Long before I moved to Ibiza, I used to religiously visit the island with my friends every summer. And as our priorities for this much-longed-for annual pilgrimage to the White Isle began to include gastronomy, an unofficial – yet undeniable – list of favourite dining destinations was shaped by our desire for good food, a little dash of glamour and that inimitable Ibiza ambience.
For me, this list was topped – year after year – by Bambuddha Ibiza.
Opening its doors in 1999, by the time we first visited circa 2009 – 2010 this iconic restaurant was already well established, its reputation preceding it far beyond the island’s shores. Shrouded by towering, thick bamboo walls, upon entering the evocative village-like space, I was awe-struck. Despite having lived in London for many years at this point, I quite simply had never encountered a place so sensuous and full of intrigue.
From the majestic wooden pagoda-style roof that covers the main dining space – a large, sparkling chandelier floating above the tables juxtaposed against the simplicity of the structure – to the hidden corners filled with stone sculptures gathered from different corners of the world, and naughty little details surprising you at every turn if you catch them, Bambuddha has an air of sultry mysticism that should be near impossible to recreate.
It may sound like I’m exaggerating, but I swear that this moment was one of the final pieces of evidence I needed to decide that Ibiza was infinitely cooler than anywhere else in the world, and I must move there at one point. It would only take me another six years or so, but here we are…
Founded by John Moon, the original elder of the Black Sheep Tribe, Bambuddha Ibiza is a reflection of the intrepid explorer’s travels across the globe. Every detail found within the venue has a story of its own, and every piece was thoughtfully selected and brought to Bambuddha from the world’s most distant places.
Its free-spirited philosophy is represented in the three ‘Pirate Buddhas’ that form its iconic logo; representing tolerance, freedom and respect. Embodying the diversity of human sexuality and spirituality, seated together at a bar they symbolise the many journeys we take in our search for peace, love and consciousness. It’s no surprise that the space’s somewhat unorthodox spirit resonated with the eclectic mix of island visitors and residents alike, turning it into one of Ibiza’s most illustrious destinations.
In 2026, his son Jonjon Moon continues its story, and Bambuddha Ibiza remains a jewel in the crown of the White Isle’s gastronomy scene. While Ibiza’s restaurant offering has has exploded, with an influx of new dining concepts and international chains trying to stake their claim, diners in-the-know come for the stunning setting, the divine MediterrAsian menu, and the rich lore that runs like a whisper of secrets past through the impenetrable bamboo.
This summer, I was delighted to return for a romantic dinner with my love, especially as it was his ‘first time’ – a perfect double entendre, because at Bambuddha a tongue-in-cheek sense of humour is very much part of the experience.
If you are looking for a spectacular place to take a date, this is the one. Nevertheless, when we arrived on a hot summer’s night, the dining room was already bustling with tables of friends, families, and couples alike.
Making our way past the carefully arranged stone sculptures in the entrance and through the jewel-hued cocktail bar, it was exciting to see Bambuddha through the eyes of someone who hasn’t dined there before. Needless to say, the ‘wow factor’ was fully achieved, and we sat down at our table with much anticipation for the night ahead.
Naturally, the occasion called for an expertly mixed cocktail, and we started our evening with the light and floral “Foreplay” made with lemongrass and kaffir lime-infused Citadelle gin, lavender syrup, lemon juice and a splash of soda water. Outside of Bambuddha’s signature cocktails, guests can also request their favourite classic creations, and my partner opted for a zesty Spicy Margarita.
We were welcomed by the lovely Karen, who kindly offered to put together a selection of dishes for us to show off the diversity of the cuisine on offer. Bambuddha’s unconventional approach extends to the way food is served, with the Asian tradition of sharing and bringing out “food as it’s ready” replacing the more formal structure of starters and mains. Designed to bring people closer together, the experience encourages guests to share, discover and enjoy a wider range of dishes.
Indeed, there is a vast selection to choose from. Spanning categories such as ‘sea’ and ‘land’, as well as delectable sushi, aromatic curries, soft Bao buns, nourishing soups, rice and noodles, yakitori and more, you are spoilt for choice – each and every dish created with great care, top quality ingredients and artistic flair.
With so many tempting options, we were truly grateful that Karen was creating a tasting menu for us.
While we wait for the first round of dishes to arrive we simply enjoy soaking up the ambience, a soundtrack of tantalising beats drifts into our ears. Soon, the plates begin to arrive.
The Torched Salmon Uramaki roll filled with salmon, broccolini, avocado and ikura roe is marinated in ponzu and topped with torched salmon, teriyaki sauce and spicy mayonnaise.
Sushi is one of Bambuddha’s specialties, and it sets the bar high for the rest of the night. The Yuzu Hamachi, with its silky slices of sustainably farmed yellowtail sashimi with yuzu juice, Japanese plum sauce, chilli and basil, is a feast for the eyes and tastebuds.
Next up, we tucked into delightfully squishy and filled with Wagyu beef patties, cherry tomato and red pepper marmalade, shiso leaf and a sweet, spicy, and tangy Zhong sauce – at this point, we are swooning.
The indulgent treat is perfectly juxtaposed with a refreshing Spicy Beef Salad from the menu’s ‘cold’ section – a winner in the hot summer months! Light, zesty and full of flavour, Iberian beef is marinated and seared before being laid out on a bed of mango, chili, coriander, basil, and peanuts – a spicy Thai dressing providing a kick!
Utterly irresistible Sticky Spare Ribs – made with Iberian pork that has been slow-cooked in a Chinese sauce and seared with soy sauce, ginger, garlic and japanese onion – and an aromatic Malaysian Curry with soft prawns and a coconut and tamarind curry sauce made up the grand finale of our meal. Washed down with a smooth French rosé from the Miraval estate and a classic Japanese Kirin beer, we were in foodie heaven.
Even though we felt like we had no room left, Karen convinced us to share a dessert; a deconstructed chocolate cake that layers rich cocoa-infused crumbs with a silky chocolate cream and roasted hazelnuts – simply divine!
After a night of culinary temptations and heavenly indulgences, we finally wandered out of Bambuddha’s maze of temple structures, hidden corners and mysterious sculptures to emerge from behind the bamboo, thanking our lucky stars for a night to remember.
Bambuddha Ibiza is located at Diseminado P25 Santa Gertrudis, 1, 07849, Islas Baleares.
Make your reservations via bambuddha.com.
