Cipriani caused quite a stir in the winter when the plans of its move to Ibiza were leaked and spread around the island. One of the most famous dining experiences in the world on its way to Marina Botafoch – finding a home in the Ibiza Gran – was great news for the island and further evidence of it’s continued evolution. Notoriously high brow, the restaurant offers a whole new meaning to the term VIP and where better to be located than opposite Ibiza’s most exclusive harbour. Leah Garwood-Gowers donned a posh frock, brushed up on her cutlery etiquette and headed Downtown Ibiza to check it out for Essentialibiza…
The long anticipated Ibiza branch of Cipriani has arrived, much to the delight of many. Named Downtown Ibiza due to ownership issues with the name Cipriani in Europe you’d think the brand might suffer through lack of recognition. Think again. For the last few months Cipriani has been the name on everyone’s lips, the talk of downtown so to speak.
Before I go on I feel I should warn you, this place considers itself a swanky establishment. Dress to impress, get that sequined one piece dry cleaned or squeeze into the alarmingly tight Helmut Lang bandage dress you promised yourself you’d never wear in public, ahem. Trainers, flat shoes, tracksuit bottoms and other such laid back attire are not invited to the party. Another word of caution, this place is on the pricy side of expensive. You may wander why I’m telling you about Downtown Ibiza at all, the truth is that despite the obvious snobbery of the place it can be fun to go all out and live like a rich kid once in a while, like role-play or fancy dress.
Located within the Ibiza Gran Hotel in the Marina there’s no doubting Downtown Ibiza’s grandeur. The staff run around in white tail coats and there’s an air of old school Italian glamour, which is difficult not to be seduced by. We sampled a selection of dishes from which the Black Cod reigned supreme, the veal in a tuna sauce was unique and the sashimi was nothing short of exceptional. Even the ice cream dessert broke boundaries. Bizarrely our starters were animated with an almost pornographic cabaret show that I was assured is an Italian tradition, I’m certain it’s not. Prudishness aside the affectionately dubbed Chippers is one of those places you’ve just got to try, even if it’s only once, you’ll probably enjoy it.
