Interview with Ángel Zapata, Mambo Group’s Head Chef

After six years working in London as Head Chef at Barrafina Dean Street restaurant (1 Michelin star), Ángel Zapata has come over to Mambo Group this summer to begin a new food project at Hostal La Torre, smoothly combining his highly regarded experience with excellent top-quality ingredients. After his first summer season with us, we chatted about his contemporary Mediterranean food strongly influenced by Catalan and French food but also permeated by flavours, ingredients and techniques from other cuisines.

Ángel Zapata was born in Barcelona and trained at the Hoffmann School, where he became chef and teacher before moving on to with Santi Santamaría, at the famous restaurant Can Fabes (Barcelona) and at Ossinao (Dubai), and later on with Pierre Gagnaire at his restaurants in Paris and Dubai. After building experience with these well-known chefs who have been repeatedly awarded with 3 Michelin stars, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean to explore American kitchens.

He’s been in love with Ibiza since he was young and lived on the island for five years (2012-2017), just before moving to London to work for six years as Head Chef for Barrafina, where he managed to keep the Michelin star for the entire time there. In 2023 he opened Lado in Marina Botafoc and this summer he joined Mambo Group to start a new, exciting chapter.

Prawn salpicón.

A menu for foodies with hedonistic palates who relish every bite

What does the new food chapter at Hostal La Torre look like? We want to elevate the offer with higher-range ingredients without becoming over-luxurious or shameless, to reflect what we like: food through produce and seasons.

What’s different from the previous proposal? CI think that it was generally over-globalised. Our guests are of course international, but we now want to highlight that we are in an environment and a country where the diversity and quality of the food is so incredible that we don't need to look far for inspiration.

Does anything make it stand out from other Mambo Group restaurants in San Antonio, like Cala Gracioneta, Sa Capella and Villa Mercedes? Yes, they all have very different menus. La Torre is bringing in the chic touch but in a relaxed way and smoothly blending in the food with the atmosphere and setting, which are wonderful.

What type of customers is it aimed at? We don't discriminate anyone, but I do believe that our new menu will be specially appealing to foodies and food hedonists. But as I said, we don’t want to be ostentatious and we try to please all types of palates.

Angel Zapata during the 4-Hand Dinner with Miquel Calent and Alex Sobreviela gastronomic event, held in Villa Mercedes.

What’s the response to it so far? In my humble opinion, I’d say that the new menu is doing really well. That gives us the strength to keep growing in this new direction.

Which dishes would you recommend for first timers?

Prawn "salpicon" with cucumber and espelette pepper, Tuna tartare, Burrata salad with king crab and caviar and our Chicken with romesco sauce too. Oh! And of course, the octopus, embodying tradition and produce in its purest state!

Did any of these become the flagship dish this season? Oh yes, the Tuna Tartare, given its popularity and the quality of the ingredients.

If you could only choose one, which one would it be? I love food too much to only choose one!!!! But if I do have to choose one, I’d doubtlessly go for the Burrata salad with king crab, sisho and caviar. An explosion of flavours.

And what can you tell us about Ibiza? I've been in love with the island from a young age. I love the land, the people, the weather, the lifestyle... And its free, hedonistic side which remains so alive and vibrant despite the changes and time.

Burrata salad with king crab, sisho and caviar

Come and try Hostal La Torre’s new menu: Book a table!

If you’re looking for a special dinner in Ibiza with a view of the sunset over the sea and a Balearic Sound DJ session, book your table at Hostal La Torre from our website, by WhatsApp or by phone (+34) 971 342 271. Or if you’d rather enjoy our food and the sea view at lunchtime, you can also book a table as we’re open for breakfast, lunch and supper all 365 days.

Come live the magic!