London steak champ
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| Grilled red prawns with caviar |
Ibai was the restaurant opening of the year in London last year. Since its opening in the summer of 2024, I have been seven times. The establishment is a collaboration between chef Richard Foster, formerly of Chiltern Firehouse, and the team behind renowned meat supplier Txuleta. The menu at Ibai showcases a variety of Basque dishes, with a notable emphasis on premium meats. A standout offering is the Galician T-bone steak, praised for its exceptional quality. For my 8th visit, I was able to try some old classics as well as some new seasonal specials.
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| Anchovies and black pudding |
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| Prawn toast: Red prawn, black pudding and cheese |
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| Grilled John Dory with capers |
The unique offering "croque Ibai," a toasted sandwich filled with boudin noir, carabinero prawns, cheese, and topped with honey for sure was one of the finest things I have ever tasted, the combination of sweetness and umami level was just special, I could eat this every day. New on the seasonal special is a whole John Dory, grilled on open fire. the fish was cooked just right, moist and fresh with a hint of a smokey note, I especially enjoyed the seasoning using capers and pickles to further bring out the sweetness of the fish. The steak here is always special, the Hereford bone in sirloin was tender and packed with a rich beefy aroma and taste, just lovely.
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| Baked artichoke and mushrooms in white wine |
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| Tomato salad |
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| Hereford bone in sirloin |
It might be located in the City, but the ambiance of Ibai is cool and buzzing, with a spacious, industrial-chic dining area. The steak quality here is pure class, and I would rate it is the best in London as far as value vs quality level. In summary, Ibai offers a compelling dining experience that brings the flavors of the Basque region to London. Its combination of high-quality ingredients, skilled preparation, and a vibrant atmosphere makes it a noteworthy addition to London's culinary scene.
Food 4/5
What I paid: £155
Average cost without drinks and services: £80 (dinner)
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