Having won its first Michelin star in November 2022, Etxeko Ibiza at BLESS Hotel Ibiza has welcomed back Spain’s most celebrated chef, Martin Berasategui, to present the new menu at an exclusive dinner in collaboration with champagne maison Comte de Montaigne.
This season’s new menu continues to merge Cantabria’s traditional flavours and the finest Ibizan ingredients, honouring Berasategui’s roots and the essence of Basque gastronomy, whilst giving diners an authentic taste of the White Island.
The tasting menu takes diners on a gastronomic journey through both destinations, featuring authentic foods typical of both, including sea bass from Ibiza and Basque chilli served with sirvia.
“The award is the result of working hard with the same enthusiasm as on the very first day, five years ago, when Etxeko Ibiza opened its doors. The whole team is happy motivated to continue working hard every day, and this is reflected in the new menu, where we continue to strive for maximum excellence. We want visitors to continue to be thrilled by our cuisine,” says Martín Berasategui.
Chef Paco Budia, who has grown to be Berasategui’s right-hand man on the island, says “I was lucky enough to start working with Martín when I was very young, and every day I continue to enjoy his genius in the kitchen, but also his humility and human quality. Receiving the first Michelin star is an honour, an encouragement to continue this good path. So, during this winter, we have worked with the same enthusiasm from Lasarte to design this season’s menu and devise changes in the menu together with Martín and his team.”
A menu based on the whims of the sea, the countryside, and the seasons
Chef Paco Budia’s kitchen team works closely with local artisanal suppliers to source the freshest produce on the island, right down to oil and butter, placing local producers front and centre of Etxeko Ibiza’s culinary concept.
The tasting menu is split across 15 courses, including Berasategui’s world-renowned ham and truffle liquid omelette and tempura hake with amontillado and caviar mayonnaise. Other standout dishes include the lobster carpaccio on an emulsified fennel base, designed to pay homage to the Balearic countryside, and ‘The Ocean’, an innovative wild sea bass dish braised with a seaweed liqueur. Meat eaters can enjoy dishes such as ‘The Desert’, a succulent smoked fillet of Iberian pork with touches of oyster taramasalata and mustard ice cream.
The dessert menu does not disappoint either, providing a sensory experience in the form of celery ice cream with granulated brandy, as well as a creamy mango rock, served with caramelized hazelnuts, coffee butter and vanilla toffee.
The dishes on Etxeko Ibiza’s menu are a visual spectacle, with many being finished right on the table in front of the diner, allowing them to actively participate in the dining experience and to feel at home. This approach is consistent with the restaurant’s name, which means ‘from home’ in Basque. Wine pairing also plays a key role in the carefully curated dining experience. Eliel Varela, Head Sommelier, is responsible for selecting wines from the island, including white, sparkling and fortified wines, and working with Paco Budia to create ideal pairings to enhance the flavours of each dish.
Privileged location in the most stylish hotel on the island, inspired by Coco Chanel
Etxeko Ibiza is situated on the first floor of BLESS Hotel Ibiza, located in the tranquil Cala Nova overlooking the Mediterranean. The restaurant design stands out for its warm, inviting ambiance, created by the extensive use of wood, comfortable seating and a beautiful statement fig tree in the centre of the room. After dining at Etxeko Ibiza, guests can enjoy a swim in the hotel’s infinity pool or indulge in one its exclusive signature cocktails on the rooftop. BLESS Hotel Ibiza is a member of the prestigious Leading Hotels of the World group, which reflects its commitment to offering world-class hospitality and service.
