By Sara Darling
If you think you know Ibiza, think again; alongside craggy cliffs that disguise hidden coves, miles of sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and intoxicating nightlife, you can enjoy some of the world’s finest steaks!
This may not be the statement that you would be expecting from an island associated with partying, but when you’re too old to party, you still need to eat, right? STK Ibiza opened in 2017 and became the place to be seen until lockdown hit. But rather than take a hit, the inventive staff stayed loyal to the brand and were busy beavering away behind the scenes to make their comeback in the summer of 22 bigger and better than ever.
This unique interactive restaurant concept is fronted by Head Chef Matteo Bartaletti. Born and raised in Italy, he has cheffed all around the world- bringing a unique vision and touch of the unexpected to the menu at STK.
The glamorous surroundings dictate a glamorous menu, which will tempt every taste bud, even if you don’t eat steak- although with nine different cuts on offer including sirloin, rib eye, fillet, hanger, T-bone, New York strip and tomahawk, meat-eaters will have a tricky choice! I was assured that the brawn was delicious, especially accompanied by the toppings- which span the range from manchego butter, black truffle to fried eggs for a pure carb fest.
Pescetarians and veggies (like me) can go nuts for pan-roasted cauliflower with caramelised puree, or Txangurro ravioli with spider crab and manchego. Casting aside that your body will probably be on show in swimwear for the rest of your holiday, it’s worth indulging in an extravagant churro milkshakes with dulce de leche ice cream as you’ll need to keep up your energy to dance through the night. Whilst you can overload on oysters for starters.
It’s not just the menu that is spectacular! The ethos of the restaurant is to make a cabaret-club-dining experience with immersive entertainment whilst you eat or enjoy cocktails such as Black Beauty and Exotic Lady! So every night of the week, you can book a booth close to the stage or have more privacy on a table to two and be wined and dined with a side order of performers which vary from acrobats to dance troupes and can-can girls and drag queens who are there for your delectation as a side order.
During my visit, I was serenaded by the Disco Bandits; a slick, sax duo who wowed the crowd with their neon light show, just as much as their classic tunes with a spin. Loud enough to be heard, but not overwhelming; in breaks, there were crowd-pleasing dance routines, DJs, and the occasional hookah. The evening ended in dancing, Although I can’t confirm what time we all got chucked out!
When I visited, I took advantage of the glorious evening and enjoyed several cocktails on the Botafoch terrace pre-dinner, which slipped down like a magical potion; and, when it was time to head to dinner, I was escorted into the womb of the restaurant, with booth-like seating and lots of beautiful people. Even the waiters were probably Influencers in their own right. Think seductive lighting and sexy staff. If you want to fully experience the immersive performers, book a table that faces the center stage, so you and your guests won’t miss a thing- just don’t let the scantily clad / ripped performers put you off your meal!
Forging a name with the world’s best performers consisting of singers, dancers, acrobats and showmen, the atmosphere unique atmosphere is electric and eclectic, every detail has been carefully thought out from the seating to the menu, and t\s designed to impress, it’s no wonder that you have to book well in advance for STK. With a reputation spanning famous international faces to legendary locals, to visitors who specifically dock their superyachts here for the night, and the lucky guests of the adjoining Ibiza Corso Hotel & Spa who just have a short stumble home.
Fusing theatre with food, and food that is theatrical calls for highly adept staff, but STK excels in this, From delivering fancy cocktails to knowing the menu and wine list inside out, there was no challenge too big or small for the waiting staff. They even escorted me back to my table when I got a little confused in the warren after a tipsy loo break!
With restaurants in NYC, Miami, LA and London, STK Ibiza focuses on special Spanish magic to stimulate your senses, and although you might not be raving, this is first-class entertainment for grown-ups. This exclusive nook can be found adjoining the five-star Coso Hotel and Spa, which is a five-minute walk from the glitz and glamour of Marina Botafoch, with its shiny moored superyachts; or a 20-minute walk from Ibiza Town (alternatively you can hop on a boat pretty much directly in front of the hotel and whizz across the harbour in five minutes). Drawing guests from all over the island, who come to see the showgirls and you may bump into Tinie Tempah or Nicole Scherzinger, international footballers and rich businessmen who are regular visitors, so make sure you have your glad rags ready as you’ll want to take a lot of selfies!
Ibiza will never shed its reputation as a party place, but in recent years it has developed credentials in other, more entertaining arenas. The older crowd who love the white island for its secret calas, lazy days spent on beautiful boats, wellness experiences and cobbled Old Town, can now enjoy their holiday whilst being entertained in new and inventive ways; alternatively, they can stay on post-dinner and dance until dawn!
For more information visit www.stkibiza.com
STK Ibiza, Carrer de s’Illa Plana, s/n, 07800 Eivissa, Illes Balears, Spain