Under the sky and stars – Mikasa Restaurant

The nightly sunset in Ibiza is treated like an almost spiritual experience by many island lovers, and contrary to popular belief, not all great sunsets are witnessed in the west. On the south-east coast of the island, on the cusp of Marina Botafoch and the edge of Talamanca, the rooftop terrace of Mikasa Ibiza is one of the best spots to catch the dazzling array of colours splashing across the sky. The views stretch out across the sparkling harbour towards the glowing ochre walls of the old town, and as night slowly descends, glittering lights sway across the bay as if the stars have fallen into the sea.

Come for the sunset, stay for the plant-based cuisine. The menu at Mikasa Ibiza is exclusively plant based – a decision based on the owner’s commitment to a vegan lifestyle, sustainable living and pioneering new concepts on the island. Owned and operated by Island Hospitality – the group behind iconic Beachouse Ibiza on Playa d’en Bossa, Finca La Plaza in Santa Gertrudis and the all-new nightlife hotspot, Club Chinois. In keeping with their vision of excellence, Mikasa Restaurant offers a culinary experience like no other on the island.

F&B director Gennaro Vito has crafted a day-to-night menu that covers breakfast, brunch and dinner, utilising magnificent island grown produce and innovative combinations. While the offering is plant-based, meat eaters will never be disappointed thanks to the expansive and hearty choices available. Breakfast and brunch are jammed with delectable healthy dishes ranging from light snacks to nourishing mains – if you’re heading over to Formentera for the day it’s also the ideal pre-boating meeting point, where you can have coffee with friends and grab some tasty takeout options for the journey. Then, as the afternoon slips into the evening, the stunning space is transformed into an oasis of romance.

Start the sunset session with some snacks to share, like a dose of tangy ginger and fermented lemon edamame, crispy yucca chips with green chutney, cauliflower bites with black garlic and cumin allioli as well as seasonal mushrooms presented over creamy hummus with a hunk of naan bread. From here, a bottle of biodynamic or natural wine pairs perfectly with starters such as chickpea tortilla with cashew cream, coriander pesto and crispy pumpkin or baked sweet potato with pico de gallo and Sriracha yoghurt sauce. There’s also beetroot carpaccio with toasted almonds and cashews and caponata Siciliana with fresh naan. 

Main dishes can also be shared but that’s a conversation to be had between friends. House smoked aubergine is served with tahini sauce, pomegranate and spicy brown rice with lentils and caramelised onions. Ravioli comes stuffed with walnuts and topped with sage and rawmesan powder, a vegan take on parmesan cheese via a flavourful mix of seeds, nuts and spices. Corn polenta is matched with caramelised onion, green spinach sauce and baked parsnip. A classic spaghetti arrabbiata features along with a plant-based take on the burger, using falafel, activated charcoal, confit tomatoes, spinach, pickled onions and sweet potato fries. Each dish is sublimely calibrated for maximum nutrition and flavour, appearing like vibrant and colourful works of art on your plate.

Every Friday and Saturday, Mikasa Ibiza hosts a special get-together dubbed Soundsets, starting at 7.30pm and continuing through until late. A sublime selection of specifically created cocktails are combined with a unique soundtrack designed to lift the spirit and celebrate the present. The mix of music, excellent food, delicious cocktails and natural wines topped with those divine Dalt Vila views and sunset colours makes Soundsets Ibiza’s best-kept secret. Head to the upper terrace for an even more expansive view across the glittering sea and the rustic rooftops of Ibiza’s UNESCO World Heritage listed old town. 

Just because dinner comes to an end at Mikasa Ibiza, doesn’t mean your night has to. Set within walking distance of some of Ibiza’s most in-demand bars and nightclubs, it’s the perfect place for a pre-party dinner. Just a hop, skip and a jump – or a leisurely stroll – down the paseo, and you’ll arrive at Club Chinois for a night of decadent dancing. Based on its successful sister project, Park Chinois in London, the Ibiza outpost features Luciano on the decks for a residency on Saturday nights starting from July 2 and continuing in August, Una on Tuesdays, Themba on Wednesdays and Satori on Thursdays. And after hosting a very special soiree with island legend Sven Väth in June, there’s another Catharsis party – named for Väth’s first album in 20 years – planned for later in the season.

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before you go off in search of adventures in the great Ibiza night, it’s all about nourishing yourself, connecting with the soul of the island and there’s no finer venue than Mikasa Restaurant. At the vanguard of a new era in Ibiza, conscious dining and sustainable living are the cornerstones of this innovative restaurant, complemented with exceptional service and a sophisticated beachy setting. The crowning glory is the beauty of the hotel and restaurant’s surroundings, which includes those incredible, breathtaking views – a soon-to-be-iconic sunset experience that no Ibiza lover should miss.