A LONG LEISURELY LUNCH ASIDE THE VAST TWINKLING EXPANSE OF AZURE WATER, LIKE A SCENE BORROWED FROM THE TALENTED MR RIPLEY
-
Presiding over such cinematic locations as the luscious coastline of Liguria and the rugged mountain ranges of Mallorca, there exist a handful of truly remarkable restaurants that afford unparalleled dining experiences set against a beguiling Mediterranean backdrop.
What better way is there to soak in the romance of the Mediterranean than over a long leisurely lunch aside the vast twinkling expanse of azure water, like a scene borrowed from the Talented Mr Ripley?
-
Or perhaps an intimate dinner, with a glass of wine in hand, watching the setting sun turn the sea ablaze with fiery hues?
The restaurants featured in this curated shortlist are distinguished not only by the presence of dramatic landscapes, but also for their design merit and culinary excellence, with close attention paid to menus that exhibit the high quality of the region’s terroir.
LA TERRAZZA
Belmond Splendido – Portofino
Perhaps less widely known than the Amalfi coast, Liguria quietly enjoys a most favourable reputation amongst fellow countrymen. This can be attributed to both the culinary heritage of the region as well as its sun-soaked stretch of coastline.
Perched high upon the hillside overlooking the charming bay of Portofino, La Terrazza offers a picture-postcard view of the scene unfolding below–sailboats bobbing on the open water and Vespas streaking colourfully along the snaking coastal roads. As could be expected, the menu represents the very best of regional cuisine with pasta dishes such as ‘Trofie al pesto’ alongside the finet fresh catches and local meats. The restaurant proudly celebrates a “0km” cocktail menu, boasting lemons from Monterosso and chinotto oranges from Savona, as well as an abundance of basil from the nearby hills, as featured in the notable ‘Oro Della Liguria’ made with local Portofino gin.
EL OLIVO
La Residencia – Deià
Carved into the contours of the rugged Serra de Tramuntana in the northwest of Mallorca, La Residencia encompasses the rustic charm of the island alongside uncompromising luxury and a distinctive bohemian soul. El Olivo is the crown-jewel of the hotel, offering a fine-dining experience of Mediterranean cuisine set against one of the most spectacular backdrops to be found on the island.
Hosted within an intimate courtyard lined with olive trees, the open-air terrace commands panoramic views of the valley below. As the early evening draws in, the setting sun bathes the scene below in a signature golden glow before retiring for the evening, leaving diners to muster by candlelight.
LA SPONDA
Le Sirenuse – Positano
Along one of the most seductive pockets of the Italian coastline, Le Sirenuse asserts itself as a true icon amongst a crowd of similarly posturing hotels. Exuding elegance and sophistication, the repurposed property that was once a summer villa of the Sersales family still displays the charm and eccentricity of its aristocratic past.
The hotel’s Michelin starred restaurant ‘La Sponda’ is fittingly opulent–vines clamour across the white arched ceilings whilst emerald tiles lay underfoot and the pretty town of Positano glistens out of the window below. Fresh, local produce enters the kitchen and appears on the table in the form of humble, perfectly executed dishes–think pasta al pomodoro and aubergine parmigiana, but better than you’ve ever experienced.
SCORPIOS
Mykonos
A myconian utopia of sun, wellness and euphoric beats. Scorpios offers more than just an exceptional dining experience–the sea-front destination encourages guests to spend the day flitting between beach beds and shaded hammocks before seamlessly transitioning to the restaurant, whilst the Mediterranean laps peaceably on the shore just a stone’s throw away.
The restaurant’s stripped back interior is reflective of its bohemian soul, tastefully finished in neutral tones and earthy textures–exemplified by the rustic communal wooden table settings and wicker lamps hanging from the bamboo roof. The menu is rooted in Greek cuisine featuring typical dishes of skewered meats and vegetables alongside fresh salads, whilst also embracing wider pan-Mediterranean and Asian influences with large plates suited for sharing family-style.
AMANTE
Ibiza
Nestled within a secluded bay on the eastern coast of Ibiza, Amante is emblematic of the free-spirited luxury that the island has to offer. By day you can revel in the idyllic surroundings, soaking up the sun on loungers and watching yachts drop anchor before ferrying their way to the clubs private jetty. As the sun sets, make your way to the restaurant where the Mediterranean menu leads on local, seasonal produce to produce contemporary Spanish and Italian dishes complemented by simple fresh fish and meat cooked on the grill. The tempo shifts as evening draws on with the music gradually climbing, chances are you will be unwilling to leave and conflicted whether to stick around for the ensuing party afterwards.
