Sunshine flavours: the hottest tables in Ibiza this summer
This was the summer that Balearic dining went stratospheric, with pop-ups from London’s three Asian heavyweights – Roka, Nobu and Zuma - all making landfall on island soil. There were also seafood-centric openings from the long-standing Nassau Group in Dalt Vila and from northern faves Nudo on Playa Es Figueral, as well as sushi joints, Greek food and even two nights of Barrafina at Hostal la Torre. Here’s our round up of the best (new) tables of summer
Bringing zingy jalapeño-infused black cod to the driftwood-y shores of Formentera could only have been done by Nobu. Their signature rooftop restaurant at the gleaming new Teranka hotel stayed open for just five months (we snapped up a table on the closing night) and was the ultimate in laidback glamour.
Taking the top spot at the Ibiza Gran Hotel, the Zuma concept was brought to Ibiza by the unstoppable Island Hospitality group (Club Chinois, Mikasa, Beachouse and London’s Park Chinois). Zuma was the last word in high-octane Eastern glam and became the place to go before Pacha or Club Chinois. Rumour has it that Park Chinois will snaffle the spot next year, so watch this space.
A so-called ‘sushi speakeasy’, this bijou bolthole from Venezuelan Walter Sidoravicius has seats for just eight lucky diners and offers a window into the perfectionist world of the charismatic founder himself. Almost impossible to book, Omkase by Walt became a byword for all that was foodie and hip in the island’s capital.
A zero-frills beach bar on the white-sand beach of Es Figueral, northern newbie Nudo developed an overnight cult following for its cleaner-than-clean seafood, natural wines and sustainability ethos. The result was a pared-back little beach hangout where the four young owners allowed their distinct personalities and specialities – wine, food, hospitality, environment – to shine through. A future classic.
After establishing itself as arguably the most prestigious Japanese restaurant in London and Dubai, ROKA brings its robatayakaki – live charcoal grilling – concept to diners at Mallorca’s grande-dame Hotel Cap Vermell, a twinkling mountain resort with extraordinary views across the Med to Menorca. The resulting pairing was the smartest place to dine in Mallorca this summer.
On the site of the much-missed Naïf – a nineties hangout of wild abandon – Zitya is Rhodes-inspired terrace restaurant and cocktail bar that links the two islands through the myth of a fabled butterfly tree. So far, so esoteric, but the space is buzzing and beautiful and serves peppery cocktails that will keep you going back for days.
Far more of an experience that simply a supper, the 1742 journey begins at a meeting point in Ibiza Town, from where diners are whisked in a buggy across the plaza and up through the winding streets of Dalt Vila. 1742 – named for the date stone on the building – occupies an opulently restored palacio high in the heart of Dalt Vila and is sensory extravaganza on every level. Chef Edwin Vinke cooks seafood to perfection and signature dishes such as blue lobster with beach crab and broad beans are the highlights of a fish-centric menu.
Juntos founder Sophie Daunais can’t put a foot wrong, and her sensitive restoration of San Mateo’s beloved classic Can Cires is no exception. The old village building has been restored using natural materials and earthy tones and provides the perfect backdrop for French chef Benoit Cadeau’s farm to table food and speakeasy style cocktail bar. The core of Juntos - which means together in Spanish - is a community-based project that connects a regenerative farm, a hospitality business and a sustainable boutique. Sophie and co-founder Christian Jochnik are passionate about making a significant impact on the way we enjoy food and connect with one other and with our planet.
It was the summer of tacos this year, and nowhere nailed the trend better than Chidas, the buzzing Ibiza Town cantina of best friends Andreas Tsanos and Salvatore D’amico. Tucked away in an anonymous street, Chidas’ teen-weeny menu promises mega flavours at gentle prices and is perhaps the only place in the capital that’s packed from noon until night. Come for Ibiza’s best margaritas and the kind of lime-slaked, tinga-packed corn tacos that would make your Mexican abuela weep. Bravo!
