Basque grill don
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| Grilled red prawns |
London is always flooded with new restaurants opening, but sadly many have been poor and only a handful have impressed me over the last few years. The Basque-themed grill house Ibai is one of those. Open in the early summer of 2024, it has quickly become my opening of the year with its top-notch food offering. The menu is focused on simplicity and seasonal ingredients, a hallmark of Basque cuisine. Ibai prides itself on sourcing fresh, high-quality produce, much of which is imported from Spain to ensure authenticity. The result? A menu that offers bold, rich flavors with each dish showcasing the elegance of understated cooking. The below covered my 4th and 5th visits.
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| Red prawn tartare and caviar |
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| Red prawn toast with black pudding and cheese |
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| Truffle, goat cheese and chickpeas |
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| Octopus & piperade marmitako |
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| Turbot Chop, lemon & olive oil |
I opted for most dishes I have had in the past. Kicked off with a trio of red prawn starters. Grilled whole, tartar and Ibai's signature prawn toast, aka a toasted sandwich loaded with red prawn, blacking pudding, and cheese, dusted with smoked paprika and honey. It is a flavour explosion with multi-layers of texture and savoury notes. For meat, I had the British wagyu fillet and sirloin from the 4th visit and a bone in sirloin 15 yo Galician rib from the 5th visit. The Galician cut had a bolder meaty taste and rounder, richer taste, while the British wagyu was more soft, super tender and moist, I enjoyed both but I really have to pick one, I would go for the wagyu fillet as it cut like butter and together with some seared foie on top, it was heaven.
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| Grilled foie |
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| British wagyu fillet |
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| British wagyu sirloin |
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| Galician ox rib steak |
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| Pain Perdu with hazlenuts & rum |
Dining at Ibai feels like being transported to a local Asador in northern Spain, where meals are a social occasion, meant to be savored and shared. The service is attentive yet relaxed, allowing you to take your time with each course. In a city brimming with international cuisines, Ibai manages to stand out by staying true to its roots. It offers a taste of the Basque Country, highlighting the region’s love for fresh, simple ingredients and traditional cooking methods. For those looking to explore Basque cuisine in London, Ibai is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Food 4/5
Average cost without drinks and services:
£80 (dinner)
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