Kumharas, an iconic Ibiza bar and restaurant, is perched prettily on the coastline of San Antonio bay in Cala de Bou and is a beautiful alternative to the ubiquitous sunset strip. A favourite with Ibiza Spotlight staff, we were looking forward to our dinner date!
It's tucked down at the end of a quite narrow side road (Calle Lugo) and parking can be tricky. So Ibiza Spotlight recommends beating the crowds and arriving early, between 6-7pm. Alternatively, simply jump on the bus from San Antonio centre (Lines 2 or 6 to Port des Torrent). Easy!
Attentive
Your Ibiza Spotlight reviewers arrived at 7pm one sweltering July evening. It was still 30 degrees and we were hot and parched dear readers! After settling down with great relief on one of their gorgeous comfy sofas, the friendly waitress was straight over. Now, hot or not, I'm still a fan of red wine and so I ordered (pleaded for!) a bottle of the house red. It arrived quickly, accompanied considerately with a bucket of cold ice. This Ibiza bar knew its stuff!
Cultured and Cosmopolitan
Even though it was still early, this Ibiza bar was already filling up with a colourful, cultured and cosmopolitan crowd. Chill-out, world music caressed my ears, heavenly smells drifted over from the restaurant area and I sighed contentedly and admired the beautiful view. A delightful breeze drifted in over the sea and passing para-gliders streaked colours across the perfect, blue sky.
Exotic
The bar is situated in what looks like an old, traditional stone watchtower. Presiding over the shaded, exotic looking restaurant area with its haimas, cushions and shisha pipes, a north Africa meets Asia kind of ambience prevails. Add to that the small, picturesque hippy market with its vibrant collection of characters and creations, this Ibiza bar and restaurant is very special. It's almost as though a tiny corner of India or Morocco has somehow manifested itself here on our beloved Balearic island!
Exceptional Service
We took a seat in the restaurant area and were quickly attended to by head waiter, Stephanie. Now, ladies and gentlemen, as a writer, i've done my fair share of waiting jobs. As an Ibiza Spotlight restaurant reviewer, I dine out often. Never have I encountered an Ibiza waiter or hostess as faultlessly professional as Stephanie. This cool, confident and stylish young woman had an incredibly in-depth knowledge about the menu and answered all our questions without hesitation.
She was complemented by a great team too, who bustled around making sure everyone's wishes were marvellously attended to. At Stephanie's recommendation, we ordered the sangria, which came served with a bottle of excellent quality cava. It was absolutely gorgeous. Next arrived bread and ali-oli, made imaginatively with white strawberries. Lush!
Paco Fernandez
Starters were next, a sun-dried tomato and juicy mozzarella salad for me, served with fresh rocket and pine nuts and a prawn tempura with wasabi and soy sauce for my companion. All absolutely delicious.
As we began eating and the hot, Ibiza sun started to set, the enchanting sound of live Spanish guitar began to fill the air. It was the one and only Paco Fernandez, accompanied by his wonderfully talented band and one incredible flamenco dancer who, surrounded by an enthralled crowd, created a unforgettably magical Ibiza moment.
Magical Ambience
My mains of wild corvina served with a beautifully presented Mediterranean timbale, juicy cherry, vine-ripened tomatoes and a pine-nut vinaigrette was delectable. The locally caught white fish was moist and perfectly cooked with a pleasantly mild taste, exactly as Stephanie had described. I would love to tell you what my friend had for her mains, but the truth is, I was so caught up in the ambience of the place I only remember her empty plate and deep sigh of satisfaction!
As the evening's djs began to spin their chilled, hypnotic beats, I realized I was genuinely too full for dessert. My friend had the coconut cheesecake served with raspberry sorbet and whilst enjoying it, remarked that perhaps the base was a little too moist. We offered honest feedback to the kitchen which, we were delighted to see, was remarkably well received.
A Fantastic Night Out
I opted to finish my delectable meal in the traditionally Ibicencan way, with chilled Hierbas served on ice. Mmm! Conclusion, ladies and gentlemen? Kumharas is not just a wonderful Ibiza bar and restaurant, it is a fantastic night out. Where else in Ibiza can you get sunset, the beach, gorgeous food, world-class entertainment, a wonderful market, fantastic cocktails, brilliant service all under one roof? A firm Ibiza Spotlight favourite!
To Book
Ibiza Spotlight is delighted to recommend Kumharas - please click on Kumharas Sunset Bar and Restaurant for more information, website and reservation details.
Quick Facts
What? Kumharas, sunset bar and restaurant, Ibiza
Where? Cala de Bou, San Antonio Bay
When? From 6pm every evening all summer (kitchen from 8pm)
Why? Fantastic sunsets, cocktails and cuisine. Live music and djs. Hippy market and wonderful night out.
Average spend per head? Around €30 for two courses (drinks extra)
Veggie Options? Yes
Disabled Facilites? Yes. The bar, restaurant and bathrooms are all on one level.
Top tips? Go early and make a night of it.
Room for Improvement? The desserts were not quite perfect, but feedback was given and very positively responded to.
