Shake your maracas, because Mexican food is finally having its well-deserved moment in Ibiza! From the famous Mediterrasian fusion cuisine that has dominated the island for years to exotic kitchen hybrids like Nikkei and Meppon, the White Isle is near impossible to beat where culinary variety is concerned. However, the ‘humble’ Mexican way of dining has been somewhat lacking in presence on Ibiza’s food map – up until this summer, that is!
With momentum beginning to gather a couple of seasons ago, a mix of new eateries specialising in all things mezcal, tacos and fresh – even raw – seafood and plant-based recipes have popped up on the island. Meanwhile, our longstanding favourite hangouts are also adding mouth-watering Mexican dishes to their menus. To our ears, this is amazing news, as we never know when our next craving for zesty salsas and or generously laden tacos strikes. From indulgent nachos to modern and light vegan creations with a kick, we have rounded up our favourite places to get our Mexican food fix in Ibiza!
Music & Mezcal At La Mezcalería Mexiterránea
Bet we had you at mezcal, right? Some of you might recognise the Mezcaleria name from its previous incarnation as an artisanal bar in Dalt Vila, and this year the brand has expanded to an atmospheric garden restaurant between Santa Eularia and San Carlos. With over 30 variety of the agave spirit on their shelves and the choice between a dedicated taco or ‘raw’ ceviche and veggie menu, we couldn’t be bigger fans of the cool concept. Plus, with live music acts taking to the stage almost every night, it’s the perfect place to chill with friends and seek respite from the packed dancefloors.
Mexican Mondays At Pikes Ibiza
From now until the end of September, Mondays at Pikes are ‘twice as nice’ thanks to the heavenly combination of Room 39’s ‘Mexican Monday’ tasting menu and DJ Harvey’s Mercury Rising residency. Fuel your night with zesty frozen mango margaritas and delicious gourmet tacos offering cuisine combinations such as Baja fish with pico gallo and white sauce, chicken with salsa mole, spring onion and almonds, spicy cauliflower with lentils, chilli sour cream and fresh coriander, or the ‘surf and turf’ combo of steak topped with prawns on a bed green chilli slaw, fresh mango chunks and pickled shallots.The salads are healthy and so tasty they could convert us to permanent veganism, and we’re sure friendships have ended fighting over the last bite of the patatas guacas, skinny fries smothered in guacamole, chilli salsa and an addictive cheese sauce. And if you can find the energy to move once finished, go and dance off your Mexican feast to the eclectic, sexy sounds of Harvey’s marathon six-hour sets!
Plant-Based Mexican Food At Peyote Ibiza Bay
Championing modern, healthy Mexican cuisine, this summer Peyote Ibiza Bay has introduced a completely plant-based menu that is every bit as delicious as its meat and seafood creations. Located in the swanky Nobu Hotel in Talamanca, dine on the sundrenched terrace with views on the glittering sea while toasting the occasion with a chupito from the restaurant’s extensive tequila selection or a mezcal-infused cocktails – the Wild Berry Margarita with a spicy tajín rim is a firm favourite of ours. The food is fresh, light and innovative, and our top recommendations are to try the crunchy Jicama root salad dressed with lime, mint and tajín, and, simply for its showstopping effect, one of the huge chargrilled cauliflowers coated in red and green adobo sauces. Last, but not least, the Tres Leches dessert – a gluten-free vanilla sponge cake covered in silky whipped cream and fresh fruits accompanied by a scoop of milk ice cream – is to die for!
www.peyoterestaurant.com/ibiza
Credit: All images are copyright of Olivia Ebeling for Tribe Magazine.