We stopped in at Isla Incity last night for its promise of sushi, cocktails and unparalleled views…read moreof Alicante's medieval Castillo de Santa Barbara. This seasonal terrace bar (which feels like something of a zen cabana) is located on the roof of the Hospes Amerigo Hotel, adjacent to its petite indoor pool. During the day the teakwood deck is lined with lounge chairs and sunbathers, but in the evenings (the kitchen opens at 9:00PM) it is transformed into an intimate dining area, with rows of minimalist tables, votives, and a pair of glowing phosphorescent lamps.
And the views really are spectacular. The craggy mountain fortress stands juxtaposed against the Gothic silhouette of Alicante's Basilica of Santa Maria. As the evening progressed, we watched the sun set and the shadows lengthen on church and ruins alike.
The food was less memorable, though generally pretty tasty. The menu consisted mainly of sushi classics, with two or three specialty roll options. We started with a salad of pickled greens (very good) and edamame (overcooked). We then shared an order of salmon nigiri (very fresh), tuna maki (ok), california roll (very tasty - with ripe, buttery avocado and fragrant toasted sesame seeds), and crispy shrimp tempura (amazing). We ended the meal with a slice of Isla's green tea tiramisu - this was light, sweet and completely addicting. Our bill arrived with a complementary shot of chilled strawberry puree.
On a Wednesday night, the lounge was nearly empty (there was one other couple seated at the bar) and the vibe throughout was tranquil and relaxed (so much so that we stayed more than two hours). Very lovely evening in Alicante (would return again anytime).
***3.5 Stars***
