IBAI by Paulo Airaudo

We have dined at many of the world best, I can tell you with absolute certainty that this is one of the best restaurants in the world. NOTE: do not waste their time if price is of concern. The quality demands it. Now that's out of the way, everything here is perfect. Seasonal, fresh produce means dishes so rare you may only ever gave them once. We were fortunate enough to be here over the 20 days of the year when Angulas is available to eat. Words cannot describe how amazing it was to try it. On the service, I originally was going to but a 30 year old champagne for big money and the guys convinced to try the house pour champagne that is chosen to match the menu. What a great decision and I love recommendations that are on taste not to make money. The photos below will do the talking. If you like food. This is heaven.

A last-minute reservation turned into an unforgettable experience, thanks to Elena who was incredibly helpful over the phone and managed to secure us a table. The space is beautiful, warm, and elegant, and the food was simply outstanding – every dish full of character and flavor. Martin guided us through the wine selection with professionalism and charm. After our meal, while enjoying our coffee, we had the pleasure of meeting Chef Paulo, possibly the most down-to-earth, relaxed, and approachable chef we’ve ever encountered. We truly enjoyed the conversation and thank him for his time and openness. A big thank you again to Elena, Martin, and Paulo for making our lunch at Ibai so special!

I am in love with the Flan 🍮 top with Caviar. Glad I manage to squeeze in a last pintxos stop before heading home..

An amazing one-star Michelin dining experience! The dining room is very cozy: it is down the stairs, past the pintxos bar area (you couldn't hear any noise from the bar in the dining room). The servers were incredibly attentive (although they became somewhat overwhelmed when a large 8-person group was seated near the end of our meal). The food was delicious; we did the simple tasting menu (190EUR pp), which allowed us to choose two starters and the dessert. We had the server's recommendation for the fish course: it was incredible! Highly recommend if you are in Donostia!

The Authentic cusine in Basque. Locally sourced Amazing Produce, perfectly executed!

As a tourist and a foodie I love places that give you a warm and open welcome and are happy to explain concepts to you when you wander in. Initially had a glass of wine and a coffee at the bar and then went back the next day - sitting upstairs at a table for 4 we were very well looked after. Croquettes, octopus salad, foie on toast, squid and asparagus all delicious. Would love to come back one day and eat downstairs and try the amazing sounding menu.

The only bad reviews seem to be those surprised by the price so let’s get that out of the way first- Ibai is expensive, with the base menu starting at 160€ per person even for lunch. But the chef got 2 stars in Argentina and delivers comparable quality at Ibai in a dining room of only 6 tables where they make you feel like you’re in someone’s home, in a good way. Service is warm and seems genuinely concerned with you having the best time possible. Food is exquisite with every dish being delicious unlike some other tasting menus that sacrifice taste for experimental wow factor. The lobster and foie gras starters were world class as were the truffle cheese amuse and osetra flan (think salted caramel vibes). Wine list was excellent and had some great values such as sold puligny Montrachet aligot at 63€.

i understand the mixed review. you're supposed to make a reservation first. be nice and not too demanding. the couple is very nice. the place is run by only 3 people, so so take your time and enjoy a nice wine or something. you will be rewarded with the best products available. they do simple cooking method but with perfect executions. what more can one ask?