With the island’s world-famous dancefloors still closed, this summer the focus has shifted even more to Ibiza’s fabulous culinary scene.
Combining stunning views with expertly mixed cocktails, outstanding food and a carefully curated music programme, Destino Pacha Resort’s open-air restaurant D-Lounge is a must-visit!
Part of the iconic Pacha twin cherry universe, the four-star hotel is an island institution. Sitting atop the cliffs of Cap Martinet, the elegant property has breathtaking vistas all the way across the sea to Formentera, and the historic UNESCO World Heritage site Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town.
The sleek and chic abode is well known for its striking swimming pool, atmospheric restaurant and open-air entertainment – and the good news is that this fabulous experience is not exclusive to resort guests! Outside visitors can book a day pass to lounge poolside, sip cocktails and enjoy a leisurely lunch while listening to the finest Balearic beats - or reserve a table for dinner.
All gastronomic experiences at Destino Pacha are powered by the brand new D-Lounge, the hotel’s stylish open-air restaurant. Situated on an elevated terrace area, diners enjoy fantastic views over the Balearic Sea, the glittering lights of Ibiza Town in the distance and, of course, the hotel’s stylish pool area.
Destino Pacha has long had a reputation for its fantastic sushi, and as big fans of all things Asian cuisine, the Spotlight team was more than excited to try out some fresh Japanese fare and more! On a sweltering August night, the thought of some zesty cocktails and fresh seafood was simply a heaven-sent!
Taking our seats at one of the chunky wooden tables, we soaked up the atmosphere as the straw lamps over our heads gently swayed in the breeze.
Around us, stylish hotel guests and outside visitors from all over the globe were beginning to fill the terrace. With famous Ibiza DJ Angel Linde on the decks – a long-time Pacha resident – the air was brimming with some deep yet energetic house beats.
We started our evening with a trio of potent cocktails while perusing the menu: the spicy Cenote made with Patron Reposado, Bird’s Eye chilli, coriander, lime juice and agave – a potent tipple with a sizzling kick!
The Secret Garden, meanwhile, was a zesty and refreshing concoction made with Hendricks gin, cucumber, mint and a generous dash of citrus.
Last, but not least, the fruity and sweet Lucky Elf combined summery watermelon flavours and an extravagant dash of cava!
Our eyes popped out of our heads when the first platters of fresh seafood and sushi arrived. Upon recommendation from the welcoming team, we tried the Red Prawn Sashimi served with caviar and Korean sauce; an absolute delight made with fresh Ibicencan shellfish that was both satisfyingly plump and delicate at the same time.
Including colourful rolls, nigiri and sashimi, our 30-piece sushi platter was a feast for all senses - wowing with incredible flavours and textures. The outstanding quality of the fish was obvious from the first bite, and we had to strategically negotiate who could have how many pieces of each variety.
Getting hungry? Book your table at D-Lounge here!
However, if we were pushed to narrow down a favourite, it would have to be the utterly addictive O Toro tataki: delicate slices of tuna belly seared on the outside, and left rare in the centre, accompanied by an aromatic sauce of soy, spring onion, chilli, ponzu citrus fruit and sautéed leeks. As the moreish slithers disappeared one by one, we were practically ready for a chopstick war over the last bites.
By now, almost every table in the restaurant was taken, and the atmosphere vibrant. Groups of friends were grooving along to the expertly spun beats in their seats, while romantic couples made the most of the stunning backdrop to take some #datenight pictures.
For our main course, we simply had to try some dishes from the Josper grill, known for infusing meats and fish with hearty smoked aromas. Choosing something delicious from both sea and land, we opted for a tender sea bass fillet with a delightfully crispy skin, and a melt-in-your-moth Wagyu beef steak.
Accompanied by truffled corn on the cob, miniature miso aubergines and chargrilled white asparagus in a creamy truffled sauce, not a morsel of food remained on our plates!
Happy and with our bellies close to capacity, we still couldn’t resist trying some desserts. We finished our meal in style with a light and tropical Coco Thai cold ‘soup’ filled with squidgy tapioca pearls, cubes of mango and lime, toffee, and a refreshing sorbet of coconut, lime, and coriander.
For our final culinary hurrah of the night, we also ordered the indulgent 70% dark chocolate ganache, an impressive architectural structure filled with an exotic passion fruit sorbet, chocolate sauce, a base of cacao cake and some hazelnut for an extra crunch.
It is fair to say that we savoured every last moment, and every single bite of our wonderful evening meal at D-Lounge – and in fact, we have already been recommending it anyone who will listen! O Toro tuna tataki, this won’t be the last you have seen of us!
Book your table at D-Lounge here. For more food recommendations, download our Ibiza Spotlight restaurant app!
