There's nowhere on the island quite like the Sunset Strip in the resort of San Antonio as the sun sinks towards the horizon. The site of several of the most iconic chillout venues, it is now home to Space Eat & Dance, the latest venture by the man behind Space nightclub, Ibiza legend Pepe Roselló.
At the end of a sweltering July day, we wandered down to check out the place, sample the food and - why not - soak up a bit of the unique pre-party atmosphere for which the zone is famed.
Perched over the rocks at the start of the Strip, the terrace of Space Eat & Dance commands a fantastic position. Thankfully, it also benefits from a refreshing breeze to keep us cool on such a warm evening.
In addition to the tables, there are comfy seating areas with sofas that are ideal for enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail or sundowner with friends. As we sipped our cocktails, we looked out over the bay and saw other sunset seekers - like ourselves - on different-sized boats out at sea, all awaiting the crimson crescendo to another magical day in paradise.
The service at Space Eat & Dance is sprightly, so it wasn't long before our starters emerged.
After a hot day, the silky smooth burrata salad with confit cherry tomato was pleasantly refreshing.
Next out was a dish of chicken yakitori marinated in a Josper oven and served with Basmati rice, mashed coconut, sweet potato and snow peas. It was garnished with chips made of fried chicken skin - an unusual and innovative touch.
We adored the fresh candied cod poached at a low temperature in a mildly spicy coconut milk, lime and lemongrass reduction, and served with parcels of pak choi and edamame.
The full-flavoured smoked Chipotle Romesco sauce that accompanied the well-grilled octopus balanced it nicely.
The smoked beef tataki with black garlic and sesame emulsion was delicious thanks to the contrast between the lightly seared exterior and the succulent interior of the meat.
Naturally, we could not pass up on the chance to try one of the restaurant's signature Space burgers. Made with grilled aged beef with the famous logo branded onto the bun and served with plenty of sides, it's quite the showpiece!
We thought the desserts looked exceptional the moment we picked up the menu. Thus it was no surprise when they turned out to be mouth-wateringly good. Seriously, if you go there for the desserts alone, it’s worth it.
Ginger panna cotta with curry crumble with sauteed lime and lemongrass mango. Simply sublime!
"Saint Dominique" chocolate coulant with a hazelnut crumble and Veracruz vanilla ice cream.
Lime cheesecake with digestive cookies and violet, raspberry sorbet. A lovely melange of flavours and textures.
Space Eat & Dance did not disappoint. Ok, we didn't dance, but the music soundtrack was always spot on, with Techno and House pioneer Josh Wink on the decks.
With affordable prices, a to-die-for location and food that definitely pushes the envelope, it's well worth checking out. And don't be misled into thinking that it's just for clubbers - it attracts a mixed clientele that includes families.
For a great sunset dinner reserve a table at Space Eat & Dance today.
