One of Ibiza's most iconic restaurants, Bambuddha, reopens next week on March 27th with the revitalised restaurant featuring new evolutionary changes. Two new sharing menus are being launched bringing a brand new culinary concept to its offerings, together with some subtle design changes and the addition of a collection of new luxurious huts.
For its 16th season, founder John Moon's son Jonjon continues as captain of the ship, having been the main force behind recent changes. His intention is to cement the award-winning restaurant's reputation as one of the top go-to destinations on the island and focus on a more socially convivial dining experience.
The new sharing menus do away with traditional starters and mains and instead feature small tasting plates created by head chef Alejandro Arquero Martinez. These sit at the centre of the table for all diners to share so they can sample more of Bambuddha's fusion fare. New dishes include tempting items such as: mussels cooked in coconut milk, Shaoxing wine, lime, chili & coriander and the famous 24h slow roasted lamb served with creamy polenta, shimeji mushrooms, cocoa crunch & Jack Daniels sauce.
The new menus will feature some new dishes as well as many of Bambuddha's famous signature Asian spiced dishes. Diners can still enjoy classics such as tempered Beef tataki and yellow sea bass curry – dishes, which have helped maintain the restaurants popularity with food lovers and the more glamorous crowd.
The restaurant opened in 1999 and is set in a Balinese pagoda imported piece by piece from Indonesia and reconstructed along the San Juan road in the north of the island. Much of the inspiration for its cuisine, which it dubs ‘Mediterrasian', comes from the travels and experimentations of the founder. More recently the global travels of head chef Arquero Martinez have added such dishes as watermelon sashimi and sake flambeed Ibizan shrimp. The fusion recipes are inspired by the ancient spice route from Cadiz in Spain and Osaka in Japan with some Thai influences added to add to the array of oriental aromas and flavours. The restaurant also boasts an extensive sushi and sashimi menu.
As well as food, Bambuddha is known for its master mixologists who serve up its spiritual and sexually inspired cocktails in the adjacent Tantra Cocktail Palace. Cocktails such as Erotic, Shiva Lingam, Shamanic and BJ offer a glimpse of the sensorial experience to be had here.
An on site boutique and Tantra Sex Shop is another highlight. Run by designer Gonzalo Ordoñez, it showcases his sexy lingerie and handbags - all adding to the sultry atmosphere of the venue.
In addition to the re-launch, the venue also hosts parties during the season and is available for private hire so do check out their website for updates.
Reservations are being taken now for the reopening and start from 8pm, so be sure to book now and enjoy one of the first new events of the season.
WORDS | Julian Heathcote
