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EAT THIS: PITA CHIP NACHOS AT IBIZA

Ibiza's pita chip nachos showcase the downtown restaurant's playful and healthful approach to lunch.
Ibiza’s pita chip nachos showcase the downtown restaurant’s playful and healthful approach to lunch. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz

When owners Elan and Brett Emerson closed their downtown dinner spot Barceloneta in July and reopened as Ibiza for breakfast and lunch, they promised an “informal and deliciously messy” menu stacked with the kind of food they “couldn’t stay away from.” 

I’m happy to say that they delivered, and now I can’t stay away, either. From a shareable platter of Mediterranean spreads and fresh and pickled vegetables served with warm housemade pita, to wraps stuffed with slow-roasted pork or herby falafel, and the ever-popular Hippie Salad with spiced yams and tabbouleh – now customizable with falafel and other proteins – Ibiza has a joyful and flavor-packed approach to lunch. It also has an eye toward healthfulness that ensures that any downtown employees visiting in the middle of their workday won’t fall asleep at their desk afterward.

One dish that exemplifies Ibiza’s playful nature: the pita chip nachos ($17). Crispy chips of homemade pita are layered in a colorful bowl of melted cheese, spiced ground beef, pink pickled onions and chilis, creamy avocado and Greek yogurt, and topped with cilantro, smoky harissa and crumbled feta. It’s equal parts comforting and exciting, gooey and crunchy in all the right places. 

With an accompanying menu of juices and mocktails, including tall, sparkling strawberry rose lemonade ($6) and a vibrant Bunny Juice, made with carrots, ginger and turmeric ($7), Ibiza skillfully balances freshness with indulgence, especially if you finish your meal, as I did, with housemade churros with thick Spanish chocolate ($6.50).

1541 Pacific Ave B, Santa Cruz; 831-900-5222. Ibizasantacruz.square.site.

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Credit: Instagram

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Lily Belli is the food and drink correspondent at Lookout Santa Cruz. Over the past 15 years since she made Santa Cruz her home, Lily has fallen deeply in love with its rich food culture, vibrant agriculture...