Ibiza Restaurant Hamden — Restaurant in Hamden

I came here for lunch yesterday, the Friday of Hamden's Restaurant Week. Never been but thought, for $20 and three courses how could I go wrong. I couldn't!!! This place is amazing! First off, it's not a "sampler plate" they give you, these are full blown entree sized portions! I sat outside and was the only one there. The music wafted from the dining room and created a great atmosphere. I had the burrata, the ahi tuna, and the blueberry panna cotta. Don't know if salt and pepper is on the tables inside, but it wasn't on the patio, and for good reason. You don't need it!! Everything was perfectly seasoned! I was so impressed that I brought my husband for lunch today! Yep, two days in a row!

Today, I ordered a passion fruit sangria which was light and flavorful with fresh oranges and apples. For the first course, my husband had the burrata, as I told him it was stupid good, and I got the mussels in salsa brava, then we both got the marinated pork loin. The mashed sweet potatoes were so light and fluffy and the port reduction with the figs cut into the richness of the pork. He took his rice pudding home so we split my passion fruit mousse. It was superb!

Since we each just finished 1/2 of our entrees, we also ordered the marinated anchovies, the chorizo español, Arroz con pollo, and almond cake to go, for dinner, and figured we split a "combo platter" tonight. Well, we ate the anchovies-which were not salty at all, but beautifully marinaded-and the rest of the pork for dinner, so will leave the other items for lunch tomorrow.

The leisurely pace of the meal was just what we wanted. A good hour for lunch, with just the right amount of time in between courses. This isn't fast food, it's to be relished and enjoyed. A true dining experience.

Please support this establishment. They offer a fixed price lunch menu each day, and I wish I didn't know that as I think this is my new "go to" place. Happy hour has them discounting the tapas to just $8.50 each. A bargain if you bring a group and order one of each to split. They do a wonderful...

Horrible experience, never felt so unwelcomed in a place before. Called before arriving about 10:15, kitchen was open until 11;00. We arrived and had to finally go to the bar for help, were told we could sit at the bar or a table. We sat at the bar with only 3 other tables actually being served. Once we had menus it was a good 15-20 minutes before the bartender asked us if we wanted a cocktail. NO OTHER customers were being served so he wasn't busy. We then were given menus, we explained we had not been there before, he smiled and walked away, after waiting a good 15 minutes we got his attention and ordered. My partner ordered three items, I ordered 2; While his food was served one after another I continued to wait, while he was eating and I was waiting the bartender started closing up the bar. Which added to how uncomfortable we were, we then asked to have my dishes to go, since it was apparent we were not a priority. We got the bill, and then my dinner came bagged, up I finally just looked at them and said Keep it, and we left. I have never been more uncomfortable or made to feel so unwelcome. I served for years, and have bartended many places, this was horrible. When I asked to have it bagged I thought I would take it home, but then heard the bartender tell the owner or woman in charge, he wants it to go. Not once did anyone ask if things were okay, not once did she come over and ask why I choose to not eat after waiting so long for an order. We did something we have never done in my entire life, I left a 10% tip. The food choices were minimal, much better places to spend money. Barcelona's in New Haven will give you a better meal with better service. I own a business in town which thrives on Customer Service, making people comfortable this place has no clue what...

Ibiza Tapas Wine Bar is a gem located on 1832 Dixwell Ave in Hamden CT owned by Ignacio Bianco. This is by far my favorite place to go after a long work week. Tapas is defined as hors d’oeuvre served with drinks, especially in Spanish bars (so to say you get transported to Spain every time you walk in is an understatement). Ibiza is dimly lit, with beautiful bold colors on the walls that host a local artist, Gershonh’s work. The small portions never leave me wanting more. My favorite dish is the Arroz De Setas y Verduras, which is bomba rice with wild mushrooms and truffle oil. (anything with truffle oil is amazing, right?) I always get either the grilled asparagus or roasted potatoes with hot sauce on the side. Another favorite meal at Ibiza is the Escalivada Catalana, An assortment of roasted vegetables drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. I usually order the Avocado and roasted beets with either meal because I have never enjoyed beets as much as I do from Ibiza. Lastly, I could not write a review for this place without mentioning the Ganja white beans and snow peas, they are to die for! I could keep going with my favorite meals but I think I would rather have my readers try for themselves. If you go in the summer, they have an amazing outdoor front patio. I have been here so many times that when I walk in the waiters greet me with a hug! Once again it is so easy to order on or off the menu and maintain a vegan lifestyle with their delicious vegan cuisine, thank you again Ignacio! The friendly Spanish music in the background finishes off the “just landed in Spain” feel that keeps bringing me...