Paella: from Valencian tradition to Spanish icon

Paella, the iconic dish of Valencian tradition, is now inextricably linked with Spanish gastronomy as a whole. Its name comes from the very pan in which it’s prepared: the “paella” or “paellera“. Originally, it was a common frying pan from which the handles were removed and replaced with two more practical side grips. This modification made it much easier to serve the dish once cooked, preventing imbalances caused by its weight.

The paellera: sizes and materials

Paella pans are distinguished by their dimensions (diameter) and, consequently, by their serving capacity. Not only does the height of the edges vary, but especially the number of servings to be cooked changes according to the diameter.
Paella pans range from 20 cm, the smallest, ideal for a single person, up to 40 cm, suitable for 8 diners, and even giant versions used for events and festivals.

Historically, they were produced exclusively from hand-forged iron, whereas today they can be found in a wide range of materials, including the most innovative.

The origin and authentic recipe

The gastronomic tradition traces the birth of paella back to the 15th/16th century, when farmers needed a lunch that was easy to transport for pure practicality.

The ingredients that make up paella reflect the raw materials our ancestors cultivated and raised: rice, chicken, rabbit, and vegetables. The authentic paella recipe is therefore the one based on meat and vegetables. Over time, however, numerous variations have emerged, often enriching it with seafood or prized fish such as lobster or crayfish.

Where to enjoy the best paella in Formentera

If the first step in planning your holiday is booking a vacation home in Formentera, the second will surely be discovering the best restaurants on the island where you can savor excellent paella. Let our selections inspire you, and you won’t regret it!

La Fragata

Located on the beautiful Migjorn beach, at kilometer 10.8 of the road to El Pilar de La Mola, La Fragata is a historic restaurant that enchants its guests. Its spacious terrace, just a few meters from the sea, offers one of the most breathtaking views on the entire island, making every meal an unforgettable experience.

The menu at La Fragata is rich and varied, but the undisputed star is the paella, available in several delicious variations. Abundant and flavorful, it’s the ideal dish for those who want to savor a traditional Iberian specialty.
A unique feature offered by the restaurant is the option to substitute the rice with fideuá, a short pasta similar to broken spaghetti, typical of the Valencian Community.

The cost of paella varies depending on the ingredients chosen, but the average price of around €23 per person is among the most competitive in Formentera.
With its enviable location, La Fragata is the perfect choice for a relaxing lunch or a romantic dinner. During high season, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table.

Sa Platgeta

Sa Platgeta is one of those places that welcomes you with open arms, making you feel immediately at home. Nestled in the beautiful setting of Migjorn beach, it’s tucked away in the refreshing shade of a pine forest. It’s a true landmark, beloved by both regular visitors to the island and residents alike.

This informal restaurant offers simple, authentic Mediterranean cuisine. The gastronomic selection is wide and varied, with options for all tastes, but the paella is undoubtedly the star dish and the most requested. You can find it in its classic version with meat and vegetables, or in its seafood variant, rich with fresh fish and seafood.

A special mention goes to “paella ciega”, a truly unique version of seafood paella. What makes it special? All the ingredients, mainly seafood, are served already shelled or deboned. The name “ciega” (blind) comes from this: you won’t have to worry about shells or bones, making the experience of enjoying the dish even simpler and more pleasant.

Besides its excellent cuisine and welcoming atmosphere, Sa Platgeta boasts another major plus: affordable prices, especially considering you’re just a few meters from the sea. A true gem for anyone seeking an authentic and relaxing culinary experience in Formentera.

Es Caló

Located in one of the island’s most authentic areas, just a short walk from the picturesque village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí, the Es Caló restaurant offers magnificent sea views. Its enchanting terrace is the perfect place to relax after a day at the beach and delight in excellent island cuisine.

Among the specialties, paella holds a place of honor, particularly its blue lobster version. This prized Mediterranean crustacean, with its firm and flavorful meat, is distinguished by its characteristic dark blue shell and impressive size, which can reach up to 70 cm in length.
For those seeking a truly unforgettable dining experience, blue lobster paella is a genuine culinary excellence. It’s important to note that the price of this dish varies according to the weight of the lobster.

Pelayo

Lunch at Pelayo isn’t just a meal out; it’s a genuine life experience, the kind that leaves a mark on your gastronomic “résumé”! Nestled in the stunning setting of Playa de Migjorn, this restaurant boasts a simple, rustic ambiance with direct views of the sea. That’s right: it’s one of those places where you can enjoy lunch with your feet in the sand, just a few meters from the shore.

With such a promising premise, Pelayo stands out for a unique initiative in Formentera: every Sunday, it organizes a true communal lunch. Honoring the ancient Spanish tradition that considers paella the quintessential holiday dish, skilled chefs prepare a gigantic paella capable of feeding around 200 people!

As you can imagine, the diameter of the paella pan is truly impressive! Given the unique nature of the event, it’s always advisable to book in advance to secure your spot.

The paella served is traditional, and the accompanying sangria goes down like cool water, refreshing the palate. The atmosphere is vibrant and festive, perfectly reflecting the hippie identity of Formentera island. It’s an absolute must-try experience!

Es Codol Foradat

Located at kilometer 8.9 along the picturesque Migjorn coastline, Es Codol Foradat is a sophisticated restaurant that captivates with its spectacular sea views. This culinary gem is masterfully led by renowned Catalan chef Nandu Jubany.
In the kitchen and overseeing the entire establishment, he’s joined by his son, Eudald. With the same dedication and professionalism, Eudald also meticulously handles the restaurant’s design and scenography, ensuring every detail contributes to a feast for the senses.

The gastronomic proposal focuses on seafood, with a particular emphasis on prized crustaceans like lobster. An essential item on the menu is the paella, which here stands out in its version enriched with cuttlefish ink, prawns, and allioli sauce. This intensely flavored dish differs from traditional paella not only due to the absence of meat and vegetables but especially because of its characteristic black color. This unique coloring is achieved by adding cuttlefish ink, which replaces the saffron used in classic paella to give it its typical yellow color.

If you’re seeking a top-tier experience in an impeccable location, Es Codol Foradat will exceed your expectations, offering a perfect blend of high-end cuisine, flawless service, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

Sa Palmera

Just a stone’s throw from the enchanting Es Pujols beach, you’ll discover Sa Palmera restaurant. This no-frills, spartan-style establishment is passionately run by a Spanish team.
It’s one of the most popular restaurants, and not just for its enviable location, but also for its excellent value for money and the consistently warm welcome that sets it apart.

Sa Palmera’s menu offers both fish and meat dishes, but it’s the paella that steals the show. Available in both classic and seafood versions, the paella here is designed for sharing, thanks to its generous size and affordable price.

For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend pairing your paella with a pitcher of sangria. This classic combination will make your visit to Sa Palmera a special memory of your Formentera holiday.

La Cava

Overlooking the Es Pujols promenade, La Cava is a charming Spanish restaurant that delights its guests with strictly seafood-based cuisine and a variety of paellas.
Be prepared for a bit of a wait: reservations aren’t possible, so you’ll need to queue up. While this might seem inconvenient, it’s often a clear sign of quality. Once it’s your turn, the staff will be ready to take your order.

The atmosphere at La Cava is truly captivating. The soft, colorful lighting creates a welcoming and intimate ambiance. If you’re lucky enough to get a spot on the small terrace, you can dine with a splendid view of the sea and the charming artisan market that brings Es Pujols to life every evening.

The paella here is prepared in various ways, all masterfully executed. We highly recommend you try the lobster paella, a true triumph of flavors. The value for money is absolutely one of the best on the island. For all these reasons, La Cava is highly recommended for anyone wishing to savor excellent paella and superb fish dishes in Formentera.

Can Rafalet

Can Rafalet is located just a short walk from the sea, in the charming village of Es Caló de Sant Agustí, precisely where the island’s only natural harbor once stood. With a long history behind it, this restaurant has managed to maintain its family-friendly style despite the large influx of customers.

Its spacious terrace, offering a superlative sea view, is the ideal spot to savor an excellent paella in Formentera. The menu features various options, but we especially recommend the “paella a banda with cuttlefish”: a rice dish cooked in fish broth, flavored by cuttlefish, its main ingredient. Cuttlefish, very common in Mediterranean cuisine, is prized for its delicate flavor and tender texture.

Fandango

Fandango is located at the beginning of the Es Pujols promenade, just a short walk from the beach and its enchanting, crystal-clear sea. This restaurant, with its glamorous touch, doesn’t just offer good food; it aims to create a unique atmosphere that engages all the senses. The music, the refined ambiance, and the meticulous service all contribute to making the experience truly unforgettable.

The paella here is offered in various versions, among which one of the most innovative stands out: the one with 100% Iberian pork presa and broccoli. This dish is particularly appreciated for the exclusivity of its raw material: it’s made from purebred Iberian pigs, raised free-range and fed mainly on acorns, which gives their meat a unique and unmistakable flavor, as specified on the menu.

To complement these delights, the wine list offers a wide selection of champagnes and bottles from prestigious Spanish and Italian wineries. Choosing Fandango means immersing yourself in a gastronomic experience that will leave you speechless.

Casa Carmen

Casa Carmen, a restaurant with a simple interior located on Es Pujols’ main street, stands out for its exceptional value for money.
Here, a paella for two, accompanied by a liter of sangria, costs only 48 euros. Finding a better paella deal in Formentera is practically impossible.

It might seem incredible, especially on an island where the cost of living is notoriously high, but Casa Carmen offers truly unmatched quality and service. While it’s not a pretentious luxury restaurant in terms of location, it has undoubtedly found a winning formula that appeals to a wide audience thanks to its cuisine.

Now, all that’s left is to wish you a hearty meal! Sorry… enjoy your paella!