A cool foodie hotspot on the beautiful Balearic Island, fusing South American and Japanese flavours.
Words by Georgie Bentley-Buckle
Representing Nobu’s iconic fusion of Japanese and South American flavours on the coolest Balearic Island is Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay and its line-up of curated culinary offerings. One early summer evening, as the season began to sizzle with swathes of glamorous jetsetters stepping foot on the white isle, my fiancé and I meandered our way to Talamanca Bay, and to the Nobu Hotel for dinner at the signature restaurant.
From the globally recognised chef Nobu Matsuhisa, who won the hearts of Hollywood (notably Robert De Niro), to this day, Nobu epitomises Los Angeles glamour. Since settling comfortably in Ibiza in 2017, the gourmet hotel has been welcomed by the island’s coolest crowd for boujee dinners, lazy lunches and beautiful brunches. Sat on the terrace with the sandy bay just beyond, we took a seat for the evening to enjoy a line-up of Nobu’s signature dishes, offering my fiancé the ultimate introduction.
Otherwise known as the Omakase dinner menu, translating in Japanese as ‘I leave it to you’, this chef-curated menu encourages diners to place their full trust with the kitchen to deliver the finest selection of dishes. Described as a ‘seven-course journey’ and a ‘masterclass in flavour’, this culinary experience is designed to keep you on your toes with surprises along the way. Each course showcased the finest and freshest ingredients from both the land and sea, with a sprinkling of Ibizan magic in honour of the restaurant’s setting.
The Omakase dining experience begins with seasonal yellowtail topped with the signature jalapeño, followed by a colourful selection of fresh nigiri and sushi. This was followed by, in my opinion, which is often the star of the show – the black miso cod, a decadent wagyu beef and the Nobu-branded Chocolate Bento Box to conclude.
Nobu has made its mark across all corners of the world’s most celebrated destinations. Whilst championing the famous fusion cooking, each restaurant ensures it captures the essence of the destination it calls home. For Nobu Ibiza, particular offerings that reflect its Ibizan essence include juicy, bright red Formentera prawns, citrus fruits from across the island and locally foraged sea herbs. These are thoughtfully incorporated into the menu by Enrico Maimonte. This can be washed down with expertly shaken cocktails, a wine list of international and local labels, and, of course, an excellent selection of Japanese whiskies.
Considered one of the best foodie destinations on the island, beyond Nobu, the hotel and culinary destination welcomes both visitors and hotel guests to try the variety on offer. Beside the beach, Chambao epitomises the island’s culinary culture, inviting diners for relaxed, laissez-faire lunches with their toes in the sand whilst tucking into large plates of paella and cold jugs of sangria. Meanwhile, the rooftop is a picturesque spot for a scenic cocktail or two, and downstairs, offering health to the hedonism is the bay café. Here you’ll find a wholesome menu of nourishing juices and smoothies, alongside sugar, gluten and lactose-free options and vegan-friendly dishes too.
With an ethos of ‘no agendas’ the hotel tailors its offering to honeymooners, groups of friends and families too. With 152 rooms (90 of them being suites) there also can be found a Six Senses spa, a hair salon by John Frieda and an award-winning kids club. With breakfast served at leisure and long lunches blending into beautiful evenings, whether you’re a guest or simply visiting for dinner, Nobu Hotel Ibiza Bay should be on your radar for your romantic island retreat.
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