Ibaya

I don’t understand some of the negative reviews. We thoroughly enjoyed the dinner and found the courses (about 20!) very creative, especially when taking into accout how remote Andorra is and how its geography and climate can really limit fresh food options for chefs. The choices for wine by the glass were also delicious. The service was impeccable from the servers and sommelier, from greeting until departure. The pace was perfect. I have probably eaten at 100 or so Michellin-star restaurants, and Ibaya definitely deserve its star (not that this alone makes Ibaya a great restaurant; it has earned my admiration well beyond this subjective rating). We will definitely be returning after a great experience at the restaurant.

We had the 11 courses meal and only about 3 courses were good. Some dishes were simply inedible, the pigeon was salty to an unbearable amount, the chicken liver had a bad after taste and one of the desserts was also badly flavored. The cotton candy dessert was great and the wine was also great. The presentation was wonderful but the taste was sub-par.

Summary: I am glad that I switched my plan just so that I can squeeze in my visit to Andorra. Outstanding food infused with Andorra tradition, and super-friendly staff. I can't wait for Ibaya to start offering non-alcoholic beverage pairing in the future, as someone whose body cannot handle too much alcohol. Considering food and service, I think this place should get its second star. Ibaya got its first star in 2021. I think time is the only reason it hasn't gotten its second star yet (as in not enough time has passed since getting its first Michelin star). For each Michelin star category (3*, 2*, 1*), if I can pick only one restaurant and I can only visit there for the remainder of my life, the 1* category award goes to Ibaya. I dined here early June as part of my 25-day Europe trip spanning across five different countries, so this review was very much overdue. Ibaya is the only Michelin-star restaurant in Andorra. I looked up restaurants in Andorra in the Michelin Guide website, and was surprised to see this small country has a restaurant with Michelin star. I meant to be in Andorra late May, but ended up switching around my trip schedule, as Ibaya was closed throughout May – and I am glad I switched my plan around for the sake of dining here. You start at the lounge area followed by right at the kitchen for starters, and then you go to the table. I went for the "A Walk Through Andorra" course. Here, you really get to experience the Andorran tradition with creative twists, with ingredients from Andorra. Some memorable dishes included the mushroom dish that felt like pasta, girella, surf and turf, cotton candy + celery/apple ice cream, and cow tendon(!!) chocolate crisp dessert. (And I am saying this as someone who doesn't like celery, but that palate cleanser dish tasted so good.) Considering how much food was there, I didn't feel 170 EUR was overly expensive. Be sure to come in super-hungry :) Finally, I have to mention the outstanding service. Daniel and Raquel (the sommelier) were kind, attentive, and outstanding all around, answering all my questions enthusiastically and attentively. The only room for improvement is non-alcoholic beverage pairing option, which I would appreciate as this poor woman's body can't take too much alcohol. Thankfully, I was informed that the restaurant is working towards offering non-alcoholic pairing. Can't wait to see what they will conjure up! Unlike other Michelin star restaurants that give you brief description of each food, Ibaya give you a collection of cards explaining rich stories behind each food. At the end of the course, all cards are put together, like a storybook. This way, you get to remember more of what you ate even after long time. I thought this was an excellent touch because not all of us will remember everything a server said when describing a dish! This is going to be the most expensive "fan" for me ever... 😆 Great experience all around. Thank you for making my last day in Andorra memorable and outstanding. This place surely made my Andorra trip end on a VERY high note!!! I wish I can visit there again next time I am in Andorra, hopefully with non-alcoholic beverage pairing :)

We really enjoyed this restaurant. The dishes were well executed and thoughtful in relation to the Andorra region. From the entrants, to the chef’s bar, to the table. Love the butter display. We were fortunate enough to dine at 10 Michelin * restaurants over a 2 week period and Ibaya was in the top 3. I strongly recommend this restaurant for an incredible meal.