September 10, 2025 |
As the sun sets behind the rolling hills of Ibiza, it paints the sky in shades of red and orange, creating the perfect evening on the island. Finca La Plaza feels like the ultimate escape. Located in one of Ibiza’s oldest fincas, in the heart of the laid-back town of Santa Gertrudis, this spot offers a peaceful vibe that’s a world away from the island’s superclubs, yet close enough to feel the island’s pulse. It’s a place where tradition meets modern elegance in the charming countryside.
As my partner and I strolled through the town, we passed by traditional white-washed buildings with their buttercup yellow rooftops. The streets were lined with perfectly pruned olive and orange trees, arranged neatly in rectangular structures. Across the town’s plaza, twinkling with soft lights and framed by greenery, stood Finca La Plaza.
Wearing a blue-and-white checked Antonio Berardi dress, I stepped through the arched stone entrance, immediately greeted by the inviting smile of the hostess – and the irresistible aroma of meats sizzling in the open kitchen. The chefs, busy at work, welcomed us too, chopping, frying and grating fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We were led through the quaint interior of the restaurant to the garden, where we settled at a large round table, each place set with plates featuring the restaurant’s maroon-coloured keyhole logo.
Above, the courtyard garden was lit with soft white bulbs and woven lanterns that were scattered above us like fireflies, casting a gentle glow on the tables. Tables accented with bamboo chairs were filled with couples and friends enjoying local flavours and hand-picked wines from the in-house sommelier. The space buzzed with laughter and lively conversation, as stories were shared and the evening began to unfold on the White Isle.
The team warmly introduced their extensive cocktail menu, offering a range from classics to signature drinks with a twist. Behind our table, the bar stood as a striking feature, with bamboo wooden shelves proudly displaying a collection of premium and local spirits, including the island’s signature hierbas. Juniper wood beams lined the ceiling, surrounded by exposed stone walls, warm lighting and a rural farmhouse feel.
The Tommy’s Spicy Margarita came in a tall coupe glass, its rim dusted in a mixture of salt, sesame seeds and chilli flakes, completed with a dried lime. Zesty and fresh, it was a perfect choice to start the evening. The Cucumber Mule, served in a cold copper mug adorned with a rolled-up cucumber shaving and a sprig of fresh mint, offered a refreshing yet delicate balance of Grey Goose vodka, cucumber, fresh mint and ginger beer.
Our starters arrived on large white China plates with the same logo on the rim. The tuna tartare set the tone for the evening – ruby-red cubes of Mediterranean tuna glistening in extra virgin olive oil, topped with lemon zest. Each bite was light and visually decadent. Nearby, the salad burst with juicy variations of tomatoes in golden yellow, green and red, topped with bitter Kalamata olives and a light shallot vinaigrette that pulled everything together in harmony – summer on a plate. The squid, seared and dressed in almond pesto, was a quiet revelation – a familiar Mediterranean classic reimagined with a touch of refined indulgence. Sweet and tender, each bite lingered, making you want the next. And of course, when in Spain, it would be a crime not to order Jamón croquettes. At Finca La Plaza, they were elevated far beyond comfort food. Crisp golden spheres arrived at the table, each crowned with a delicate slice of jamón and a soft pillow of aioli beneath. One was never going to be enough; fifty might have been closer to the truth.
Once the cocktails were drank, we moved on to a bottle of La Bicicleta Voladora Rioja, a deep red, medium-bodied Spanish wine with notes of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. The wine was the perfect palate cleanser for what was to come, recommended by our server to pair with our meat main and fish courses.
First came the Wagyu – 400 grams of pure indulgence. Sliced and fanned across a long white plate, its marbled cut revealed a blushing pink centre. A whisper of truffle sauce was poured delicately over the meat, adding just enough earthiness without overpowering the steak. The crust was perfectly seared, offering a gentle crispness before giving way to a tender centre.
Next, two colossal grilled carabinero prawns rested on a bed of coarse sea salt. Coral and reddish in colour, the prawns were jewel-like – sweet, light and impossibly fresh, as though they had traveled from the sea to our plate in moments.
The Pulpo al carbón – charcoal-grilled octopus – was served as three tentacles, beautifully charred and dressed with a citrus vinaigrette that awakened the palate. Wafer-thin slices of garlic and ginger added warmth, while an olive tapenade provided salty depth, finished with fresh coriander. Each bite was zesty, smoky and alive with flavour.
Finally, the unassuming yet legendary ‘La Finca’ Beef Wellington arrived, gleaming in a golden, honeyed crust. The maître d’ sliced open the top with theatrical precision before pouring over a glossy sauce that pooled across the dish. Inside, the beef was perfectly seared and tender, its blushing pink centre encased in a layer of mushroom duxelles and ham, before being cocooned in the flaky pastry. The textures and flavours were both indulgent and surprisingly balanced. At a table already graced with Wagyu, prawns and octopus, the Beef Wellington held its own, becoming the dish that lingered in conversation long after the plates were cleared.
After savouring our main courses, a duo of cheesecakes arrived. The lemon meringue cheesecake was as much a visual delight as it was texturally. The zesty lemon curd, perfectly piped with wisps of brûléed meringue, crowned the top, offering a hint of sweetness against the sharp tang of the curd. Juxtaposing this precision, a cool, greyish-marble stone bowl held a deconstructed ice cream berry cheesecake. Draped in a cascade of strawberry compote, the fruit added richness and jewel-like vibrancy, while faint shortbread crumble beneath added a satisfying crunch.
Finca La Plaza is an experience that captures the very essence of Ibiza. Each plate tells a story of the island, and each glass celebrates its spirit. From the first sip of a cocktail to the final forkful of cheesecake, the evening was an unforgettable experience, one I will certainly return for.
Photography courtesy of Finca La Plaza.
