Explore how chef Matteo de Lilla blends Italian heritage with Ibiza’s vibrant spirit, creating unforgettable experiences that celebrate local flavours and community.
At the mention of Ibiza, for most, thoughts drift to sandy shores, Balearic beats and world-renowned nightlife. For those in the know, and chef Matteo de Lilla, it’s the island’s flourishing culinary scene that captivates.
Born and raised in the South of Italy, Matteo’s passion for food was nurtured from an early age. “My family would always gather on Sundays and I loved that whole experience,” he says. “Not just the cuisine, but everyone coming together.” Growing up surrounded by freshly made pasta and home-cooked meals, these formative experiences planted the seeds of a culinary calling.
“I turned 18 and sent my CV across the globe. I decided that the first place to respond to me is where I would work,” Matteo recalls. This landed him his first established role at Aquavitae in Oxford and marked the beginning of an illustrious career. “I went on to Malmaison then various Michelin-starred restaurants across Australia and London. It was an amazing opportunity to hone my skills.”
“I had a vision of blending the island’s spirit with my Italian heritage. Growing up in Italy, meals were always about so much more than the food itself. It’s an experience – the setting, the people, the place.”
Despite the glamorous backdrops and Michelin stars – with stints at Pollen Street Social and Core by Clare Smyth to name a few – Matteo felt drawn to a different plain. “I remember coming to Ibiza for the first time at 10 years old and stepping off the plane to see the sunrise. I’d never seen anything like it,” he smiles. “It took my breath away. I thought, ‘this is it.’”
Eventually making the move to the island in 2010, it was only a few years before he launched his own venture, Bohemian Chef. “The timing felt right to set up on my own,” says Matteo. “I had a vision of blending the island’s spirit with my Italian heritage. Growing up in Italy, meals were always about so much more than the food itself – it’s an experience, the setting, the people, the place,” he continues. “I wanted to bring that together with the eclectic flair of Ibiza.” This philosophy is clear across all Bohemian Chef events, where imaginatively presented dishes are complemented with vibrant cocktail bars, expert wine pairings and resident DJs.
As for the menu, Matteo exhibits his Italian roots with classic pasta and risotto dishes alongside more boundary-pushing culinary creations. “Working on the island comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not like the kitchens in London,” he explains. “Diverse ingredients aren’t always readily available, so you have to work with what’s on offer.” An approach Matteo embraces, his menus are designed around ingredients native to Ibiza. “Everything is planned primarily with local produce,” he says.
Matteo finds Ibiza’s distinctive flavours to be a springboard to originality. “Sometimes a client will request a dish and we can’t source a specific ingredient. But there’s so much available on the island, we can always find an alternative. It’s about getting the balance right between catering to clients’ tastes and infusing my own creativity.”
"Prioritising local and seasonal ingredients is my passion. It’s an all-round rewarding initiative, working to enhance the taste of native produce and benefitting the residents in turn.”
Through hosting these bespoke experiences, Matteo has been able to contribute meaningfully to the island’s culinary landscape. “Only a very small percentage of the food consumed in Ibiza is grown here,” he muses. “I’m committed to turning this around. Prioritising local and seasonal ingredients is my passion. It’s an all-round rewarding initiative, working to enhance the taste of native produce and benefitting the residents in turn.”
A philosophy that sets Bohemian Chef apart, Matteo insists that every event is not just a meal but a celebration of life, culture, and community. “I’m constantly inspired by the island,” he says. “There’s always something new to discover and I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes me next.”
Bohemian Chef events can be arranged for Domus Ibiza guests via our partnered concierge services. Contact us to find out more.
Related articles
At the root of Ibiza’s eco-conscious movement with Terravita
Founder Jason Watson Todd reveals why putting the environment at the heart of the design process pushes his studio to keep innovating.
The best beach restaurants In Ibiza
There’s no shortage of beachfront dining spots on the island. Explore our roundup of must-try restaurants that have made their success on the sand.