Best of London has to offer
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| Grilled langoustine topped with sliced Iberico ham |
In the heart of London, tucked within a stone’s throw of St Paul’s, Ibai has quickly claimed its place as one of the city’s most exhilarating new restaurants and gathered a lot of high praise from both the British and the overseas media. At the heart of that kitchen is an unapologetic devotion to meat, particularly the legendary steaks that have already become the restaurant’s calling card. Here, steak is not simply cooked; it is celebrated with the reverence usually reserved for fine art. Having said that, there are plenty of beautiful dishes just as good, some examples below captured from my 12th and 13th visits.
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| Croque Ibai: carabinero, boudin noir and Tomme de Brebis |
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| Wagyu & crab pintxos |
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| Grilled whole John Dorey |
The Croque Ibai, an indulgent layering of prawns, black pudding, sheep’s cheese, and honey, has already achieved cult status among regulars (must try for first-time visitors), while the wagyu beef and crab pintxo remind you that Basque cuisine’s soul is as much about the sea as the land. A tray of king crab rice with wagyu sirloin delivered a truly sensational surf and turf experience, combining such powerful seafood umami goodness in both aroma and taste. Every dish feels intentional—rooted in Basque tradition yet interpreted with a modern London sensibility—and the kitchen manages to make a menu that could feel heavy instead feel vibrant, joyful, and even playful.
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| King crab and steak rice |
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| Grilled XL Carabinero Prawn and caviar |
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| Fullblood Wagyu rib steak from Wales |
No question, Ibai is the best place for steak in London easily, but don't forget the rest of the menu is also truly outstanding. What elevates Ibai further—and what secures its place not just in reviews but in the affections of those who eat there—is the way it fuses this food and setting with service that feels as polished as it is personal. The staff move with the grace of people who know their craft and enjoy it. Even without all of those media accolades, the truth is obvious the moment you walk out of the door and find yourself already planning the next visit. Ibai manages to be more than the sum of its parts: it is both destination and local, both theatre and comfort.
Food 4.5/5
What I paid: £125 per person with wine
Average cost without drinks and services: £80 (dinner)
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