Cantina

The place was very suitable for big groups. They also have good paella and sweet potato! I would wish if that they have faster service though, it took quite some time for us to get some of our food as well as our bill. Must visit!

This place? Breathtaking! Food? Delicious! Ambience? Exceptional! Cantina deserves more love! The moment we entered the reception area (and the souvenir shop of Ilia del Rey), we were greeted by oversized plants and maximalist decors that were already a treat. It was when we went outside to see the whole restaurant that our breath was taken away. It felt like stepping into an independent European summer film because of how effortlessly beautiful the set-up is. Just little nautical details here and there coupled with a saturated hue of blue from the sea and just an energy of life and fun. The food also deserves some praise. The mains were generous in its portions and could honestly be shared by two people too. We thought we won’t be filled since majority of the menu items are vegetables-based but we were so stuffed. The croquetas were so creamy in the inside but breaded and fried to perfection. The contrast in textures was amazing! The paella negra was said to be for two but it was for 4! And wow, flavorful in every bite. The eggplant and sweet potato were HUGE. And they looked so normal in the photos but they were packed with so much flavor. Very well seasoned and roasted. The sauce on the potato and the toppings on the eggplant complemented the dishes so every bite needed a smear of these. The squid seemed like a giant squid by its enormous size but wow was it so soft. Not an ounce of chewiness. And the beans and the sauce were soo good by itself too. It matched the squid so well. The leche frita with cinnamon ice cream was another highlight. It tasted like a French toast but better. The caramelized coating was not sweet but was a perfect coating for the soft, soaked milk inside. I think the only room for improvement was the service as it got slower towards the end despite the fact that a lot of tables have gone. And the waiter had forgotten 2 orders (served when majority of the group had finished). Ilia del Rey felt like a place you’d just see once even though it was really beautiful but would definitely visit again if I’d want to enjoy the food and ambience of Cantina again.

Had a wonderful lunch here 2 years ago but sadly, this year it didn’t deliver. Poor quality ingredients badly cooked. Huge thank you to Liza, our waitress, she was spectacular on both occasions and made our time spent here very much enjoyable.

If you ever find yourself in Menorca, hungry for both art and food, I would implore you to take the ferry to Illa del Rei where you can explore the exhibitions and afterwards settle down for a delicious meal at the Cantina restaurant. Nested in a series of trees right by the waterfront, this restaurant is truly something special. Especially their bright red tables—a stylistic choice which I so much very enjoy (always love a pop of colour). The food was amazing, my personal favourite: the apricot salad. Would have had bucketfuls if allowed!! 🤭. Overall, this was such a pleasant eating experience and I made sure to remember every taste (as documented around my failed Sudoku grid). Cannot wait (if I am blessed with this experience again) to go again!!

A truly unique location, surrounded by history, art, greenery, and the sound of the ocean. The food was excellent, and you can even take your drink with you to enjoy the sunset or simply relax on the grass ✨

A beautiful setting to enjoy some fantastic dishes with superb products from the island. The wine list is also very interesting. I struggled to find good local wines in other places in the island but this time the waitress gave us some advice and we went for a gorgeous Menorcan rosé. We ordered grilled prawns, amongst other sharing starters. We had some veggie friends in our table and we ordered the grilled vegetables paella and let me tell you it was incredible. I’d like to come back next year and try have dinner in the evening as the location and setting is very special. The host made us feel very welcome, thank you again, despite the place being packed everyone was so friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. See you next year.

An amazing experience the whole day was fabulous you must visit if you are in Menorca and make sure you eat at the Cantina restaurant. A world class Art gallery in a stunning setting it was fabulous. We can’t wait to return

Excellent food and staff, nice lovely setting unless you have screaming babies on opposite tables!