Nestled in the hills of San Antonio, Ibiza, heralded restaurant Sa Capella begins a new chapter in it’s extensive history.
Starting life out in the 18th century as a church, the history of Sa Capella is steeped in local folklore and later in life, revered as a hotspot for much-loved cuisine. The once consecrated land was originally set to be used as a church for the people of San Antonio and neighbouring places but struggled to gain popularity within the community and was officially deconsecrated in 1897. Although as we understand the building was left abandoned from around the time of 1784.
“The Sa Capella building was originally built as a church and was designed for the people who lived around it in the countryside. It was consecrated and used for the odd mass. The chapel had been dedicated to Santa Inés, being close to the Santa Inés cave; however, because the village of Santa Inés and the town of San Antonio had their churches dedicated to that saint, the chapel found itself without parishioners. So, when they almost finished building it, it was closed. It was then deconsecrated and used as a private home.” Carlos Oliván (former manager of Sa Capella)
In the 70’s the building transformed into a restaurant. But not just any restaurant, a much-loved, much-heralded restaurant that has served the most delicious food in a nurtured, thankful way. Frequented by the likes of Freddie Mercury, Montserrat Caballé and King Juan Carlos I, it’s distinguished bare walls, bewitching stained glass windows, and original Iron trappings are just some of the distinctions of Sa Capella that have brought guests from far and wide. But, perhaps the quintessence of the restaurant is the ‘Matèria I esperit’ statue that stays steadfast even more so with the new ownership of the Grupo Mambo.
In 2023 the Anadon family unveiled their new vision for Sa Capella. A new open kitchen takes centre stage, headed by celebrated chef Martin Vasquez. Highlights from the menu include Ibicencan tomato salad with Bluefin tuna belly, beetroot & gorgonzola risotto, grilled wild seabass and national fillet steak.
Whether you dine under the Ibizan stars in the wonderful courtyard or in the divine main hall, the renaissance period for ‘Sa Capella’ is certainly underway.
“The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new” – Socrates
For all the information and reservations links for Sa Capella please go here.
