Having recently reopened after a brief pause over the winter months – and we were overly enthusiastic to sample the offerings of this much talked about dinning experience. My companion and I began our evening perfectly with a leisurely walk (thanks to our sensible foot attire) up the glistening cobbled climb through the magnificent medieval doors that mark the entrance of the walled city of Dalt Vila.
The sun had just starting to set between the overhanging gothic buildings as we made our way towards the Plaza de Vila, the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s atmospheric main square. We took our time to stop and browse through a beautiful selection of boutiques, art galleries and gift shops offering a treasure trove of treats for locals and holidaymakers alike. Arriving at La Dispensa I was immediately taken back to my Italian heritage. Warmly welcomed by the delightful Alessio, we were heralded into the breathtaking cavernous entrance of the restaurant, in fact the words ‘oh my goodness” was the expression that slipped from our gaping mouths. The fantastical space is scattered with a vast and varied selection of eclectic and authentic Italian design touches. We were invited to a comfy spot perched at the bar, as we welcomed a few more friends and set about choosing a cocktail.
An international favourite, the Pornstar Martini was my companion’s choice, a combination of vanilla vodka, passion fruit, a dash of bitters and a shot of cava, and another “oh my goodness” graced our ears. I decided to try the La Nona de Dalt Vila, tiny jewels of watermelon soaked with vodka and teased with basil and vanilla syrup, to an absolutely delicious effect. It would have been clearly rude not to accept just one more cocktail, this time the signature AmarIbiza concoction, expertly mixed by our skilled barman and combining a melody of dry gin, basil, grapefruit, lemon juice, vanilla syrup and a dash of soda. By now we had certainly worked up an appetite!
Our table for the evening was located in the outdoor section of the dining concept, which is made up of four different buildings that line the narrow cobbled street of the famous Carrer de la Santa Creu. I was more than delighted to treat my derriere to the soft and inviting fleece-lined seating. We were handed an authentic newspaper-style menu and began to make our food choices. The Burrata is an absolute must, a soft creamy Italian cheese with delicately smoked aubergine served with a Bloody Mary salsa. The octopus salad with delicately cooked potatoes and kalamata olives was also quickly polished off.
Our main courses included a perfectly cooked al dente Linguine with Seafood, Solomillo of Beef with foie and caramelized melon, and the deliciously soft Dorada fish, which came cooked in paper and was enhanced with capers, tomatoes, black olives and a splash of white wine – a fish lover’s dream.
La Dispensa is one of four restaurants established by the renowned Amar Ibiza Group, which also include La Imprenta, Wasa.b and the soon-to-be-opened Masa Madre. The first of the portfolio to open on the White Isle, the flagship eatery is much more than a restaurant, it’s a creative workshop where gastronomy, design, ideas and art are merged to create a fusion menu of Italian and international dishes. As the evening continued, we enjoyed the impeccable service of the waiters – dressed like bellboys – whilst immersing ourselves in the ambiance of our breathtaking surroundings, my friend promptly blushing as she was serenaded by a talented flamenco guitarist.
Desserts were not to be missed at this point, and we savoured the delights of the White Chocolate Brownie with pistachio ice cream as well as tucking into a delicious homemade Italian Chocolate Mousse with a hint of salt flakes that made for the perfect marriage of intermingling tastes. If you have already had the fortune of visiting this spectacular eatery then La Dispensa Ibiza has added a few more delicious additions to its menu this season. Be sure to try the homemade Gnocchi with Prawns, Tagliata a la Toscana and the vegetarian Ravioli with Aubergine. I can only say that this was one meal we won’t forget in a hurry and we will be returning very soon to enjoy the seductive ambiance and delectable food that La Dispensa executes so perfectly.
Source: Essential Ibiza
