No-frills beach-side restaurant at Es Pujols specializing in whole grilled fish and simple seafood dishes. The kind of honest, fresh cooking that Formentera is celebrated for.
Can Juanito is a no-frills beachside restaurant at Es Pujols on Formentera, the smallest inhabited island of the Balearic archipelago. Es Pujols is Formentera's main tourist settlement, but Can Juanito operates at a remove from the resort infrastructure with a straightforward focus on grilled fish that makes it a favourite with visitors who know the island well. The cooking is Formentera's honest version of Mediterranean seafood: whole gilthead bream (dorada) and sea bass (llobarro) ordered by weight, grilled over embers and served with lemon, olive oil, and a simple salad. Fried squid rings with aioli is the most popular starter. There is no elaborate sauce or presentation — the quality of the fish is the point. The menu is short and the kitchen does not overextend itself, which is precisely why it works. The restaurant is positioned close to the beach at Es Pujols, with a terrace that catches the breeze coming off the sea. The setting is simple: resin chairs, paper tablecloths, the sound of the waves a short distance away. Can Juanito operates seasonally from May through October and closes for the winter, like most of Formentera's food and hospitality industry.
Signature dishes
- Whole grilled gilthead bream — €30
- Fried squid rings with aioli — €16
Good to know
- Known for
- Simple grilled fish by Formentera's beach
- Hours
- Daily 1PM-4PM & 8PM-10:30PM (May-Oct)
Location
Carretera de la Platja, 07871 Es Pujols, Formentera
38.7270, 1.4509 View on map
Highlights
- Beachside grilled fish restaurant at Es Pujols, Formentera, beloved by island regulars
- Whole grilled gilthead bream (dorada) by weight — simple, fresh, and the definitive Formentera fish lunch
- Fried squid rings with aioli: the essential starter before a whole fish in the island style
- No-frills terrace setting near the Es Pujols beach with sea breeze and honest pricing
- Seasonal operation May–October aligned with Formentera's island calendar
Tips for visiting
- Order the whole fish by weight — the staff will show the fish and give a price before cooking
- Arrive by 1PM for the first sitting; the restaurant fills quickly at peak summer lunchtimes
- The squid rings are the best starter — they are made from fresh squid, not frozen, and the aioli is house-made
- Combine the meal with an afternoon on the nearby Es Pujols beach for a complete Formentera day
- Formentera's restaurants close in winter; the island is very quiet outside May–October
Accessibility
The restaurant terrace is at ground level near the beach road at Es Pujols. The approach from the street is flat. Tables are set on a level terrace surface. Wheelchair users should be able to access the terrace and seated dining area without significant difficulty.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Formentera and Es Pujols?
Formentera is reached by ferry from Ibiza Town (La Savina ferry port, approximately 30 minutes). Es Pujols is on the north coast of Formentera, about 5 km east of La Savina, and is accessible by bicycle, scooter, or the island bus service.
Does Can Juanito serve food other than fish?
The menu is almost entirely seafood-focused: whole grilled fish, fried squid, and simple salads. It is not a suitable destination for those who cannot eat fish or seafood.
Is the restaurant open year-round?
No. Can Juanito is seasonal, operating from approximately May through October. It closes for the winter when the island's tourism season ends.
How much should I expect to pay for a whole fish?
Whole grilled fish is priced by weight at the market rate of the day. A fish for one person typically costs €25–€35 depending on size and species. Confirm the price before the fish is cooked.