In the second instalment of our 2017 Ibiza restaurant guide by Ibiza Villas 2000 guest blogger, DJ Tim Sheridan, we check out the (slightly) less hectic end of San Antonio’s legendary Sunset Strip. Tim’s verdict? Savannah gets it right. Here’s why.
Review: Savannah
It’s been a while since I sat down to eat in San Antonio. The word is out that this year that people are fed up with techno-goths in jeggings and asymmetrical capes, VIP everything, spending a year’s wages in a week and everything bearded-over. The word is people want real fun and good times. Look at the success of Elrow and Zoo Project. So this year is San Antonio’s year. The streets whisper it. And it shows.
San Antonio 2.0
I took the large free parking option down by Eden/Es Paradise and decided to walk across town. Getting a spot near the sunset coast is futile high season and fairly daft to try at other times. The shiny new port with pleasant, shady tree-lined walkways takes you nearly all the way there. A big change from pushing through the happy kids in the west end. I like San Antonio 2.0.
There’s been a lot of civic works in town and it looks good. Savannah is right on the strip and if it’s purpose is to be a slightly more accessible Cafe Mambo it is doing the job very well. It looks slick and new and is not unlike Mambo in layout. Which can only be a good thing. It is the trademark ‘Ibiza White’ and rustic-looking, but still very open plan.
Quality people watching
The new-ish sunset strip promenade cuts your outdoor tables off from the building, so it’s a bonus for quality people watching. In the past, the sunset bars used to cut the flow of people off and you’d end up having people staggering through your dinner so the Savannah promenade makes perfect sense. Also bonus; superb for rollerblades, bikes and wheelchairs. All of which were seen.
There’s absolutely no denying it’s an excellent bookable spot for your Ibiza sunset. What used to be a bit of a free-for-all on the sunset strip is now a more civilised affair. Savannah has provided an affordable option without being cheap. It’s clean and modern and the service is excellent by professional, multilingual staff who aren’t just bored holidaymakers doing part time work. They knew the menu and were good, solid pros.
I took some recommendations and my party tried the calamari and Padron peppers. You can always judge a place on the size and firmness of their Padrons. And indeed their patrons. A good judge too is the aioli, which should be strong and home-made. Wines were basic but very serviceable. Nothing you can’t find in a supermarket, but the better end of. A very good swordfish was had, and a decent steak cooked correctly made for a strong main course. The price was reasonable compared to its peers. It felt like we got what we paid for.
Royal box theatre seats for nature’s greatest show
The menu is very English. Which is a godsend for many of the UK-centric visitors. They even had Eton Mess on the deserts, which is a Brit rarity. There was an interesting deconstructed cheesecake and a very well made chocolate brownie. Could find no fault at all with the food and service. Which is what is all about when you get down to it. Savannah has the greatest asset of all on top, royal box theatre seats for nature’s greatest show.
As the dinner was tucked away and the plates cleared, the night arrived and a definite change in mood came on. The strip gets rowdy when sun goes down and it is definitely time to party. Savannah upped the beats-per-minute and people started to gravitate towards the DJ and away from the panoramic vistas. As is Ibiza’s wont.
San Antonio’s famous Sunset strip is on fire right now. Savannah has staked its place there with confidence. Recommended.
Fast Facts
Location: 38 Carrer del General Balanzat, San Antonio, Ibiza
Open for: 11.00 – 02.00 every day
Veggie options: Yes
Family-friendly: Absolutely.
Disabled: Excellent access via promenade
Price range: Mid-range. Expect to pay around €30-40 per head for a 2-course meal with wine.
Parking: Huge car-park behind Café Mambo is best
Contact: Call 971 34 80 31, email or visit website.
Bookings: Not essential, but recommended.
Top tip: If you want to enjoy al-fresco dining during sunset at Savannah, book in advance.
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