In its short time on the island, Zazú Ibiza has made quite a name for itself as a daytime dining destination to rank among Playa d'en Bossa's finest. On this occasion, we decided to find out what it offers at night. The answer left us genuinely wowed.
At Zazú, the show starts from the moment guests approach the entrance. Exotic-looking attendants, seemingly borrowed from some lost ancient civilisation, create an immediate sense of occasion.
Inside, the first impression is one of controlled spectacle. Lush vegetation, vibrant décor and theatrical design shape a space that feels deliberately built for performance as much as dining.
The setting attracts a mixed crowd ranging from groups of friends and families to couples, all drawn into its informal but high-energy rhythm as the night develops.
Music sits at the heart of the experience, moving between crowd-pleasers spanning the last 50 years and classic Spanish ballads, keeping a steady upbeat tempo as the evening unfolds. The DJ plays a big role, spinning track after track of fun, danceable music that makes it nigh impossible to stay in your seat. It encourages diners to engage with one another, adding to the lively, feel-good atmosphere.
Inside, live singers pass between tables, joined by close-up magicians and dancers weaving through the space, adding a constant sense of movement and exhilaration.
Diners can choose to sit inside, close to the action. Or outside, either on the extensive terrace or, for pure barefoot luxury, under the stars on the sands out front.
A well-stocked wine and champagne selection is displayed in the on-site bodega. The list places particular emphasis on Spanish labels, with a strong focus on the Balearic Islands alongside selections from France, Italy and the New World.
To whet the appetite, two cocktails - a Moscow Mule and the signature Pumba - both presented with a theatrical flourish.
The menu spans a broad range of international dishes designed to be shared and to cater to different tastes.
Generous portions set the tone from the outset. The steamed pork and vegetable gyozas arrived wrapped in light pastry and coated in a rich yakiniku sauce.
Another standout pairing saw crispy wild prawn tempura served over a guacamole base, whose slight acidity cut neatly through the richness of the Lebanese sauce. Happy together!
The Peking-style duck breast tacos achieved a well-balanced contrast of flavours and textures thanks to the combination of four different onions. Alongside them came a gourmet tapa: brioche filled with oxtail and apple compote, combining rich, slow-braised beef with sweet-tart fruit and soft pastry. The sweet tang of the compote cut through the richness of the meat.
Given that Zazú hails from Valencia, the birthplace of paella, we were sorely tempted to indulge in one of its rice dishes. However, this time we felt drawn to sample its sushi. It didn't disappoint. Our selection: Dragon Roll made with fried shrimp, avocado and cream cheese, Spicy Tuna Roll, Salmon Nikkei Roll (tempura shrimp, avocado and salmon in a bright yuzu sauce) and Lobster & Avocado Roll - a pleasing contrast of sweetness, acidity and crunch.
At one point, all eyes in the restaurant turned towards the moment, with even a marriage proposal taking place — now how’s that for romance?
The desserts were simple but memorable. We were truly amazed by the incredibly light creamy cheesecake - made to a house recipe - that almost melts on the spoon. Its companion, a rich, dark chocolate cake, came with a lotus melt with salted caramel ice cream and a grilled croissant that brought a slightly nostalgic finish to the meal.
For sheer atmosphere alone, Zazú is in a class of its own. Add sumptuous global cuisine, a well-chosen wine list and highly trained, friendly and efficient staff and you have all the ingredients for a very special night out in Ibiza's most celebrated resort.
