The Basque grill king of London
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| Tortilla |
Ibai launched last summer, and I have been there 10 times already. Why am I such a fan boy? In a city brimming with steak houses and open-flame theatrics, Ibai doesn’t just enter the scene—it storms it. This isn’t just a steakhouse—it’s a culinary theatre where fire isn’t a gimmick but the main character. The menu is compact but focused, built around a handful of iconic cuts and a collection of starters and sides that refuse to play it safe. Some creativity there, but not over the top and given the perfect cooking treatment. For my 11th visit, I opted for some classics as well as the latest seasonal specials.
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| Ibai prawn toast |
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| Scallop with passion fruit and pepper |
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| Grilled wagyu flake steak |
The Croque Ibai is my dish of 2024 and one of the signature dishes of Ibai. It is a madcap fever dream of a toastie. Carabinero prawns are folded into boudin noir, bound with Brebis cheese, then slicked with honey and pressed until the bread crackles. It shouldn’t work—but it does, thrillingly. I also found dish of the year 2025 in the wagyu flake steak that was thinly sliced and cooked like a skewer, the seasoning was perfect, and each mouthful was just a melting delight. The special Iberico mix grill was another star: I enjoyed the loin cut the most, cooked pink, marbled just right, and brought to the table sliced, blushing, its char lined with fat that melts on contact with your tongue.
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| Monkfish chop with truffle and white wine sauce |
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| Grilled carabineros |
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| Iberico pork loin, shoulder and belly |
As for price? This isn’t a casual dinner spot. You’re looking at £60 per head easily without alcohol, and if you go big—say, the 1kg T-bone and a bottle of wine—you’re breaking into triple digits fast. But what you get isn’t just food. It’s precision, atmosphere, and a full on feasting experience. Ibai is a confident, unapologetically indulgent Basque grill—melding top‑tier beef, lavish starters, and theatrical fire‑cooking in a stylish yet approachable setting. If you love steak and generous flavours—and don’t mind splashing out—Ibai delivers an unforgettable experience.
Food 4.5/5
What I paid: £125 per person with wine
Average cost without drinks and services: £80 (dinner)
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