How does the environment influence the creation of dishes at The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza?
The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza customers come from all over the world, so we highly value offering a culinary experience that is authentic and reflects our identity. The fact that we operate during the summer also plays a crucial role. Temperatures are high, and humidity is noticeable, which means our diners don’t always seek heavy dishes. Freshness and lightness are essential in our creations as we must adapt to the climate.
We have the advantage of being located just a few metres from the beach, allowing customers to enjoy a swim between courses or after a meal. This proximity inspires us to offer a menu that aligns with that sense of freshness and relaxation, with options that perfectly complement the unique experience of being in Ibiza.
What is the culinary philosophy behind the menu?
Our culinary philosophy is based on creating an author-driven Mediterranean menu, where each dish reflects our passion for local ingredients and authenticity in the kitchen. We are increasingly focusing on “zero kilometre” products, meaning fresh, locally sourced ingredients that allow us to offer our customers a gastronomic experience that is as authentic and sustainable as possible.
Cooking with new ideas is part of our creative process, and these ideas often lead us to questions and explorations that enable us to innovate and continually improve our offerings.
Is there a local ingredient that has particularly surprised or inspired you?
I have been pleasantly surprised by the quantity and variety of fish we can obtain here in Ibiza. The protein richness of these fish is impressive and this has inspired us to fuse them in unique ways in our dishes, especially in our rice dishes.
We are constantly experimenting with combinations that enhance the flavours of the sea, adding a special touch to our dishes that distinguishes them while also honouring the abundance and quality of local products.
How does sustainability influence your culinary approach?
For me, food is a pleasure, but it is also a form of medicine that keeps our body functioning. Nowadays, we eat more for pleasure than for nutritional necessity, which is natural, as every bite can evoke memories and emotions. In our kitchen, we try to balance this pleasure with a responsibility towards the planet and health.
We focus on market-driven cuisine with a wide variety of fresh products. Additionally, we always encourage our customers to take home any leftovers, as we value every food item and dislike wasting anything. In my home, nothing was ever wasted. If there were ripe tomatoes, we made a sauce; if the fruits were overly ripe, we made preserves. My grandfather, who is 97 years old, still buys a bit of extra bread to make migas, French toast, or enjoy it with milk for breakfast.
In our restaurant, we have implemented multiple recycling points and work daily to instil the importance of recycling. We are becoming increasingly aware of our responsibility and are committed to doing a good job in all aspects.
What inspires you when designing a new dish?
The first thing is to be in a good mood and feel motivated. Then, I like to gather my team and share the idea I have in mind with them. It’s crucial for me to listen to their opinions and combine our ideas to create something truly different and special.
Once we’ve discussed the idea, we start bringing it to life. We test the dish several times, adjusting and correcting whatever is necessary until we are all satisfied. This collaborative process ensures that it stays true to the vision we have for our menu.
Finally, we decide together how and where to place it on the menu, ensuring that it fits well with our culinary proposal and our customers’ expectations.
What do you hope diners will experience at The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza?
The experience at The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza should be unique from the moment our diners enter the restaurant. Our goal is for every customer to feel at home.
From the first contact, our service team ensures they are offered the best place to sit and presents them with the day’s suggestions. What fills me with the most pride is when they tell us they’ve enjoyed the place and are looking forward to returning. That, for me, is the greatest satisfaction—knowing that we have managed to create an atmosphere and experience that leaves a lasting impression.
More information and reservations
Reservations at The Beach by Ushuaïa Ibiza can be made by calling +34 626 384 378, where you can also resolve any questions with the restaurant’s professional team.
