Dinner and a show is hardly a new concept in Ibiza, but Monkey Ibiza, located on San Antonio's celebrated Sunset Strip, takes it a step further. Every Friday and Saturday, Cabaret Sauvage begins as an evening of Mediterranean sharing plates and live entertainment before gradually blurring the line between performers and audience, creating one of the island's most sociable nights out.
The evening started at a relaxed pace. By the time we arrived, the outside terrace was already buzzing, with the waiting staff performing a carefully choreographed dance between tightly packed tables, delivering an endless procession of cocktails and sharing plates.
After a glass or two of ice-cold water – it had been another scorcher of a day – we were summoned upstairs as the soirée was about to begin.
A welcome glass of fizz set the tone as we stepped into the intimate showroom, bathed in rich red lighting with leopard-print touches and vintage cabaret styling.
We were greeted by the affable French manager, Ben, who introduced us to our charming waiter, Salomé. Their warm Gallic hospitality made us feel like regulars before we'd even sat down.
The menu mirrors Monkey's cosmopolitan character, bringing together French and Mediterranean influences with flavours from further afield, all designed for sharing. Cocktails naturally take centre stage, although Monkey's mocktails receive equal attention.
Around the table, the tropical Virgin Jade and garden-fresh Virgin Emma proved every bit as thoughtfully crafted as the Bianca, built around vodka and vanilla, and the citrus-led Anastasia, rounded off with a warming hint of amaretto.
The trio of mezze and crispy feta arrived quickly, proving an ideal icebreaker for our three-generation group as the opening performances gently set the tone. Of the three starters, the salt cod accras were our favourite. Their crisp shells giving way to moist, flaky cod with every bite, delivering exactly the sort of comforting, moreish dish that's made for sharing.
The shakshuka brought warming North African flavours to the table, while the crisp fried chicken, French fries and roasted carrots kept everyone happily fuelled as the evening gathered pace.
If one dish eclipsed the rest, it was the grilled sea bass. Perfectly cooked and delicately flavoured, it confirmed that Monkey takes its food just as seriously as its cabaret. By the time it arrived, the performers were no longer confined to the stage and the atmosphere had noticeably shifted.
At this stage, it still felt like dinner. That wouldn't last for long.
From R&B and Pop favourites to Disco classics, Latin rhythms and Contemporary hits, the soundtrack had something for every generation, prompting as many singalongs as trips to the dancefloor.
Cabaret Sauvage's sultry MC
Burlesque-inspired dance, live singing and playful character routines kept the entertainment varied, while tongue-in-cheek nods to Pop culture ensured there was never a dull moment.
The dapper male performer with companion
It quickly became apparent that this wasn't simply a succession of cabaret acts. Rather than peaking too early, each performance gently coaxed the audience out of its shell until applause gave way to laughter, laughter to participation and, eventually, dancing.
Marilyn in pink
By the second half of the night, it was difficult to tell where the show ended and the audience began.
An aerial artiste adds a touch of circus glamour
Fire up the fun!
Cabaret Sauvage is particularly well suited to birthdays, hen parties and groups of friends looking for something more interactive than a conventional restaurant. Lively, irreverent and unapologetically camp, it strikes the right balance between high-energy entertainment and audience participation without ever making guests feel uncomfortable.
Monkey has created one of Ibiza's most enjoyable alternatives to a traditional night out, where the audience ultimately becomes as much a part of the show as the performers themselves.
Cabaret Sauvage takes place every Friday and Saturday night. Find out how to book your table here.
