IZAKAYA Serves Up Perfection

Just over a month ago – and amidst much anticipation – stylish new eatery IZAKAYA Asian Kitchen & Bar opened the doors to its brand new outpost in the upmarket Marina Botafoch area of Ibiza Town. Part of the renowned Entourage Group’s fast growing international portfolio, those who had been to the original restaurant in Amsterdam knew the high standard of hospitality and culinary prowess they could expect, while those who hadn’t were left stunned by a launch night that ran like a perfectly assembled Swiss clockwork, never losing its cool or welcoming ambience.

After being utterly blown away by the first taste we got of the IZAKAYA experience at the opening, we couldn’t wait to return for a relaxed dinner with the girls and work our way through the width and length of the mouth-watering menu. Innovating the traditional Japanese dining experience with a South American twist, the dishes on offer are light, healthy and fresh, ranging from Nikkei specialities to sushi delights conceived and executed to perfection by Executive Chef Hariprasad Shetty and his dedicated team.

We arrived on a sweltering evening right on the cusp of August, and were very grateful for our table on the terrace, where we could enjoy the gentle breeze and views on the turquoise glow of the swimming pool at its heart. IZAKAYA makes for a beautiful dining space, combining modern design with plenty of eye-catching details. From the metallic walls that look like molten silver, the cool chrome statement bar that allows guests to prop up on all four sides of its square shape, the open kitchen with its display of fresh fish and the comfortable lounge area complete with a DJ booth, the eatery and bar oozes effortless chic.

As impressive as the visual aesthetic is the simply outstanding level of service. Attentive but never overbearing, friendly but not overfamiliar, the staff never miss a trick and are on hand at all times to top up your glass or answer questions about the food. From the second we arrived until we enjoyed our last sip of wine, we were expertly looked after from start to finish. On recommendation of our waiter, we started our evening with a bottle of Moroki Sauvignon Blanc, a tropical and refreshing white wine perfect for the sizzling summer temperatures as well as the selection of seafood, poultry and meat dishes that were about to follow.

The plates arrived, tapas style, in bits and bobs; bite-sized gourmet treats to share amongst friends and challenge yourself to try something new. First up, the crispy baked rice parcels topped with spicy tuna tartar and Japanese radish were so delicious with their perfectly squidgy texture and the fresh flavour of the fish, we swooned so loudly that other guests turned their heads in surprise. At the same time, an ever-so-prettily presented quintet of Gillardeau oysters clad in Kataifi Filo pastry and topped with wasabi cream and Oscietra caviar wowed us with a contrast of textures and carefully balanced flavours.

Delicate slices of tender beef tataki, dressed with a zesty onion ponzu sauce and sprinkled with aromatic spring onion and crispy garlic became another instant table that left us fighting over the last bite, while the juicy chicken skewers – tender breast and thigh grilled over charcoal and coated in a vibrant anticucho sauce made with Peruvian spices – exploded with zesty aromas and a citrusy kick on our palettes. Huge, hand-dived Scottish scallops melted in our mouths, yet another gourmet highlight thanks to the addition of a creamy yuzu and truffle sauce that was utterly addictive, and flavoursome Enoki mushrooms. The distinctive hint truffle and the silky texture of the molluscs made this plate an indulgent and luxurious foodie delight to remember.

Meanwhile, the fun pop shrimp tempura served in a creamy curry sauce with pink pepper and a sprinkle of chives, disappeared at record speed thanks to their irresistible batter coating and juicy filling. Another top recommendation from our waiter, we also tried an import from IZAKAYA sister restaurant Momo, a sushi roll that has been dubbed the ‘world’s best’ thanks to its filling of high grade Norwegian salmon, tuna, seabass and avocado, and its crunchy topping of tempura crumble. The fresh flavours of the fish, the sweet creaminess of the avocado and the crispiness of the crumble, paired with the addition of tarragon miso, made this a real feast of contrasting flavours and textures, a real highlight and must-try for any discerning sushi fiend.

After a little break, during which we enjoyed dipping our feet into the azure waters of the pool to help us stay cool, our last round of dishes arrived. Served with a grilled cob of sweetcorn in amazu ponzu butter, our first meat course of the night arrived in the shape of bite-sized crispy pork belly chunks in a ginger tozazu sauce, a carnivore’s dream thanks to the crunchy skin and aromatic flesh, but light enough to not head off into a food coma. A Chilean sea bass served in a black bean and ginger sauce and topped with fresh chives was our last hurrah, a masterpiece of from the sea that was delicate and moist in texture, its natural flavours enhanced by the fragrant sauce.

Reluctant to end this night of gastronomic wonder, and with some white wine left to polish off, we decided to share a couple of desserts. Keeping it light, we tucked into a ginormous fruit platter containing not only a colourful selection of our favourite berries and exotic picks, but also trendy Japanese mochi rice cakes filled with ice cream, the perfect sharing plate for those who aren’t into overly rich sweet treats. We also swooned over the passion fruit Pavlova, a mound of a sweet crunchy shell filled with ice cream, combining the bittersweet exotic flavour with fruity pomegranate. Topped with delicate gold leaf, it was the crowning glory to a regal feast.

We surprised ourselves by realising that, despite the veritable gourmet feast we had just consumed, we didn’t feel too full to take a turn on the dance floor – perfect considering that IZAKAYA is only a stone’s throw from Ibiza super clubs Pacha and HEART. Having shazamed and chair-danced to Djamal’s eclectic and infectious set all night, after a mini boogy in front of the DJ booth we grooved off into the night, already mentally plotting our return to what is bound to become one of or firm favourites to take friends and loved ones for a truly show-stopping dining experience.

Information & Reservations
e: info@izakaya-ibiza.com
w: izakaya-restaurant.com/ibiza