Ibai
Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain
Ibai Menu Overview
Nestled in the heart of Donostia, Spain, Ibai offers an exquisite journey through Basque cuisine with a tasting menu that celebrates local ingredients and masterful techniques. This intimate restaurant, run by a talented chef with two Michelin stars, invites you to savor a thoughtfully curated selection of dishes that balance tradition and sophistication in every bite.
Starters and Appetizers
Ibai's starters include a luxurious lobster salad that bursts with flavor, and a refined foie gras dish that sets the tone for the meal. The truffle cheese amuse-bouche offers an earthy richness, while the Osetra flan delights with a unique salted caramel-like sweetness, expertly paired with a selection of caviar — a perfect harmony of salty and sweet.
Main Courses
The star of Ibai’s menu is an elaborate tasting experience featuring a series of exquisite main dishes. Highlights include a trio of hake cheeks, tender and flavorful; grilled carabinero prawns paired with boletus mushrooms; and the signature San Sebastian-style txangurro crab. For those who appreciate perfectly cooked meats, the menu offers a succulent txuleta steak and a dish of boletus grilled alongside delicately cured Iberian pork jowl.
- Caldo and aperitivo setting a soothing and inviting start to the meal.
- Salpicón de bogavante a fresh lobster salad bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- Kokotxa trío a delicate trio of hake cheeks offering a melt-in-the-mouth sensation.
- Callos and txipirones traditional Basque dishes prepared with meticulous care to highlight robust flavors.
- Potxas with clams or foie gras a luxurious pairing showcasing the best of sea and land.
- Patata confitada, huevo y trufa blanca a rich combination of confit potato, egg, and white truffle, offering indulgent earthy notes.
- Fish of the day freshly selected and expertly prepared to showcase its natural flavors.
Desserts
Dessert at Ibai is a decadent finale, featuring their signature flan accompanied by a curated selection of Osetra caviar, creating a unique and luxurious balance of creamy sweetness with briny accents. The meal is completed with an assortment of petit fours, each bite-sized treat a delightful conclusion to a memorable dining experience.
Beverages
Complement your meal with Ibai's carefully selected wines available by the bottle or glass, perfectly paired to elevate the flavors of each course. For those seeking non-alcoholic options, the restaurant offers a robust café solo, providing a satisfying and authentic Spanish coffee experience.
Specials and Culinary Philosophy
Ibai’s tasting menu is a celebration of seasonal Basque cuisine, crafted with precision and passion. The intimate dining room with just six tables fosters a warm and personal atmosphere, making each visit feel like a special occasion. The chef's philosophy centers on honoring the finest ingredients, using simple yet impeccable cooking methods to bring out their fullest expression.
- Meticulous ingredient selection ensures exceptional quality in every dish.
- Warm, attentive service elevates your dining experience to a memorable occasion.
- A refined tasting menu that showcases the best of Basque culinary heritage.
Basque, Spanish
$$$
Closed - Opens 10:00 AM
Monday
10:00–16:00
Tuesday
10:00–16:00
Wednesday
10:00–16:00
Thursday
10:00–16:00
Friday
10:00–22:00
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Aggregated Ratings 4.3
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Comments
This Basque food temple just reopened under the brilliant hands of chef Paulo Airaudo! The menu is always changing based on what the local markets and fishermen bring in. It’s the ultimate hotspot in San Sebastian—getting a table is nearly impossible, but if you manage to snag one, congrats! 🎉 You’re in for the true essence of Basque cuisine and culture! 🇪🇸🍴🔥
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