Dining Out: Aiyanna, Ibiza

5 min read

Northern Ibiza has long been the island’s best-kept secret — quieter, greener and more authentic than its southern counterpart, with an energy that leans into wellness and slow living. It is here, tucked into the curve of Cala Nova Bay, that Aiyanna Ibiza has built a reputation as one of the White Isle’s most stylish beachside destinations.

With its modern rustic architecture, splashes of colour and open-air layout, the restaurant sets the tone for an experience that feels both discreet and effortlessly elegant. It’s less about posing, more about immersing yourself in panoramic sea views, unhurried meals, and the kind of atmosphere that locals and in-the-know travellers quietly treasure.

The menus embrace a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine — seasonal, organic and designed for sharing. Much of the produce is plucked straight from the restaurant’s own gardens, ensuring the plates feel vibrant and alive with flavour.

When we dined, a selection of starters set the mood for an afternoon of light but satisfying indulgence. Grilled watermelon glazed in agave arrived sprinkled with rocket, toasted almond and creamy Ibicencan goat cheese — a dish that captured summer on the island in a single bite. A pannacotta of burrata layered with smoked sardine, tomato compote and basil oil balanced richness with freshness, while queen scallops with chilli and lime butter were charred just enough to release their sweetness.

From there, the kitchen leaned into bold, spice-led mains. A chargrilled free-range chicken, roasted in the Josper oven and dressed in za’atar spice, came with baby baked potatoes, sautéed spinach, pine nuts and raisins. Lamb cutlets, served with ras el hanut potato purée, honey-glazed asparagus and crispy kale, reflected Aiyanna’s flair for marrying Eastern Mediterranean spices with Balearic produce. And for those seeking something indulgent, the seared Wagyu flank steakwith mixed vegetables and lamb-and-tarragon jus delivered a deep, umami richness.

If there’s one criticism, it’s that the mains felt overly substantial. Each arrived with hearty carbs and sides, making additional accompaniments unnecessary and shifting the balance of the meal. For that reason, Aiyanna works best not as a full dinner destination, but as a long, leisurely lunch spot — where a few light plates, shared with friends over cocktails or a chilled glass of house rosé, feel perfectly aligned with the rhythm of the day.

This is, perhaps, what Aiyanna does best: capture the essence of Ibiza afternoons. Think slow dining, vibrant conversation and the occasional pause to glance out at the glittering sweep of the Mediterranean.

Between its laid-back elegance, bold Mediterranean flavours and eco-minded ethos, Aiyanna makes a strong case for being one of northern Ibiza’s most compelling dining destinations. But rather than a place for a heavy, late-night feast, it shines brightest as a gateway to the island’s long-lunch culture: a few inventive small plates, a round of cocktails, a carafe of rosé, and hours that stretch lazily into sunset.

Aiyanna isn’t trying to be all things to all people — and that’s its strength. It knows its identity and executes it with precision: stylish yet unpretentious, modern yet rooted in Ibiza’s slower, more authentic north.

For those in search of the White Isle’s true rhythm, this is where to find it.

Book a table at Aiyanna Ibiza.