This week, we head up to the north of the island, and to our own Editor-in-Chief's personal favourite Ibiza hangout, Can Curune.
Located on the way to San Juan, Can Curune has become a true Ibiza institution, a real hub of the community and, upon arriving, the first thing we noticed was a delightful cross-section of ages, nationalities and types of people all enjoying the warm and welcoming atmosphere here. From Spanish families of three generations to people sitting alone drinking coffee or surfing on their laptops (there is free wi-fi here), and from hippies to elderly Ibicencos, it was clear that everyone felt more than at home.
Can Curune boasts a large and airy interior separated into two distinct areas; the comfortable bar and the beautifully laid-out restaurant which are perfect for winter drinking and dining, but as the sun was still shining over Ibiza on the first day of November, we decided to eat on the canopied terrace, surrounded by a plethora of colourful plants, and with stunning views of the San Juan hills in the distance.
The menu del dia, or set menu, offers four choices of both first and second course and, whilst very typically Spanish, certainly has something to please all palates. The extremely reasonable price of €11.00 per person also includes olives, fresh bread and a deliciously decadent alioli (a creamy mixture of garlic and oil with a consistency similar to mayonnaise) as appetisers, dessert and glass of wine or beer.
My two companions and I all opted for the seafood Paella for our first course. Flavoursome, seasoned to perfection but without over-riding the delicate taste of the seafood, good chunky rice...we could not stop eating until we'd finished the lot, even though the portions were generous, to say the least. Our waiter had clearly noticed our wolfishness, and thoughtfully asked if we wanted our second course now, or if we would prefer to wait five minutes. Hmmm, good idea!!
My two friends had chosen slow-cooked shoulder of lamb for the second course, and they both agreed that it was fall-off-the-bone tender and absolutely delicious. It was served with a surprising variety of vegetables…baked potato with parsley, courgette, mushroom, onion, roasted tomato and green pepper.
Second course for me was the typical Ibiza dish, Bullit de Peix, a kind of fish stew consisting of two different types of fish…Balearic hake and a local rock fish called Roja. Accompanied by boiled potatoes, a rich, tasty sauce of (oh dear, nobody is going to want to kiss me now!) more alioli and garnished with roasted green peppers, this interesting combination of flavours all perfectly blended together was an absolute delight to the taste buds.
Usually, Can Curune's menu del dia includes four choices of dessert, but we just happened to have chosen the Day of All Saints fiesta to dine there and instead, our waiter presented us with a plate of bunyols, a local delicacy that looks very much like a donut, but has a more spiced flavour.
A good strong coffee and a complementary shot of the traditional, local drink, Hierbas Ibicencas (made on the premises) and we were all in agreement…this had been an exceptional menu-del-dia.
Opening Times
Family-run Can Curune is open every day except Sunday from 08.00 when breakfast is served until 13.00. Lunch is available until 16.00, with the kitchen re-opening at 19.30 and serving dinner until around 23.00. There is also an excellent supermarket attached, again open every day except Sunday from 0.800 to 20.30.
How to Find Can Curune
To find Can Curune, head to San Juan and just after the 17.5 km sign, you will see a sign for Benirras and Sant Migel. Turn left here and you cannot fail to see Can Curune right in front of you, slightly to the left. There is plenty of parking in front of the restaurant and the street directly ahead.
Our Thoughts
We cannot recommend Can Curune highly enough. The friendly, multi-lingual staff, cosmopolitan, relaxed atmosphere in typically Spanish surroundings, and faultless food all contribute to its well-deserved glowing reputation of being one of the best restaurants in the north of Ibiza.
We second that!
Quick Facts
What Can Curune
Where San Juan
When Every day except Sunday. Closes between 15/12/2013 and 15/02/2014
Why Typical Ibicenco hospitality, great vibe and divine food
Average spend per head €10.50 with water / €11.00 with a glass of wine / beer
Veggie Options Yes
Disabled Access Yes
Room for Improvement Nothing springs to mind.
Top Tips
1. Try their island famous Cous Cous on Saturdays
2. Paella on Menu del Dia on Wednesdays so if you've always been on your own with wanting to try it, this is the one time it's served in single (delicious) portions
Please note Can Curune Restaurant closes 15th Dec - 15th Feb 2014 - but the Supermarket will remain open.
