Ibiza proudly maintains its five Michelin-starred restaurants this year, a significant accomplishment achieved within just four years. This milestone underscores the island’s emergence as a premier gastronomic destination, now enjoying the international visibility and prestige these coveted awards bring.
The recognition from the Michelin Guide not only highlights the exceptional skill of the chefs and teams behind these restaurants but also elevates Ibiza’s reputation beyond its beaches and nightlife. These accolades place the island firmly on the map for food enthusiasts seeking unique, high-quality dining experiences.
From zero stars to five
After the brief but brilliant success of Can Dani in Formentera, which held a Michelin star from 2014 to 2016 under the direction of chef Ana Jiménez, the Pityusic Islands entered a quiet period without stars. This lull ended in 2020 when Es Tragón became the first restaurant in Ibiza to earn a Michelin star.
Since then, the island’s culinary achievements have accelerated. In 2021, La Gaia, the flagship restaurant of Ibiza Gran Hotel led by chef Óscar Molina, received its first star, further cementing Ibiza’s place on the gastronomic stage. In 2022, a third star arrived for Etxeko Ibiza, a project by renowned chef Martín Berasategui at the Bless Hotel Ibiza, with Paco Budia as head chef.
The culinary landscape reached new heights in 2023, when two more Michelin stars were awarded in a single gala: one to Unic Restaurant, helmed by David Grussaute at Migjorn Ibiza Suites & Spa, and another to Omakase by Walt, led by Walter Sidoravicius in Ibiza Town.
With this rapid progression, Ibiza has gone from being a hidden gem to a culinary powerhouse, now boasting a diverse range of Michelin-starred restaurants that cater to various tastes and styles.
Michelin-starred restaurants in Ibiza
Es Tragón
- Location: Cap Negre Road (Sant Antoni)
- Cuisine: Creative
- Es Tragón combines bold creativity with a deep respect for tradition, presenting dishes that surprise and delight with every bite.
La Gaia
- Location: Paseo Juan Carlos I, 17 (Ibiza Gran Hotel)
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Known for its elegant atmosphere, La Gaia is a haven of innovation, blending Mediterranean flavours with Japanese techniques in exquisite tasting menus.
Etxeko Ibiza
- Location: Cala Nova Avenue (Es Canar, Santa Eulària, Bless Hotel Ibiza)
- Cuisine: Creative
- Etxeko Ibiza celebrates the essence of Basque cuisine while incorporating local Ibizan ingredients, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
Unic Restaurant
- Location: Begonies Street, 18 (Playa d’en Bossa, Sant Josep)
- Cuisine: Innovative
- A culinary laboratory, Unic Restaurant reimagines traditional recipes with a modern twist, showcasing the island’s finest produce.
Omakase by Walt
- Location: Canonge Joan Planells Street, 8 (Ibiza Town)
- Cuisine: Japanese
- A temple of precision, Omakase by Walt offers a highly curated dining experience inspired by Japanese culinary artistry and Ibizan ingredients.
“A dream come true”
For the chefs behind these award-winning restaurants, receiving a Michelin star is more than recognition—it’s a life-changing moment. “I believe it’s a dream and a recognition any chef would aspire to achieve,” said Walter Sidoravicius of Omakase by Walt, shortly after earning his star in 2023.
The distinction not only affirms their hard work but also validates the strength of their projects. “The Michelin star has given me confidence and assurance,” shared David Grussaute, executive chef of Unic Restaurant, whose reservations have surged since the award.
The Michelin Guide’s recognition has transformed Ibiza into a sought-after destination for food lovers. Many visitors now come to the island specifically for gastronomic weekends, dining at multiple Michelin-starred venues during their stay. This shift has positioned Ibiza as a destination not only for leisure but also for culinary exploration.
Championing local ingredients
The rise of Michelin-starred restaurants in Ibiza has also elevated the island’s culinary standards, with chefs placing a strong emphasis on local ingredients and sustainable practices.
Chef Walter Sidoravicius, for instance, crafts Japanese-inspired dishes with a focus on Ibizan products. “My technique is Japanese, very traditional, but I use as much local produce as possible,” he explained. His menus showcase an impressive array of local seafood, including tuna, red mullet, lobster, dolphinfish, and snapper.
Similarly, Óscar Molina of La Gaia has built strong relationships with local producers, a connection he considers essential to his success. “I create cuisine rooted in the local territory,” he has said, a philosophy reflected in his seasonal tasting menus. Over his 15 years at La Gaia, Molina has also championed sustainability, a core value recognised by Michelin.
Es Tragón: a sustainability pioneer
As the first restaurant in Ibiza to receive a Michelin star, Es Tragón continues to lead by example, earning the prestigious Green Star for its commitment to sustainability.
Chef Álvaro Sanz described their approach: “While maintaining the highest gastronomic quality, we share our commitment to the land, small artisans, and local products, always striving for a superlative global experience.” The restaurant even incorporates native Ibizan plants into its dishes, blending culinary excellence with environmental stewardship.
A new era for Ibizan cuisine
The presence of Michelin-starred restaurants has transformed Ibiza’s gastronomic identity, attracting global attention and enhancing the island’s appeal as a culinary destination.
By combining world-class techniques with local flavours, these establishments offer a dining experience that is as unique as the island itself, solidifying Ibiza’s reputation as a paradise not just for sunseekers but also for food lovers.
