As an Ibiza loyalist, I am constantly trying to share the true nature of the world-renowned island in the Balearics. Yes, there are super clubs and massive parties, but there’s also an intense love for nature and a sophisticated, Bohemian view of life. Santa Gertrudis is a quiet, beautiful town that hosts some incredible gastronomic experiences. Finca La Plaza is absolutely one of them, paying homage to its distinguished Spanish history while celebrating the evolution of fine dining across the glamorous White Isle.
With its magical ambience and culinary excellence, Finca is a fantastic place to disappear from the hustle and bustle of Ibiza’s summers and embark on an exquisite journey where old and new converge. It’s a place to find solace from the hot summer days and hectic tourist-packed streets.
From the Church to the Courtyard
Santa Gertrudis is arguably Ibiza’s most charming pueblo. An oasis of calm, its sun‑soaked streets are filled with locals cheerfully going about their day. Nestled in its heart, Finca La Plaza occupies the oldest building in the village, a beautiful traditional Ibizan country house that sits opposite the Church of Saint Gertrude of Fruitera and its small cemetery.
The finca carries ancient stories of Ibiza’s past, the surprisingly rich and diverse history of the Balearic Isles whispering out of its limestone walls. As you walk towards the gorgeous courtyard, guided by the soft, warm glow of light and the sound of laughter of children playing outside, the host stands ready to welcome you into a sanctuary of deliciousness.
Unmistakably Mediterranean
My guest and I arrived as the sun was saying its goodbye on a warm July night, a 9 pm seating is considered typical in Spain, of course. As we stepped onto the estate grounds, we crossed the threshold into a space that honours generations of Ibicencan custodians. Plenty of lush green foliage surrounds the courtyard, lit with tealights and string lights overhead. During the cooler off-season, a canopy covers the dining area, but with the lovely summer weather, we dined under the stars. Not only is the environment peaceful and elegant, it also feels extremely intimate, with musician Juan Calero strumming and singing against the lush green backdrop, serenading you whilst your spectacular meal is crafted and enjoyed.
The menu is a sophisticated blend of traditional Spanish flavours and contemporary culinary techniques, offering a diverse selection of dishes that highlight high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. If you wander down almost any side street in Ibiza, among pine, olive, fig, carob and citrus trees, you will glimpse Finca’s secret Eden. Lavender, rosemary, thyme, wild fennel, mint—they grow freely, mingling scents and textures to amplify the sensory experience. In Ibiza, culinary intention meets nature’s convenience: farm to fork in literal steps.
Standouts include acorn-fed Ibérico ham (a premium delicacy) and the “meloso” rice dishes: one with prawn carpaccio for seafood fans, and a vegetable-and-artichoke version for vegans. Highlights among the mains include crispy Segovian Suckling Pig (requires 48-hour notice) and the Charcoal-grilled whole sea bass, with cherry tomato vinaigrette, and Kalamata olives, both are splurge-worthy additions.
A Gastronomic Fiesta at Finca La Plaza
At our table just outside of the inner sanctum of the finca, we had a view of the entire courtyard. Cocktails were dispensed quickly, for myself, the La Finca, a refreshing and invigorating combination of Pisco, Italicus, Bombay Sapphire gin, hibiscus, and citrus infusion. For my guest, The Paloma, a crisp blend of tropical flavours made with coconut fat-washed Patron Silver Tequila, grapefruit, lime, agave, and pink grapefruit soda.
As we sipped our beverages of choice, tucked into some Rustic Bread, served with citrus butter, Spinach and Pine Nut Croquettes with harissa sauce (croquetas are my favourite Spanish guilty pleasure), and the Summer Tomato Salad, plated with Kalamata olives, and a beautiful shallot vinaigrette. You can usually judge a restaurant on the quality of its bread, so after our first bites, we knew we were in for a treat. The croquettes were incredible, and we easily could have had several more, while the tomato salad was refreshing and bursting with flavour. We finished the course with the Mediterranean Tuna Tartare, lovingly bathed with Ibizan lemon zest, which was delicate and felt heavenly as I chewed each bite.
The service needs to be pointed out here. It was truly world-class. Led by Head Waiter Roberto Ballirano (quite the character!), each dish that appeared before us was carefully explained, with so much love, care, and attention. There is clearly pride taken in their craft, as wine corks are popped and glasses of Miraval Côtes de Provence Rosé poured with so much care – my husband noticed his glass seemed relentlessly full, never fully reaching empty. It all came together to make our dining experience extremely memorable.
What followed was a bit of a surprise: fresh Fettuccine Alfredo tossed and individually plated right next to our table, with fresh truffle grated on top. Rich, creamy, and uber comforting, it took me back to my younger days travelling and visiting humble Italian eateries. Quickly polished off, we moved onto the mains. It is impossible to say no to Wagyu Beef bathed in truffle sauce and ‘La Finca’ Beef Wellington, served with excellent “Pon Neuf” Potatoes and perfectly grilled Asparagus. The puff pastry on the Beef Wellington was impeccable: tender, flaky and delicious, it showed real craftsmanship, again highlighting the incredible attention to detail at Finca La Plaza.
We still had a night of dancing ahead of us at Club Chinois, so rather than dessert, we instead finished by sharing the ‘must have’ on the menu, the signature smoked pork‑rib hot dog, a playful American riff, topped Japanese-style with a variety of sauces and textures, now turned Ibizan delicacy. It’s comfort and surprise in equal measure.
Walk, Run, Fly If You Must
If you have yet to discover the joys of Finca La Plaza, there is no better time than now. Book direct. Claim your table. In that garden, under the night sky, let the oldest casa in the village loosen your notions of taste. Let its plates slow your pulse. Let its cocktails heighten your senses. And let that long white wall, stitched in ivy and memory, remind you that the best feasts are those that connect: to place, to people, to time.
Finca La Plaza
Plaza de la Iglesia, 5
07814 Santa Gertrudis de Fruitera
Balearic Islands
Spain
