Forget paella for a moment. Imagine biting into a crusty bread roll that bursts with the flavours of slow-cooked roast beef, silky tuna sauce, sweet semi-dried cherry tomatoes, and a final zing of powdered capers. This is not just any sandwich—it is the Mar y Tierra, recently crowned the best sandwich in Spain. And you can only taste it in one place: Can Gourmet, a small but celebrated bar in the La Marina district of Ibiza Town.
This award is changing the way visitors see the island. Ibiza is no longer just about beaches and nightlife—it is now a must-visit destination for food lovers chasing unforgettable flavours.
A national championship win that put Ibiza on the map
In early 2025, the Mar y Tierra triumphed at the II Campeonato de Bocatas de España, held in Madrid. Out of 130 participants from across the country, only 15 made it to the final blind tasting. Competing against creative sandwiches from regions as diverse as the Basque Country and Madrid, the Ibiza entry stole the show.
The panel of judges was a who’s who of Spanish gastronomy: José Carlos Capel, food critic for El País and president of Madrid Fusión; chefs Mariana Sánchez, Sergio Manzano, Vicky Sevilla, Gonzalo Baquedano; and renowned journalist Juana Castaño. Their verdict? The sandwich from Ibiza was in a class of its own.
The organisers summed it up perfectly: “More than a sandwich, Mar y Tierra is a declaration of principles—respect for technique, passion for ingredients, and a play of contrasts that elevates street food to haute cuisine”.
What makes the Mar y Tierra so irresistible?
The success of this sandwich is all about contrasts. Here is what you will find inside:
- Roast beef cooked slowly at low temperature, tender and bursting with savoury depth.
- Tuna sauce, creamy and smooth, adding a wave of flavour from the sea.
- Parmigiano Reggiano, rich and nutty, giving an intense umami hit.
- Semi-dried cherry tomatoes, sweet with a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness.
- Rocket leaves, fresh and peppery, balancing every bite.
- Capers in powder form, delivering a salty, sharp finish that lingers on the palate.
The first crunch of bread, followed by layers of flavour that move from earthy to salty to sweet, turns this into a sandwich you will remember long after your trip.
Why Can Gourmet is a must-visit in Ibiza
Location, history, and atmosphere make Can Gourmet the perfect stop during your Ibiza adventure. Nestled in La Marina, one of the island’s most authentic and colourful neighbourhoods, it sits at the foot of Dalt Vila, Ibiza Town’s UNESCO-listed citadel.
Here, you can stroll through cobbled streets lined with boutique shops, admire the harbour full of yachts, and then sit down at Can Gourmet to taste the sandwich that conquered Spain. The bar may be small, but its reputation is huge.
A winning streak: from Balearic champion to national glory
This is not Can Gourmet’s first taste of victory. In 2024, during the first edition of the national championship, the bar won the award for the best sandwich in the Balearic Islands with a recipe that featured white Ibizan butifarra sausage, caramelised onions, and baked potato cream.
In just one year, they evolved from regional champions to national winners, proving that their creativity and passion for flavour are unstoppable.
Ibiza’s gastronomy: more than nightlife
The triumph of Can Gourmet is also a reminder that Ibiza is a destination for serious food lovers. Yes, the island is famous for its clubs and beaches, but its culinary scene is thriving.
From family-run taverns serving bullit de peix or sofrit pagès, to Michelin-starred restaurants experimenting with avant-garde techniques, Ibiza offers food experiences as vibrant as its sunsets. The award-winning Mar y Tierra now adds one more reason for visitors to explore the island’s flavours.
How to make the most of your visit
If you are planning a trip, here is how to turn your visit to Can Gourmet into an unforgettable experience:
- Explore La Marina: wander through its lively streets, browse independent shops, and enjoy the buzzing atmosphere before sitting down for your meal.
- Climb up to Dalt Vila: the ancient citadel offers panoramic views that pair perfectly with your gastronomic journey.
- Pair it with a local drink: try Ibiza’s herbal liqueur, hierbas ibicencas, after your sandwich for a true local touch.
- Arrive early in summer: the fame of the Mar y Tierra means Can Gourmet fills up quickly, especially after its big win.
Why food lovers cannot miss this experience
Food has the power to capture a destination’s soul, and Can Gourmet has distilled the spirit of Ibiza into one sandwich. It is vibrant, surprising, and full of contrast—just like the island itself.
Travellers seeking more than beaches and nightlife will find in La Marina a reason to slow down, savour, and connect with Ibiza through taste. And there is no better introduction than a sandwich that has just been crowned the best in Spain.
Ready to taste Spain’s best sandwich?
Your next trip to Ibiza is not complete without a stop at Can Gourmet. Order the Mar y Tierra, take that first crunchy bite, and experience why experts chose it over 129 competitors.
Plan your visit to Ibiza, explore La Marina, and make sure you do not leave the island without tasting the sandwich that conquered Spain.
