Café Montesol & Rooftop Bar — Restaurant in Ibiza

A Bittersweet Return to a Once-Iconic Venue

In the heart of Ibiza Town, the Montesol promised a brunch experience steeped in the rich history and eclectic charm for which it was once renowned. With a legacy of elegance and a menu boasting a strong Mediterranean influence, my expectations were a blend of nostalgia and anticipation. However, the visit unfolded as a journey through contrasts, reflecting both the passage of time and the impermanence of glory.

On arrival, the choice to sit on the covered terrace (Cafe Monetsol - NOT to be mistaken for the Rooftop Bar) seemed apt for a serene weekend morning. Yet, the initial impressions were far from the warm welcome I anticipated. The term "grotty" scarcely does justice to the stark deviation from Montesol's bygone pristine and prestigious ambiance. From the decor to the staff's presentation, the evident disregard for upkeep was disheartening. This wasn't the Montesol I remembered—a cornerstone of class and architectural marvel.

The menu, albeit also scruffy, held a simple promise with its selection. Opting for a breakfast sandwich, I braced for an experience congruent with the surroundings. Yet, in an unexpected turn, the coffee, served in a contemporary mug, and the quality of the sandwich itself were highlights in an otherwise gloomy canvas. I’m not sure that’s saying much though, to be honest. The culinary aspects provided a fleeting hint of what Montesol could offer, had the exterior matched the substance.

Looking forward, I harbor no immediate desire for a repeat visit. The disappointment of witnessing Montesol's decline from its historic pedestal to its present state leaves me cautious. Yet, the lingering hope for a revival, perhaps by 2025, holds a spot in my thoughts. Until such a transformation occurs, my endeavors—and funds—will explore other venues.

The Montesol stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between maintaining legacy and navigating the inevitable shifts of time. I’m all for change, but I’m not a fan of a fall in standards. From my experience a few weeks ago, the Montesol has fallen off a cliff.

Bring on 2025, but until then I bid adieu to Montesol, with hopes that future fortunes may once again align with its...

We had cocktails on the roof here with a few tapas dishes before moving downstairs for dinner (it's not possible to eat any of the main menu on the roof which was frustrating).

The cocktails were well crafted, but tasted quite average. We were treated to the waiter telling us how the cocktail company was formed and how they create the drinks...it was a little bit overkill, so we were expecting more from what we received. Lovely views from the rooftop though.

We had dinner in the street area of the restaurant. There are very limited vegetarian options here. The food wasn't very nice at all, small portions and either lacking flavour, or too much (the smoked aubergine was ridiculously salty, so much so we couldn't finish these). Really disappointing food, but the wine was good.

Sadly we shared our table with some cockroaches (appreciate the tables are outside so maybe out of the control of the restaurant) and there were three buskers playing terrible music while we ate, and all three wanted paying for the misery inflicted.

Not an experience I'll be returning...

The food is Good, Meat is very good, dessertsare fantastic, if it would be for the food only, I would have rated it nearly 5 stars. But service is abysmal for what you are paying to dine here. My girlfriend and me had to wait nearly 10 minutes in the door, while several waiters passed by, until somebody greeted us to be seated. It's worth mentioning that there was nearly no other guests yet, so the waiting staff was in no way stressed. Also the attention paid to us was lacking finesse. We had to refill our wine twice by ourselves, which would have been fine in a restaurant where you don't pay 130 euros for a dinner for 2, but not quite what you would expect from an upscale place that serves you a steak for 60+ euros. I live in Ibiza, there are plenty of restaurants you can choose from for special occasions, and I won't choose...