Italian entrepreneur Alessio Matrone is the founder of It Restaurants and the man behind some of the most glamourous hangouts in Ibiza, Tulum, Milan, London and Porto Cervo. In the heart of the sophisticated Marina Botafoch, Matrone&rsquo;s LADO stands out as the first solely Spanish restaurant in this glamorous enclave.

IR: Why did you decide to celebrate Spanish cuisine?
AM: In all our restaurants globally, this is the first time we have focused solely on the flavours and techniques of our host country. Spain has an incredibly rich culinary heritage and to create a fine-dining experience that celebrates those tastes and techniques while using <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/giorgio-armani-interview-l-officiel-ibiza-my-ibiza" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ibiza</a>&rsquo;s extraordinary local produce has been a fantastic journey.
IR: Tell us a little bit about your chefs.
AM: At <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ladoibiza/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lado</a>, we value Spanish cuisine and the passion for authentic yet exciting flavours. Our talented chefs, Paco Budia and Marc Quesada, have a solid foundation in traditional cooking and deep respect for local products. They are both disciples of the renowned Mart&iacute;n Berasategui and bring a new level of technical expertise to the kitchen, along with the ability to craft extraordinary new flavours.

IR: What are Lado&rsquo;s signature dishes?
AM: Designed for sharing, Lado&rsquo;s menu features appetizers like red shrimp accompanied by cold almond cream with beet tartare, boneless free-range chicken thigh stuffed with vegetables and creamy Thai sauce, and cod with tangy cream, caviar, and crispy kale. Additionally, our raw section highlights red shrimp, classic steak tartare and veal slices. Refreshing salads of <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/five-charming-restaurants-in-ibiza-town-s-sa-penya-district" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ibizan</a> tomatoes and burrata are perfect for hot days.
IR: Despite the fine dining aspect, Lado has a very relaxed feel. Was that intentional?
AM: Our evenings begin at 7pm, which is perfect for enjoying the glorious sunset with views across to Dalt Vila after a day at the beach or straight from the boat. The kitchen closes at 1am and the restaurant at 2am, allowing our guests to linger beneath the stars and enjoy good music, extraordinary cuisine and the island&rsquo;s distinctive glamour. We have intentionally nurtured a very relaxed, <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/ibiza/bohemian-style-boho-ibiza-fashion-free-spirited-ibiza-style" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bohemian vibe</a>.
IR: Lado is open all year round. Why did you decide upon that?
AM: The restaurant is quite small, so staying open in winter and being a hub of the local community was very important for us. Our location is just perfect on cold, bright days, when the light reflects off the harbour and the sun glints on the water. Marina Botafoch is buzzy all year round and we love being a part of that energy.

On the WATERFRONT

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