves up some of the finest, most authentic Thai food on the island. The classy outside dining is beautifully set up so you can crunch on your prawn crackers poolside, whilst enjoying the cool summer evening. Be careful not to fill up on the great selection of starters, as the chef's specials and perfectly spicy curries need room to be devoured.
Dining with toes in the sand at Port des Torrent beach, Tigre Morado is a fresh-fish lover’s delight. Accompanied by a warm sea breeze, you can select from its bursting seafood menu, filled with creative flavours and interesting twists. A beautiful cove to relax in, it's worth hanging out until sunset to enjoy your meal in harmony with that special moment.
For those craving a biodynamic dining experience, then Taste of Salia at the very end of the Bay should be top of the list. Focused on sustainability and conscious cuisine, they follow the Mediterranean's natural cycles by honouring the changing seasons, with an extensive menu of the most exquisite dishes from the sea's finest produce.
Just a hop, skip and jump from Can Salia, Can Pujol holds one of the island’s finest beachfront vantage points. Founded in the 1980s, its enduring popularity is due to perfecting the freshest Mediterranean seafood dishes, and you’ll find tourists and Ibizan families returning year after year. Both may sit at the higher end of the budget scale, but with the wonderful views and gastronomic delights they serve, it's deservedly on point.
Set back from Port d'es Torrent beach, a restaurant that once upon a time enjoyed uninterrupted views of the bay, El Gallo Viejo - also known as The Old Cock. Dating back to the late 50s, it’s well-known for its excellent meat, fresh fish and charming atmosphere. For a taste of Ibiza in days gone by, make sure to check out the many photos they have on display.
Mid-range
A beautiful garden restaurant, the serene Sundara Ibiza is a lush location, with an even lusher Thai fusion menu. The stunning garden setting, with soft lighting and palm trees looming over, makes you feel like you’re a world away. Vegetarian or not, the bang bang cauliflower should make it onto your order.
Health food lovers will adore Natural Pau by Es Pueto Beach. The garden setting is perfect for enjoying amazing salads, nutritious bowls, pizzas and grills, all washed down with healthy juices for prices that will make you smile. As will the friendly service.
A new contender to the San Antonio Bay pack, Pisco Beach is already becoming a popular destination. With front-row seats onto the S’Estanyol sands, they offer a fine menu of fresh fish, plus many other international dishes. Of course, when tasting the cocktail menu, the Pisco Sour must be first on the list.
Burger lovers will be in heaven, with two of the finest Bay burger joints within shouting distance of one another. Multiple award winner The Kitchen 62 offers a vast and hearty burger - and tapas - selection, one that embraces national meats, local cheeses and vegetables across the menu. Accompanied with a side of homemade chips and served in a homemade bun with a dollop of homemade sauce, it's a no-brainer.
A special mention has to go to Johnny's Burger Bar, who serve their own mean meat mountains, just across the road. With a wide selection of toppings and sauces, you can enjoy your burger pretty much any way from their open terrace. Veggie and vegan options are also available across the menu.
Just around the corner, Relish, with its chilled hangout pool and relaxed lounge dining area, comes in as one of the coolest spots in the Bay. Offering an extensive menu of intriguing tapas creations, it's no wonder it’s such a well-loved home-from-home. But let's not only focus on the tapas, otherwise, the scrummy mains, delicious desserts, cocktails and always popular Sunday Roasts won’t get a look in.
For Sushi lovers, Kojima creates excellent Japanese home cooking and sushi at very reasonable prices. The owners are very friendly, so don’t hesitate to ask for their recommendations. If you want to try tasty and authentic Japanese food, then make your way to this intimate restaurant on Carrer de la Corunya.
Heading back towards San Antonio, why not take in a super sunset as the backdrop to your beachfront meal? Es Pueto is a famed sunset dining experience with tapas, fish and Spanish specials on the menu. This is a no-frills, plastic chairs, fingers in food, feet in sand authenticity and well worth the visit.
Slightly more upmarket, Es Virot serves some of the best seafood in Cala de Bou, and has the perfect location to enjoy it, right on the water’s edge. Looking for the perfect lunch? Aim for the titular Es Virot paella, with prawns and crab, for the ultimate holiday feeling.
The cute hideaway terrace of the Lemon Yard may seem unassuming but don’t let this fool you. From here they serve a well-flavoured menu, including succulent Koren-style ribs, full-flavoured Ramen, Shawarma’s and great options for vegans and vegetarians. The live music most Sundays is worth stopping off for.
With its cute roadside terrace that looks out to the sea, Sofia Gastrobar is the place to enjoy a laid-back lunch or sunset dinner. The selection is huge, incorporating Brazilian influences from its owners, who you’ll also find behind the decks at sunset. Cocktail fans will be happy here and there's a lot for veggies and vegans to get stuck into.
Budget
Liberties offers a budget-friendly menu on its perfectly placed people-watching terrace. Juicy burgers, wraps, wings and everything you need to recover or set yourself up for the day ahead. Sports enthusiasts will be particular fans, with screens inside and out
Cool Cafe is the perfect pit stop, even for those early risers. Here you can grab a coffee, acai bowl, fresh juice or select from the many, many tostada options. They also offer a big lunch menu plus a deli counter filled with freshly baked sweet treats and cakes to tempt you afterwards.
Pizza lovers will be delighted by the choice in the bay, with two of the island’s best ovens along this stretch. Ausonia Pizza Bar and El Kiosko both reign supreme when it comes to wood fire, home-baked pizzas topped with fresh ingredients.
Ausonia Pizza Bar is the first one you will encounter. Apart from superb thin-base pizzas, the restaurant also offers a wide selection of delicious Italian dishes if pizza isn’t your thing. El Kiosko is a little further along and probably wins in terms of atmosphere. With its brightly coloured stone walls and open-plan dining space, this little roadside rebel is hard to miss. Very popular, you will find it buzzing with customers come early evening.
If you need a little more heat on these balmy summer evenings, then Curry Palace is an absolute must. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of its outside terrace as its heavenly and hearty menu makes up for its lack of decorative frills. A wide selection of traditional Indian dishes is on offer - all packed full of flavour. We’d advise choosing your spice rating carefully because they don’t scrimp on the heat!
Not strictly speaking a restaurant but still a great venue, Kumharas is a little hippy hangout with an unbeatable sunset viewpoint. This beachside gem steals the show every evening with its live music or DJs and street food court filled with a range of international delicacies. All reasonably priced and freshly cooked as you wait, you can grab a tasty bite before plonking yourself before the most spectacular of Ibiza sunsets.
For even more restaurant ideas, check out our choice of restaurants in San Antonio Bay and find our full restaurant guide here.
