Legendary Ibiza restaurant, Sa Cornucopia, Ibiza has been gloriously established for many years. It's smack in the centre of the pretty little village of Santa Gertrudis in an old, authentic country house or ‘finca' dating back to the 1700's.
The Setting
I arrived in Santa Gertrudis one beautiful, balmy evening in early summer. Easily finding parking on the street outside, I entered the picturesque garden and was greeted warmly by their smiling manager, Anita.
I was invited to look around the place and was surprised and delighted to find the interior of the old house adorned with a eclectic collection of fine art. From paintings and wall murals to photography and pencil drawings. I wandered around, beneath the ancient and rare ceiling beams made of Almond wood, fascinated by the contrast of history, culture and nature.
The Art Exhibition
Anita explained that Sa Cornucopia was currently hosting an art exhibition, christened ‘Complicity' by four Ibiza artists. All of foreign birth and great friends, mutually in love with Ibiza, having made the island their home after its famous magnetism seduced them many years ago. Sa Cornucopia aims to support the work of these local artists. The exhibition focuses on the precious things of everyday life symbolised by the 7 holy virtues - small, everyday joys accesible to all. How beautiful. I was extremely impressed by both the quality of the art and the ethos of its creators.
The Chef
I chose a table in the al fresco dining area. Oscar Bueno Nillson, their accomplished and multi-lingual head chef, came out to have a chat about the menu. Oscar has travelled extensively and is writer of critically acclaimed cook-book, Savors (flavours) de Africa. He has a philosophy of very simple cooking. “I only play with nature” he confesses. Oscar takes only the best quality products: locally sourced fresh produce and free range, organic meat. He then adds one powerful taste and one complimentary flavour. Voila! The most delicious menu emerges with a truly international fusion of wonderfully creative summer twists on classic favourites like their huge rack of lamb and organic, roast chicken.
The Food
We took the king prawn tempura and tuna carpaccio for starters then the wok of vegetables and beef tartare for mains. Oh boy. The tuna carpaccio, served with watercress, toasted sesame seeds and sun-dried tomatoes was wonderfully light with a subtle, spicy bite. “How is your king prawn tempura?” I enquired politely to my companion. She nodded her head enthusiastically. “Really good... (chomp) really good...(more chomping)...I mean REALLY good!” I laughed out loud. “You're enjoying them then?” “I could eat them all night!” was her delighted reply as she plunged yet another king prawn into the mouth-watering coconut, passion-fruit and mango Ali-oli. Well, that pretty much sums up the entire culinary experience of the whole evening, dear readers.
The Wine
We opted for the house red, a mellow and well-rounded blend of cabernet and tempranillo, perfect for a temperate summer evening. If you, like myself are a wine-lover then don't miss their wonderful wine selection on display inside the restaurant.
The Ambience
A sublimely lovely evening in Santa Gertrudis unfolded. The garden dining area was charmingly secluded with no sounds of traffic, only the light touch of dinner-jazz and the low hum of conversation serenaded my ears. Oscar the chef consulted every table about the menu choices and I really felt relaxed and at home. Sa Cornucopia used to be a house and truly, something of that feeling prevails when you dine there.
The food is cooked freshly as you order it, so don't be in a rush! Sa Cornucopia is all about relaxing and enjoying top quality food with great company in a charmingly rustic, hippy-chic setting. The menu caters particularly well for vegetarians too unlike many other Ibiza restaurants.
The kitchen was presided over for many years by English owner Paul, 25 years resident in Ibiza, who is now busy helping his daughter with her new restaurant and hotel. Our overall sensation is that their new chef, Oscar, who still works closely with the owner, has added a new, dynamic energy to the menu whilst preserving all the quality this Santa Gertrudis restaurant has built its reputation on.
Special Monthly Events and Menus
Add to this their regular monthly events with special, complimentary menus and music such as ‘Gin and Jazz night' and ‘Cous-Cous night,' Sa Cornucopia offers much more than just food. It's a whole experience. For dessert lovers, do not miss the deliciously sinful chocolate bomb with home-made, Hierbas ice-cream which is quite frankly, to die for. This Santa Gertrudis gem of a restaurant is highly recommended by this Ibiza Spotlight reviewer! Go, relax and enjoy!
Quick Facts
What? Sa Cornucopia restaurant
Where? Santa Gertrudis
When? Every evening for dinner from 8pm
Why? Gorgeous menu, organic, local produce, charming location, regular art exhibitions (current one until until July 7th), special monthly events, call for details
Disabled Access? In the al fresco dining area
Average spend per head? €35-€45 with house wine
Top tips: Chat with the chef, ask to see his book and discover his insirational work with children!
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