Cruise down to the infamous Cala Jondal, and right into Ibiza restaurant Tropicana to discover over a quarter of a century of understated excellence.
First impressions for those unfamiliar with Ibiza restaurants might raise an uneducated eyebrow. A huge dusty car-park and, at first glance, a typical Ibicenco bar catches the attention. Smile and relax. The experience is about to begin.
Allow yourself to be led to the enormous, outdoor, bamboo shaded restaurant, with a gorgeous array of sunbeds and super yachts stretching before you. Luxurious, white tablecloths, napkins and cushioned chairs invite you to wind down.
Tropicana Beach Club, Cala Jondal, Ibiza are the only words you need to remember if it's quality you seek in your Ibiza restaurants. Chilled tunes, multi-lingual service and a menu to delight both visually and orally are part of this package.
Do the staff let you reach to refill your own wine glass? Gosh, no.
Can you converse at your own table without neighbouring tables overhearing? Of course you can.
This is real VIP, not the paparazzi 'can you hear me, see me' crowd, where money speaks louder than class. Interestingly, importantly, there is a superb sense of value for money – something which can be lacking elsewhere (and no, you won't find ‘elsewhere' on Ibiza Spotlight)
It was lunch-time, the temperature was a perspiring 32 degrees in direct sunlight and every table was booked. Staff moved around efficiently, a starter of tuna tartar and lobster salad (claws expertly de-shelled) was served, fresh, generous delicious. A cool breeze tickled in over the sea as couples relaxed and the occasional discreet popping of a champagne bottle could be heard. A quick check from the staff, how was our starter? “Perfect!”
The manic business of the high season slipped gently from our shoulders. There is no ‘table for an hour and a half' here. This is one of the best Ibiza restaurants for feeling as though you have all the time in world at your disposal.
A mains of fillet steak and grilled Turbot with lobster tempura and crab sauce arrived. First-class is obviously a well-established habit at this beach bar and restaurant. But do not think for a moment that lethargy has also crept into this confidence. We sailed through a three hour, three course lunch without once needing for anything.
Meanwhile, on the beach, staff in immaculate white polo shirts and shorts served trays of drinks and food from the tropical, palm covered beach bar. The well-stocked boutique with bright kikoys and heavenly incense attracted those who were momentarily restless or needing a break from the infamous Ibiza summer sun.
The finale - and we only brought it sadly to that conclusion because an endless backlog of emails had seriously stacked up - was spectacular.
The perfect Irish coffee was served after a dessert of panacotta and a dish of fresh fruit served with crispy wafers, chocolate sauce and a sweet and tangy mango sorbet. A quarter of a century's success does not surprise us. Should you not know Restaurant Tropicana, we can but hope it delights you as much as it has impressed us.
To Book
Please see Tropicana Ibiza Beach Club for more information and reservation details
Quick Facts
What? Tropicana Beach Club
Where? Cala Jondal
When? Lunch and Dinner, May - Oct
Why? It's a pearl amongst Ibiza restaurants.
Average Spend per head? €35-45 for 2 courses and a drink
Top Tip? Make a reservation if booking July, August or September – you really don't want to miss out.
Room for Improvement? We're still trying to think of something for this – we'll come back to you on it!
