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Review: Amante Restaurant

Amante Beach Club, an islanders favourite - we check it out for 2013

Amante Beach Club, located near Cala Llonga, Ibiza, enjoys a stunning setting. It nestles cosily on a cliff, hugging the beautiful coastline and offering incredible views over the Mediterranean. Its multi-level design steps gracefully down to one of the few, private Ibiza beaches below.

Romantic

‘Amante’ means ‘lover’ in Spanish. Close to a popular resort, nestled into the cliffs of Sol d’en Serra it is reputed to be the epitome of romantic venues.

My companion and I arrived one unusually overcast Ibiza afternoon. Clearly signposted from Cala Llonga, there is a huge parking area right outside so no parking stress. Always a good start!

The receptionist, friendly and efficient, showed us immediately to our table on one of the lower levels of the restaurant with a panoramic view of the rugged coastline. Sadly due to the unusual weather, the usually vibrant sea and deep blue sky was more a murky grey but the venue itself more than compensated.

Top-class service

Within a minute we were offered cocktail of the day. Yes please! A delicious concoction of cinnamon rum, fresh melon and basil arrived quickly, along with their extensive Mediterranean menu. A selection of breads, plump, marinated olives and a refreshing tomato salsa soon followed, providing a welcome change from the ubiquitous ali-oli.

We discussed the menu with Veronica, our polite and attentive waitress. I was impressed with her knowledge, from describing the different tastes of each fish dish (I only like mild-tasting fish) to the ingredients used in their preparation.

Impressive and Popular

We decided to begin with fresh, grilled asparagus and beetroot gazpacho, followed by their home-made burger and the grilled hake. Settling back with our cocktails, we looked around, admiring the sheer natural splendour of the surroundings and the understated chic of the restaurant. We also noticed several friends and colleagues having Ibiza-style business lunches on plump bean-bags over chilled drinks and snacks, laptops on table and smiles on faces. Their free wi-fi service is excellent, of course. The profusion of discerning island residents frequenting this restaurant is testament to Amante’s quality and beauty. This is a place designed to impress. Popular with A-listers and celebrities, it succeeds beautifully.

Plenty of staff bustled around, attending to every need. It was good to see that this restaurant does not scrimp on staff, unlike many Ibiza restaurants that employ the bare minimum. You can often see these poor souls, literally running around desperately trying to do 10 things at once in between a stressed-out manager and bored-of-waiting clients. No such thing here at Amante Beach Club. Think fast and professional, front to back and top to bottom.

Excellent Cuisine

The food arrived swiftly. In fact everything happened swiftly and before we knew it, 4 wonderful hours had shot by with barely a care in the world. I noticed that many people who had arrived, like us, at 1pm, were still there, either chatting away over drinks or on luxury sun-loungers, flipping through the latest glossies thoughtfully provided.

The asparagus, served with tomato jam and plenty of parmesan was superb, as was the gazpacho, with no overwhelming flavours and a perfectly balanced taste.

The house wine, at €22 a bottle was not cheap. But it was a very good quality, elegant Rioja. This venue is certainly not bargain basement dear readers.

The pure Angus beef burger came served rare on wonderfully light focaccia bread with hand-cut fries sprinkled with paprika. This was perfect for my companion, but do remember to advise your server if you prefer your meat a little more well-done. The hake was mouth-watering and exactly how Veronica had described it. Falling apart at a touch it was marvellously moist and mild tasting. The accompanying basil with pistachio oil, pine nuts and raisins perfectly complimented the fish.

We finished with perhaps the best cheesecake I’ve had all year. Light and creamy with a crunchy biscuit base, served with passion-fruit, strawberries and mint. Pure luxury.

Pure Class

I could only imagine how beautiful it must be during night-time and sunset, when they host regular ‘moon-rise’ dinners. I made a mental note to return with my partner next time a very special treat was called for.

They also offer a fantastic breakfast plus yoga package and have an on-site team of professional masseurs, should all that lounging around in the sun and eating gorgeous food become too tiring!

I recommend Amante Beach Club without hesitation for those seeking the best dining that Ibiza beaches can offer. Go, treat a loved one. Relax and unwind. You’re in the perfect place.


Quick Facts

What? Amante Beach Club

Where? Sol d'en Serra near Cala Llonga, Santa Eulalia

When? Breakfast, lunch and dinner, everyday, May - October

Why? Stunning views, close to one of the most popular Ibiza beaches with excellent, fresh cuisine and faultless service.

Disabled Access? Regrettably not due to the numerous stairs

Top tip? Try their uber-romantic, moon-rise dinners or impress clients with the business lunch of their dreams!

Average Spend per Head? €45-55 per head, including wine.

To Book

For more information or to make a reservation - Amante Beach Club

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