While it’s all too easy to stick to your tried-and-tested favourites when it comes to choosing an Ibiza restaurant – or stay close to the creature comforts of the bigger resorts – the island rewards those willing to venture off the beaten track with downright magical surprises.
And if you are still sleeping on the rural North of Ibiza, then what are you doing?
Tucked away by the side of the winding mountain road that connects the charming village of San Miguel, from its emblematic white church all the way down to the beach of Port de San Miguel, awaits a hidden gem that those in the know have loved for years – and those who discover it for the first time are instantly love-struck.
Built around a 200-year-old traditional farmhouse and surrounded by beautiful terraced gardens, La Luna Nell’ Orto is an enchanting, family-run restaurant that offers Mediterranean cuisine and homemade pasta in an inimitably enchanting setting. Where else could you enjoy a dinner under a 100-year-old fig tree?
The charming dining destination’s centuries-old history began as one of Ibiza’s oldest hippy markets; a place where artisans and musicians gathered. Later, it was acquired by an Italian lady named Valentina, who turned it into a restaurant. La Luna’s current owner, Adrian, took over the stunning space in 2011 and says it is the only place he ever worked during his 20 years on the island.
He says, “Guests often tell me that coming here feels like stepping back into the Ibiza of the past, where the owner greets them by name. That’s something I never want to lose.”
Whether you enter via the curved stone staircase at the top of the gardens or through the flower-framed walkway at the bottom, the first look at La Luna Nell’ Orto never fails to render you speechless. Gnarly trees, twinkling fairylights and exposed stonewalls have a rustic charm that is as authentic as it is romantic. Colourful lampshades dangle from the branches of the ancient figtree, beckoning you to take a seat under its fragrant leaves.
A friendly welcome by the team is guaranteed as they guide you through the restaurant’s hidden corners to your table. With a warm and soulful soundtrack curated by resident DJ Danyel Music drifting into your ear, the scene is perfectly set for a night to remember – whether you are dining with family, friends or a romantic partner.
We began our night in a cosy corner under the fig tree, taking up La Luna’s owner, Adrian, on his offer of a Spicy Mango Margarita and Watermelon Martini to start. The Watermelon Martini went down all too easily – a perfect refresher for a sweltering summer night. Meanwhile, the Spicy Mango Margarita was perfectly balanced with a touch of honey and a gentle kick from the chilli. Heaven!
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Sharing is caring, and as La Luna’s menu is full of tempting choices such as Shrimp Salad; Mushroom, Spinach and Black Onion Croquettes, and Dehydrated Wagyu Loin with tomato, basil oil and rocket, it took us a while to decide on a selection of starters.
In the end, mouths already watering, we chose the indulgent Burratina with confit tomato, lamb’s lettuce, arugula and sun-dried tomato red pesto; a zesty Amberjack Ceviche with coriander, lime, ginger and onion; and the Smoked Cod Carpaccio with sardines, black olive tapenade and black garlic alioli.
It was truly a feast for all senses as colourful plates with beautifully arranged delights arrived at the table, flavours and textures expertly balanced and all ingredients of outstanding quality. Paired with the atmospheric setting, La Luna Nell’ Orto has all the class and quality of a fine dining restaurant, but with a familial warmth and relaxed ambience that can sometimes be missing in the setting of a five-star hotel or the big, international chains that have arrived on the island in the past decade.
Having slightly over-ordered on the starters – the stomach space was worth every last morsel – we had to take a calculated break before tucking into our mains.
At La Luna Nell’ Orto, the pasta is lovingly made by hand by Argentinian chef, Dani, who learned how to cook from his mother – generations of knowledge and care transformed into the most delicious creations. And while there are many tempting pasta dishes on the menu – such as Pumpkin Ravioli, Black Ink Tagliatelle and Red Cabbage, Mushroom and Leek Ravioli served in a Basil Pesto sauce – we chose a simple classic: Caprese Ravioli stuffed with burrata and semi-dry tomato in a basil and tomato sauce. Divine!
We couldn’t resist an icon of Mediterranean cuisine and also tried the Grilled Octopus, elegantly laid out on a bed of potato parmentier and seasonal vegetables. The texture was absolutely stunning, with the softness of the meat contrasted by a delicate charcoaled crust.
Unable to squeeze in a dessert as well – though we know from previous visits that it is filled with delectable Italian favourites such as Tiramisu, Affogato and Sgroppino – we simply sat back for a while and finished our wine, soaking up the magical ambience and gorgeous setting.
Feeling a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of high season, we once again concluded that to experience Ibiza at its most magical, you simply must venture off the beaten track and explore beyond the bigger resorts. So whether you are coming to Ibiza with family, friends or your other half, if you make the journey north, you will be rewarded with one the island’s most enchanting dining experiences.
La Luna Nell’ Orto is open every evening from 07:00 pm until midnight. Reservations via +34 971 33 45 99 or ibiza.rest/en/lalunaibiza. Follow on Instagram @lalunaibiza.
