Minami (meaning south in Japanese) is located to the left of the entrance into the Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel in the heart of Playa d'en Bossa. Blending Japanese-style bamboo decor and lighting, contemporary artwork, top gastronomy and spectacular showmanship by its talented chefs, it artfully marries Eastern culinary know-how and flavours with Mediterranean cuisine.
The result is an exotic, fully interactive dining experience that will delight discerning diners while wowing them with a dazzling display of dexterity by its dynamic, engaging resident chefs.
On arrival, the Spotlight review team was led to our table by the maître d’. During the meal, the attentive staff looked after our every need, topping up our glasses and answering all our questions. In short, the ideal combination of friendliness and professionalism.
There are three seating areas: two teppanyaki tables, a sushi and sashimi bar and individual tables. Minami is thoughtfully laid out with well-spaced tables. There’s ample room for groups of different sizes and large, private tables.
Our teppanyaki table was the larger of the 2, seating up to 14 people, which would be great for a large group of friends.
Although Minami is right next to the Ushuaïa party area, the music from outside doesn't feature inside the restaurant which has its own upbeat music at a perfect volume for conversation.
Whilst waiting for our starters, it was fun watching the show cooking taking place for the guests who preceded us, indeed, it’s the key to the whole experience. When the chef juggles his cleaver and fork and tosses the ingredients in the air, it’s nothing short of spellbinding!
Our feast of the east began with some leisurely paced, bite-sized starters.
The edamame in a spicy sauce was the ideal way to stimulate our appetites.
Prawn and pork gyozas, with Cantonese coconut and pine nut sauce.
The akami tuna tartare was served with caviar on a rice biscuit. The combination of the crispy rice biscuit with the moist, lean akami tuna was divine.
The next starter to arrive -with individual plates for everyone - was uramaki sushi with sea bream in mustard and honey sauce.
All the sashimi we were served was fresh and delicious, but our favourite was the quail egg topped with truffle. The fact the plate was decorated with various baby leaves including a very flavoursome shiso leaf was what clinched it.
When it comes to the main dishes on the show cooking menu, you get to choose from chicken, beef, prawns, or salmon. The latter are flambeed with a mixture of oil and brandy and then teriyaki, enhancing the flavours. The meat was prepared without any sauce and teriyaki was served in a side dish.
The portions are generous and that goes for the fried rice with vegetables, too.
Minami’s selection of sweets encompasses Japanese classics such as Macha tea sorbet and mochis (strawberry and cheesecake, in this case). There’s also coconut sorbet and mango truffle.
All in all, we came away with a very positive impression of Minami. It’s a winning combo of top-notch cooking and entertainment that’s ideal for groups and couples. One of the nicest things about it is chatting to other diners if you are sharing a table. Lastly, it is, of course, the perfect place to get in a convivial mood before heading out on the town.
Be sure to book in advance, especially for the teppanyaki show cooking experience which really is, very special.
