As a sought-after holiday destination, Ibiza has more than its fair share of places to eat and drink, though if you are on a budget, are partying back to back, or you've splashed out on accommodation, you may want to offset that with places that won't break the bank.
Luckily for you, Ibiza Spotlight has your back, with our low-down on how to have a good time without it costing you a fortune. In the second article in this series, we take a look at places in Ibiza Town where you can eat and drink and not weep when the bill comes.
If you are heading west read our guide on budget food and drink in San Antonio.
Morning time
Enjoy breakfast outside at La Cava
There is one simple method to surviving a fun-fuelled Ibiza holiday and that is breakfast. For what better way is there to prepare yourself for a day sunbathing or sightseeing than a morning meal?
If you want to eat as the Spanish do and well, look no further than La Cava, a day-to-night restaurant situated on the main square of Vara de Rey for your breakfast. It makes a great people-watching spot and if you miss the first meal of the day, it's open for lunch and dinner too with a great tapas selection.
Just moments away from there, lies the much-loved Es Tap Nou on Calle Madrid, which boasts an impressive breakfast menu, including freshly made juices made with fresh and local produce, all at reasonable prices. Here, there's something for all, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options too. For the very health conscious opposite the Multicines cinema, Eat Is Life, has some great low-cost, fresh and organic breakfast options. What better way to start your Ibiza day.
lunch to dinner
Pretty as a picture and great food at S'Escalinata
When it comes to lunch and dinner, you can find many affordable spots if you know where to go and fortunately we do. In the walled citadel of Dalt Vila, a must try is S'Escalinata, offering very high quality tapas and amazing sandwiches at very affordable prices. It's an Instagrammers dream too with mega comfy, brightly coloured beanbags and sofas spread out over stone steps. For those that love the taste of the sea, The Fish Shack, at the far end of Talamanca beach has a certain charm in simplicity, cooking up the freshest fish directly on the rocks next to the sea. Whilst it lacks fancy decor, it more than makes up for it with its food and the incredible views.
Pizza lovers should head to local institution El Pirata in the marina that's open from 13:00 daily. There's also a great selection of pasta dishes and all food comes at a reasonable price with big portions too. Just behind it on Calle Felipe II is Bide Bide, where you'll get a dizzying array of pinchos, which are essentially tapas on bread and sealed with a wooden toothpick. There's a general food menu too that's good on the wallet. Further up on Calle Ignasi Wallis, going west - this time pinchos only - is the ever popular Can Terra, where you can eat and drink for very little. It's often packed, so a good tip is to go early evening to avoid the crowds.
Popular spot Can Terra will feed you well for little
Another time-honoured favourite that serves traditional Spanish food is Los Pasajeros in the old town. This place has been welcoming diners for many years, who love its unfussy style and great prices. If you are lucky, you might get the much sought after balcony table. Nearby is Comidas San Juan on Calle Montgri that offers good Spanish fare and it's really, really tasty. Go early at lunch if you don't want to queue, though really it is part of the experience.
For great spicy food visit GAVE Mx for highly authentic Mexican food, prepared lovingly by the owner, the head chef. Its salsas come served in a test tube rack: make sure you ask which is the hottest just in case! Brooklyn Burger on Avenida de España offers burgers made with the best Spanish beef and will really fill you. You can get a steak or salad, one of its hot dogs or even fresh lobster too. Far from fast food, this keenly priced restaurant and bar will leave you with a smile on your face as well as a full belly.
Spice it up at Gave Mx
When you are on the go and want to pick up a nice sandwich, try Viandas on Calle Metge Antoni Serra, specialists in cured Spanish meats such as acorn-fed Jamon Ibérico hams and salamis of the very best quality. Pick up one of their reasonably priced repasts and eat it in the nearby squares of Vara de Rey or Plaza del Parque or take to the beach.
Drink time
Plaza del Parque offers lots of bars that are good on the pocket
Many places offer reasonable drinks' prices in Ibiza Town. If you want more than a bar for locals, we suggest you head to Plaza del Parque, which has a selection of bars serving drinks at popular prices, plus this pretty square is a delight to spend time in. A good place there is the Madagascar Café, that's favoured by both tourists and residents with everything from coffees to cocktails.
Glamour and cocktails at Number 5
If you want something glamorous, perhaps before an evening out in the clubs or after dinner drinks, Number 5 in the port is an excellent find. On the harbour front with the old town to the back of you, sit back on comfortable sofas and enjoy one of its very good cocktails, all for a price that won't leave you strapped for cash.
More cocktails can be found a little further back into the old town at Paradise Lost, set in an ancient and atmospheric area on Calle del Passadis, with a lovely outside terrace and very original concoctions. This modest and intimate cocktail bar is owned by Captain Jimmy and if you want to know anything about cocktails, he's your man.
So, enjoy and return home with money still left in your pocket after going to one of these great food and drink venues.
