Forget what you think you know about Mediterranean cuisine. In the Balearic Islands, eating out is not just a pleasure, it is an adventure. The 2025 edition of Opinionated About Dining (OAD), one of the most respected food guides in the world, has named five local restaurants among the very best in Europe. From luxury dining experiences that feel like stepping into a dream, to rustic seaside gems where tradition is the secret ingredient, this is your invitation to taste the extraordinary.
1. Sublimotion: the world’s most expensive restaurant, and worth every penny
Tucked inside the Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza, Sublimotion is not just a restaurant, it is theatre, art, and science on a plate. Created by two-Michelin-starred chef Paco Roncero, this 12-seat experience combines molecular gastronomy with cutting-edge tech, including virtual reality, projection mapping, and live performances.
Imagine a plate descending from the ceiling disguised as a blowfish. Picture yourself soaring over Icelandic landscapes through VR goggles while tasting sea-inspired textures that melt in your mouth. At around €1,800 per guest, Sublimotion is officially the most expensive restaurant in the world and quite possibly the most unforgettable.
This is not food. This is a portal to another dimension.
2. Casa Jondal: where billionaires and rock legends eat barefoot
Set on the soft sands of a secluded cove, Casa Jondal is where Jeff Bezos, Leonardo DiCaprio, Mick Jagger and other icons go to eat like locals, with their shoes off and a glass of wine in hand.
Run by Andalusian chef Rafa Zafra, this beachside jewel is famed for its fresh Mediterranean seafood, minimalist elegance and one wild claim: it is the biggest caviar consumer in the world. And yet, the vibe is effortlessly cool, toes in the sand, sun on your skin, and every bite better than the last.
3. Es Xarcu: Ibiza’s hidden paradise for food lovers
Es Xarcu, perched above the turquoise waters of Es Cubells, delivers what food dreams are made of: cliffside views, whispering waves and the kind of grilled fish that ruins you for life. Ranked 222nd in OAD’s casual restaurant list, it is a sacred spot for seafood purists.
There is no menu theatre here. Just you, the sea breeze, and flavours pulled straight from the Mediterranean.
4. El Bigotes: one dish, one sitting, one legendary story
El Bigotes, ranked 261st by OAD, is a ritual. Nestled in the quiet bay of Cala Mestella, this humble beach hut serves only one dish, once a day: the iconic Ibizan fish stew ‘bullit de peix’, followed by a simple ‘arroz a banda‘.
It is rustic, it is real, and it is booked out weeks in advance. No frills, no menu, just the essence of island cooking handed down through generations.
5. Juan y Andrea: barefoot fine dining in Formentera
At Juan y Andrea, ranked 253rd on OAD’s casual list, time bends. Located directly on the dreamlike shores of ses Illetes beach in Formentera, this is where crystal-clear water meets five-star flavour.
Think lobster paella with chilled rosé, served just steps from the sea. Watch yachts sway in the distance while barefoot staff bring you the taste of island bliss. There is a reason it is a favourite among international travellers and locals alike, it is pure magic.
Why these restaurants matter (and why you should book now)
While Copenhagen’s Alchemist still tops the global list, Spain continues to dominate Europe’s culinary scene with 45 restaurants in OAD’s top 150.
Ibiza and Formentera’s presence in this elite selection confirms what seasoned travellers already know: these islands are not just for partying, they are for tasting life at its finest.
From experimental haute cuisine to humble family-run legends, this Mediterranean duo delivers unforgettable flavour in every bite.
Ready for the taste trip of a lifetime?
Your table is waiting. Whether you crave luxury, authenticity, or simply want to eat where billionaires do, Ibiza and Formentera’s top restaurants offer more than food, they serve emotion, memory and magic.
Book your experience now, and discover why this corner of the Mediterranean is Europe’s new foodie capital.
