Gastronomy with a view

Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in S’Argamassa, on the island’s unspoilt eastern coastline, Nikki Beach Ibiza has always been popular with the visiting jetset from around the world for its free-spirited atmosphere and fun-in-the-sun party vibes. With the challenges of the 2020 season meaning a limited capacity, strict health and safety regulations, and a more socially distanced approach to operations, the time has come for the cuisine concept within the renowned beach club to deservedly take the spotlight. Set on a stylish raised platform overlooking the famous swimming pool, and looking even further out over the deep blue sea to the horizon, the chic, shaded and spacious restaurant at Nikki Beach Ibiza also boasts a glass partition that can protect diners from windy or rainy weather – not that we’re experiencing any of that in Ibiza this summer, as it has been one of the most glorious sun-drenched summers on record.

Lunchtime is when Nikki Beach Ibiza truly shines – in terms of the trio of environment, service and most importantly, the menu. New head chef Thierry Zaragoza – who came to the island directly from the flagship venue, Nikki Beach Mallorca, where he worked under the guidance of the brand’s head chef for all of Spain – has given the famous à la carte menu a gastronomic revamp in 2020, while still retaining the signature dishes the brand’s loyal followers have come to know and love over the years. In addition, a three-course menu del día – known as the Summer Lovers menu – is available from Monday to Wednesday, giving diners the chance to sample the signature highlights from the menu at the accessible price of just 55€ per person, which also includes a glass of wine and a complimentary day bed to lounge on after you’ve finished dining.

One of the major focuses for Zaragoza this season was to support Ibiza farmers, producers and providers, introducing more local produce and ingredients into the kitchen, and onto your plate. Nikki Beach Ibiza has always been known for the high quality of its cuisine, and now it’s also as farm fresh as possible. The restaurant now offers many more dishes catering to vegans and vegetarians, due to popular demand, and Mediterranean fish and seafood specials are on offer via ever-changing chalkboard specials, , and include lobster, sea bass and much more, depending on the fresh catches of the day in the market each morning.

Starters at Nikki Beach Ibiza include the very popular and flavour-filled chicken quesadilla, with diced red onions, mixed peppers, coriander, cheddar, Monterey jack, sour cream, guacamole and homemade pico de gallo, alongside the crowd-pleasing Burrata Caprese with basil pesto, four types of fresh Ibiza tomato, focaccia, lemon salt and rocket. The aptly named Avocado Garden showcases locally grown avos, with hummus, herb cream cheese, smoked paprika, capers, shimeji mushrooms and a boiled quail egg and is perfect for sharing thanks to its side of corn tortillas. And if you’re up for sharing, hand-sliced Jabugo ham or Marbella Shrimp Pil Pil are ideal to pick at over cocktails, while waiting for the main event.

Hot summer days call for lots of fresh salads, and at Nikki Beach Ibiza, no salad lover will ever go home hungry. The brand’s famous Miami Beach Chicken Caesar Salad is the star of the show, complemented by the Sexy Salad – made with lobster, shrimp and crab meat plus mango and greens – and a super fresh Watermelon and Feta salad that’s plumped up with pineapple, edamame, kale, cucumber, pink beetroot, cherry tomatoes and much more. No summer menu is complete without a Tuna Poke, and the Nikki Beach Ibiza twist on the classic incorporates pickled cucumber, samphire, sesame, coriander, lime and probiotic kimchi to pack some extra punch.

Freshly shucked Amelie oysters, Koh Samui Tuna Tartare spiced with tom yum and Hamachi Tiradito come courtesy of the Nikki Beach Ibiza Raw Bar, while main courses range from healthy and wholesome to hearty. New for 2020 is the Miso Glazed Aubergine – already a huge hit with island vegans – while the famous Chicken Satay continues flying out of the kitchen every day. The Ibicenco classic sea bass fillet baked in a salt crust is ideal for lovers of a Mediterranean diet, while the spaghetti Gamberetti with local shrimp fuses Italian flair with local ingredients. The serious 300-gram rib-eye comes with a side of roasted baby potatoes and homemade Romescu sauce, while over on the rotisserie, Provence or Piri Piri free-range chicken offer further flavour-filled options.

The incredible sushi Nikki Beach Ibiza is known for continues to win the hearts of diners on a daily basis. The Nikki Nigiri Tasting “Moriawase’ is designed to showcases the best of the menu, while the Ibiza Rainbow Roll, Marbella Spicy Tuna Roll and Saint Barth Salmon roll meet their match in the Koh Samui Vegetarian Roll made with passionfruit, cucumber and avocado. Whatever you order for a starter and main, be sure to save room for the homemade desserts – Chocolate Lava Cake, the Nikki Beach Ibiza signature Eton Mess or Grand Fruit Plate, Apple Tart Tatin and Pistachio Tiramisu are the cherries on top of an already impressive gastronomy offer.

With so much on offer, it can (for some people!) be hard to choose, and this is where the Summer Lovers menu comes into play. For starters, opt for the Burrata Caprese, Saint Barth Salmon Roll or Watermelon and Feta Salad; move onto the Chicken Satay, Sea Bass Fillet ‘a la sal’ or Miso Glazed Aubgerine for mains; with a grand finale of Eton Mess, Tarte Tatin or Sorbe and Ice Cream. It’s the ideal option for those who have never sampled the brand’s signature cuisine before, and an affordable alternative for island locals looking to try something new this summer. Nikki Beach Ibiza is a place where everything you could want from an Ibiza holiday is under one roof. An amazing wine list, bespoke cocktails made by master mixologists, daily live entertainment and music, culinary creations unlike anywhere else on the island, plus those endless views of the Balearic Sea. Due to the current restrictions, prior reservations are highly recommended.