The concept of the steakhouse is known to millions of Americans as a place where your dad might go. Not so with STK Ibiza, the brand that has rewritten the rules on how to do a modern steakhouse. This cool chain has been very successful with branches from Miami to Milan, blending a great menu with a social element that makes this place very much an experience, rather than just a meal out.
The STK brand is targeted at people who want a great meal but don't necessarily want to go home afterwards. STK Ibiza is the restaurant's first venue in Spain and has just landed in Marina Botafoch, close to the yachts of the super-rich and a meeting place for international celebrities. The venue is a restaurant with a bar and terrace and is a place where you can come and have a big feed or just try something from their cleverly curated cocktail list. Then you could even get up and dance on tables like they do in STK restaurants worldwide.
On the night we went, we watched the glamorous, well-dressed clientele arriving, looking more than ready for some serious fun. You have DJs pumping out New York style beats; a mixture of funk, old school and cool in honour of the roots and original Big Apple STK. There is nightly entertainment with singers and performers playing live and around the restaurant there is art – specifically when we went, a photography exhibition of the work of Julian Lennon.
Breaking bread
The food here is a big draw. Let's start with the bread, a soft, delicious glazed roll topped with butter and mashed blue cheese and their own special recipe chimichurri on the side. I don't think I have ever enjoyed restaurant bread so much - the food here is definitely fun.
Starters came in the shape of their much-loved and supremely delectable soft shell crab sliders and the equally delicious mini Wagyu beef burgers with truffle sauce. The brilliantly named Blue Monday salad was simple and extraordinarily good; a baby gem bathed in a dressing of blue cheese and cobnuts. To finish off the appetisers, we had a tuna tartare from the raw bar flavoured with spicy jalapeño pepper and an escalivada, a variation on a local dish made with roasted vegetables and artichokes and enlivened with fresh oregano. If that sounds like a lot of food, it was, but this was work and we simply had to try everything.
And then there was steak
For our mains we had the hangar steak and a fillet steak, which come from the best cuts of USDA certified prime beef (the top 2%). Both came ready cut and ready to go and were topped with giant juicy grilled prawns. Hangar is a favourite of mine, since it packs lots of flavour, has little fat and when cooked properly is a thing of joy, as this was. With fillet, there is often a compromise on flavour in favour of tenderness. Not this one, which had both taste and texture to make you weep with happiness
There is a wide array of sides, toppings and sauces, which are really worth it if you want to jazz up your dish. We were fortunate to get a sample of all the sauces and whilst all were good, my favourites were the bordelaise and blue cheese ones. There are all kinds of sides and we went with the lobster mac & cheese, a generous and indulgent twist on an American classic as well as the thick Parmesan truffle chips. Both were pure, sheer and happy indulgence.
Snickers reimagined
So to desserts, where the fun continues with things like candy floss, salted caramel popcorn and the yummy ice cream cones that we had. We also went for their home made version of a Snickers bar, much more tasty than the original and definitely a treat with a gorgeous peanut ice cream on the side. The cheesecake was both fluffy and creamy and topped off with pieces of caramelised apricot that just begged to be eaten.
STK Ibiza is an original concept for this White Isle and one that brings together your favourite foods done really well in a chic and vibrant atmosphere. If you want glamour sparkle, great food and drinks or want to spot the odd celeb, this place should be top of your list.
Quick Facts
What? STK Ibiza
Where? At the Ibiza Corso Hotel & Spa, Marina Botafoch, Ibiza Town
When? Every day from 8pm to 3am till early October
Why? For a glamorous steakhouse experience with cool music and entertainment – a complete night out
Veggie Options? Indeed, you can try satay vegetables or a cep and wild garlic risotto or pan roasted cauliflower
Disabled Facilities? Yes and there's ramp access
Top tips? Hmn, hard to single out, but I would say try the Snickers style dessert and something from their selection of steaks
WORDS | Julian Heathcote PHOTOGRAPHY | Peter Young
