After visiting chef Iván Valero’s brand new La Carmela earlier this summer it only seemed right to (finally!) check out his original bistro space around the corner (est. 2015). In fact, the two establishments are linked by an inside hallway, but they are quite different in style. In contrast to La Carmela’s playful artwork and bright colours, Ivantxu is classic bistro chic with pale grey and white striped walls, low tables with white tablecloths, and large windows letting in subdued light through long white paneled blinds.
The menu is also classic, combining French bistro with traditional Spanish cuisine, along with Ivan’s signature avant-garde touches using local products. We stopped in and let Iván choose for us (always a good move) and, acknowledging that we were two ladies with limited appetites, our lunch was perfect. My only regret was not having an extra couple of friends with us so we could have ventured into the char-grilled house-aged meats. Next time!
While we enjoyed everything that was chosen for us, the anchovies on toast, the gigantic gildas with marinated salmon, and the crispiest and creamiest crab croquetas ever, it was the hake that totally blew us away. Iván said to us… you gotta have the hake. And I mean, I like hake but it’s seldom a dish I would write home about… until now. Omg. I don’t even know where to start with this dish. On the menu we are promised line-caught hake “santurce style” with pan-fried potatoes. What arrived at our table was the most succulent sweet fish flesh lightly pan-grilled, smothered in thin slivers of sautéed garlic and with potatoes that I wanted to climb into and never leave again. I looked at my friend Reyes and she said “yes, same, I am going to be dreaming about this dish for the rest of my life”.
Where was I? Right, the wine list (which is shared with La Carmela). It’s exceptional with over 300 references and with several that haven’t made it into the printed version yet, so make sure to ask Iván if you have a particular preference. Service is impeccable, professional without being stuffy, informed friendly staff, top notch. I honestly cannot wait to go back with a few more stomachs to help me out.
Bread/Service Charge: 3€ PER PERSON
Virgen de la Victoria 5
Tel. 651 931 996
Open 13.30 – 16.00 / 21.00 – 23.30 Wednesday – Sunday
€ € € €
Food 9 | Wine 9 | Service 8 | Ambiance 8
bread with noisette butter
anchovies on toast with escalivada and alioli
gildas XXL with marinated salmon
creamy crab croquetas
line-caught hake “santurce style” with garlic and pan-fried potatoes
smoked idiazabal cheese with quince
gorgonzola cheese
chef and owner Iván Valero
