RESTAURANT ES PORT DE VALLDEMOSSA Our friend Siddu Amin recently returned to Mallorca, and we had lunch at an off-the-beaten-path fish restaurant in Port de Valldemossa that has been operating since 1969. It has gained popularity among those willing to make the effort to visit. With its old-fashioned charm and warm, inviting atmosphere, it becomes particularly busy with tourists during lunchtime. Driving to the hard-to-reach beach and port at Port de Valldemossa requires nerv

X ETAPAS - TAPAS GAMBERRAS Our friend, Siddu Amin, recently returned to Mallorca, and we had lunch at X Etapas, a charming, well-managed family-run restaurant located away from the tourist crowds. This hidden gem retains an authentic local atmosphere, making it friendly and welcoming. The restaurant has a small but efficient team, with Carmen expertly serving the delicious tapas and managing the entire establishment on her own. The menu features a creative twist on traditiona

A TASTE OF SPAIN WITH MARUKA Our friend, Howard Goldsmith of Alicante Sunshine Villas, moved from Manchester to just outside the small village of Sax, in inland Alicante, over twenty years ago. This story is one of the reasons he loves it there and would never return to the UK. Our elderly (elderly!! I’m 65) neighbours have adopted us as their children. Manolo and Maruka (Maria Eugenia) are 89 and 78, respectively. They live in an enormous townhouse where she was born, and sh

ARAGMA IBIZA We visited Aragma Ibiza, the sister restaurant of Tapas in Sant Antoni de Portmany. The restaurant is located in a fantastic spot with views of the marina. It is overseen by a talented Greek head chef who prepares authentic, homemade dishes inspired by Greek cuisine. These shared-dining offerings are of exceptional quality and made with the freshest ingredients. Each dish is both delicious and surprisingly original. We started with three alhmbra cañas Our meal in

RESTAURANTE ES PUETÓ This is a traditional beach bar, or chiringuito, with an Ibicencan heritage that dates back to 1969. Unfortunately, 2026 may be the last year we can enjoy it, as it is scheduled for demolition at the end of the year due to the Costas rule. This regulation aims to restore the coastline by removing beach bars and restaurants. The chiringuito is located directly on the beach in Cala de Bou, and this friendly family-run bar is loved by locals and tourists ali

RESTAURANTE CA’S PAGES This is one of the most historic restaurants in northern Ibiza. It is run by two sisters, Carmen and Lucia, whose family started offering their traditional Ibiçencan cooking in 1972. It is situated in the basement of the family home and in the shaded, planted garden at the back. The beautiful partially covered outdoor seating area is filled with greenery and bathed in soft lighting. Arrive early to have a wider choice of seating. You will find large, lo

EL BIGOTES The Fish Shack at Cala Mastella is also known as El Bigotes, which translates to “The Moustache” a nod to the proprietor’s distinctive whiskers. El Bigotes will be remembered for sitting at his table every lunchtime while enjoying a flagon of his favourite red wine with his fish and rice. Sadly, he passed away in 2025 at nearly 100 years old. His funeral was massive on the island, with everyone paying their respects. Rest in peace, El Bigotes, and thank you for you

RESTAURANT CALA d’HORT (CA NA VERGERA) This mythical restaurant is also known as Ca na Vergera (the nickname of the family that continues to own and work here). It is one of the last authentic places left in Ibiza’s south. In the late sixties, Joan Vergera acquired the restaurant's land and built a small hut where his wife could work. Joan went fishing with his llaüt, a small Ibicencan fishing boat named “Adolfo.” When he returned, his wife, Maria, prepared a meal with the ca

When you think of Spain, you might picture sun-soaked plazas, lively flamenco music, and the enticing aromas of authentic Spanish cuisine. If you’re planning a trip and want to immerse yourself in the rich flavours of Madrid, you’re in for a delightful experience. Today, I invite you to embark on a culinary journey to explore the unique charm of one of Madrid’s treasures. Casa Toni Madrid is a small, unassuming bar and restaurant that may not look like much at first. However,

IBIZA’S FAMOUS CHIRINGUITOS HAVE STARTED TO OPEN AROUND THE ISLAND. Sunbeds and plastic chairs suddenly appear. Wooden tables are dragged across sand that sat empty all winter, and music quietly drifts across the empty sand out to sea. CLICK HERE TO SEE A FEW OF THE CHIRINGUITOS DOTTED AROUND THE ISLAND And just like that, after months of silence and closed shutters, the chiringuito is open again. Where does the word actually come from, and it’s not Spain; Chiringuitos d