If walls could talk, they'd have quite a lot to say about Las dos Lunas, the iconic Ibiza institution that this year celebrates its 35th anniversary. As well as the famous restaurant, new for 2016 is a new open-air area, the Two Moons Lounge where you can eat lighter tapas style plates and sip cocktails under the stars. There's even a boutique here selling some lovely pieces of clothing.
Magical delight
As you enter the main restaurant area, you will see the swirly harlequin-painted floor taken from the artist's image created for the restaurant, one which is replicated in slightly different forms throughout. The lighting has been carefully arranged so that no single light will be shining in your face. As night falls and the lights are illuminated, you will appreciate this as you see the place transform into a magical twinkling garden with the outline of its canopies of vines and bougainvillea.
This is the place, which has seen a cavalcade of famous names and faces from the worlds of music, art and fashion in its long history. There are countless anecdotes about Las dos Lunas, but my favourite was the dice game that owner Massimo invented, naughtily named “69”, that sits in the bar. He beat the King of Spain at it and lived to tell the tale. How many people can say that? You will see art from the likes of Julian Schnaebel (a good friend of the owners) and Argentinian artist Grillo Demo. It's also the place to go for some of the best Italian-inspired food on the island, a food connoisseurs' hangout.
The finest produce
Having tried very good Italian cuisine of the highest order, I was curious to try the food here and I can say that it excelled the best of the best. The food is made up of the finest and freshest produce – something you notice with the first bite. The caprese salad was composed of soft, unctuous Mozzarella, basil and some tomatoes, which like much of the vegetables served, started life in the restaurant's vegetable garden. It's a simple dish and one that really needs good produce, and this mouthwatering starter knocked it out of the park. The red onion salad was a picture on a plate and was spiked with lemon and mustard and then studded with chunks of avocado and fine ribbons of seaweed. All of it beautifully prepared and supremely delicious.
You will find some excellent meat and fish dishes, though we decided to try the pasta dishes. Why? Because, if you want to see the heart and soul of a good restaurant serving Italian food, these are the dishes that should sing. They should also give you an idea of the type of care and attention that informs the rest of the menu. That's the theory and one that was more than proved with our food.
Pasta purity
We had a special of fagotini, big parcels of pasta stuffed with ricotta and bellota ham and topped with a fresh tomato-based sauce. The other was a tagliatelle with asparagus and shaved black truffle. Both were quite different and showcase the simplicity that Italian food is renowned for and which is very easy to overdo. Here the balance of both dishes was just right with both dishes getting murmurs of approval with every bite. This, my friends was a cuisine tour de force.
To the desserts: waffles with After Eight ice cream is more an inspiration of the chocolate mint treat, with the fresh mint shining through this dish. They aren't waffles as you or I might know them either as they were thin and made with the finesse of a very good pastry chef. Then, an apple tarte tatin was all this dessert should be and more, with an amazing soft base and sweet flavoured apples that all melted in the mouth. A very sweet and much loved finish for us.
Las dos Lunas is a history-making restaurant that should be a must visit. If ever there was an Ibiza hall of fame, this place would be at the top of the list. The fact that the place, the food, the service and just about everything is divine is the most delicious bonus we can think of. Go here for one of coolest island experiences around.
Quick Facts
What? Las dos Lunas
Where? Carretera Ibiza to San Antonio km 5.4
When? May to the end of October
Why? Isn't it obvious - this place is an island legend
Average spend per head? Around €70 euros for starter, pasta dish, dessert and a glass of wine
Veggie Options? There are salads and pastas and it's worth asking as they might be able to prepare something special
Disabled Facilities? Yes
Top tips? Go for a romantic meal or start here before heading into the night
Room for Improvement? How can you improve on this classic?
WORDS | Julian Heathcote PHOTOGRAPHY | Peter Young
