Pintxos is finally getting the attention it deserves. Having been on the lips of the foodie circles for the past few years, the Northern Spanish snack-style of eating is suddenly the latest buzzword in 'cool' dining. Pintxos basically isn’t too far off tapas – save for the fact the individual dishes are skewered by a stick (cheese and pineapple cube style) and is often served on a piece of bread. Anyways, with the opening of the fourth branch of London favourite Pix last year and the imminent opening of Bilbao Berria, the mainstream world is finally beginning to take notice.
Here’s where to get some.
With the opening of its 4th restaurant in Islington midway through last year, this chain is responsible for introducing plenty of London’s punters to pintxos. With narrow tables and bar stools packing the small venues it’s often tough to get to the food which is displayed in all its glory on the bar. Payment is done through how many skewers you’ve got left over at the end and, if you like your waiters pretty, then may we recommend the Covent Garden one for the young Leonardo DiCaprio lookalike. His beardy friend is also lovely.
As mentioned before this one’s not open yet (we’re looking at mid-April) but if it’s anything like its Spanish brothers then sign us up pronto. This UK outpost of the franchise is headed up by Ash Mair who you may (or may not) remember from the time he won MasterChef: The Professionals a few years back. We’ve found a preview of the menu and there’s a potato and chorizo Iberico omelette that we’re totally getting first.
Located super-centrally in Dublin's Temple Bar, Port House Pintxo is a favourite with Dublin locals. With a big focus on wine (never a problem in our opinion) there's plenty to choose from in terms of drinks – and the food? Totally delicious and prices start from €1.80. In case that's not cheap enough for you, they're into deals too. Have a hunt around before visiting.
Know any other pintxos restaurants from around the country? Get in touch on our Twitter and let us know!
Follow Jess on Twitter @jess_commons
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.