Pepita Ibiza: Cuisine Tapas And The Art of Sustainable Dining

Pepita Ibiza

Santa Eulalia’s gastronomic transformation continues. 

As Ibiza resurfaces out of the most challenging conditions the hospitality industry, as a whole, has experienced, an influx of glamorous new hotels, experimental cocktail bars and gourmet eateries is elevating the resort’s status to rival that of established island foodie hotspots such as Ibiza Town and Santa Gertrudis.

One of the most exciting new additions to the seaside town’s culinary offering is Pepita Ibiza, a relaxed and welcoming melting pot where delectable cuisine ‘tapas’, eye-catching art and a mesmerising soundtrack come together in an innovative new dining concept. 

Led by British chef Dave Bone and co-founder Paola De Gregorio, the team behind Pepita Ibiza has made it their mission to make fine dining accessible to everyone.

KM0 produce, sustainability and the support of local artisans are the key ingredients in their recipe for success.   

Located just a few steps above Santa Eulalia’s bustling beach promenade, the restaurant instantly catches the eye with its teal and yellow sign that invites passers-by to experience ‘the art of dining’.  

The floor-to-ceiling windows allow a first glance inside the eatery, a warm, welcoming space filled with upcycled furniture and colourful paintings.

On the menu, which guests will find tucked away inside the pages of vintage books laid out on each table, a selection of sharing dishes with a cuisine twist awaits.

With hypnotic and deep ethnic house beats drifting in your ear and fantastical murals catching the eye, it’s a dining experience that stimulates all senses.

The wine list focuses on supporting independent, local suppliers from the island or the Spanish peninsula.

With the help of Somm Wine Shop in Santa Gertrudis, Paola and Dave have created a carefully curated mix of organic and biodynamic wines to be paired with Pepita Ibiza’s seasonal menu.

In the kitchen, rising international culinary star Bone is working his magic.

Many will recognise his name from BBC2 show My Million Pound Menu, which saw him and his business partners win investment for their restaurant concept Pilgrim, now serving up a “radically seasonal” Spanish menu in Liverpool’s Duke Street Market.

Bone has also previously opened restaurants in Egypt, and headed up London food institutions such as Mac & Wild as well as The Princess of Shoreditch.

Pepita Ibiza co-creator Paola De Gregorio explains why the duo set their sights on the White Isle.

“Ibiza has everything. It has the natural beauty, but it also has the craziness! And its gastronomic reputation keeps growing, especially that of Santa Eulalia,” she says.

“The island has fantastic local produce and there are a lot of environmental organisations, such as Ibiza Produce and Plastic Free Ibiza, which was important to us.”

Paola continues, “We recognised that there is a big movement of people out here who want to change things. Ibiza has a lot to offer, and we believe we can make an impact here.”

Indeed, Pepita Ibiza has already caught the attention of foodies from all over the island with its innovative and seasonal dishes.

After offering a five-course tasting menu with a wine pairing option for the first few weeks after opening, now guests can choose from an a la carte menu that features a varied tapas selection – and moreish desserts for after!

We tried a colourful variety of fish, meat and vegetarian dishes, including sliced courgette and torched squid in a shellfish sauce, red mullet served with fennel and salsa verde, and silky prawns in a Romesco salsa. 

Pepita Ibiza

We also savoured some early stand-outs that have been proving popular since Pepita opened its doors, such as the slow-cooked carrots accompanied by goats cheese covered in salted almond candy and spiced seeds, and a slice of compressed potatoes served with red pepper and kale. 

We were told that the collective favourite “by far“ is Pepita Ibiza’s Pluma steak, a tender cut of juicy black pig combined with potato and a savoury tapenade of anchovies and black olives. With each perfectly cooked bite melting in our mouths, we were easily convinced!

Throughout, we were expertly advised on the best ‘copa de vino’ to accompany our selection. Grapes on the menu range from a clean and refreshing Gran Vinum Albariño from Rias Baixas to a smooth and elegant El Chaparral Garnacha from Navarra.

In between plates, we couldn’t help but mentally pick out some prints to take home from the enchanting selection of ‘Mediterranean Pop’ drawings by Italian artist Marta Fofi, which are displayed on the restaurant walls.

Just like Pepita’s menu, the exhibitions on display will change throughout the year.

Next up is a showcase from British artist Helen Sadler, a painter who uses acrylics on canvas to create abstract artwork inspired by the natural light and colours of the Balearic Islands.

The exhibition will open with a vernissage on Thursday, November 4th 2021, starting with a cava reception from 18:00 followed by an opening talk by the artist herself.

After an evening of warm hospitality and mouth-watering food combinations, we weren’t allowed to leave before trying some sweets, too! 

A Mandarin sponge cake in a saffron cream with a hint of pink pepper set our taste buds alight, an unusual and intriguing combination like nothing we had tried before. 

The luxurious and rich chocolate mousse made with beans from local carob trees and olive oil, provided a silky-smooth and intensely flavoursome finale to our meal. 

Pepita Ibiza is a great little place to visit when you want to enjoy high quality, organic and creative cuisine in a relaxed and unpretentious setting, and go on a journey of culinary discovery with your nearest and dearest.

At the weekend, Pepita Ibiza invites diners to brunch with them on Saturdays from 12:30 to 15:00 before reopening for dinner from 18:00 to 23:00, or enjoy a ‘Sunday Munch’ sharing roast with a glass of cava, a choice of lamb shoulder or chicken, mixed vegetables and a dessert from 12:30 to 18:00.

Take a date or bring your pals, and settle in for an evening of fine dining with heart and soul at this new foodie hotspot! 

Pepita Ibiza is open from Wednesday to Friday between 18:00 to 23:00, 12:30 to 15:00 and 18:00 to 23:00 on Saturdays, and 12:30 to 18:00 on Sunday. Head to pepitaibiza.com to discover more and reserve your table.

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