Txikito

Minimalistic Tapas Joint with Excellent Dishes!

by silverblue , Citysearch Contributor at Citysearch

I came here about a year ago and had a fabulous time. This time around, it had that same minimalistic feel to it but just as pleasant an experience.

Despite knowing its whereabouts, I still had some difficulty finding Txikito as it sits slimly between bigger

industrial-looking buildings that were dark and closed. If you see the brightly-lit Co and look a couple of buildings to the left, you'll see Txikito. Inside, the plain blue wall behind the small dining area caught my attention. And so did the tulips on the left wall. We sat at the tiny bar instantly at 9pm on a Friday night. It was elbow-to-elbow but it wasn't too loud like Tia Pol was. The atmosphere was nice and the friendly bartender took our orders.

We ordered 5 small plates. My partner wasn't adventurous enough to try the highly acclaimed beef tongue or morcilla sausages, so we started with the mushroom grilled cheese, which was delightful with a hint of earthiness but it's a really small dish. Next up were a couple of outstanding dishes - the spare ribs were so flavorful and well balanced with the green peppers, and the ribbons of squid in a creamy sweet onion was so unique in its texture and flavor, I couldn't have enough of it! We also ordered the salt cod that was so fresh the flesh flaked off effortlessly; it tasted amazing! The veal terrine was equally satisfying and hit the spot. Our 'fortified' wine (i.e. sangria) was a perfect accompaniment.

I really loved Txikito's simple, cozy atmosphere and its unique Basque plates! I think the key to a great experience here is to come with a group (despite the small joint), sit at the bar, and try all those delicious varieties!!

• Pros: Outstanding Basque Tapas
• Cons: Small Portions

not sure about value...

by bleedinghearts at Citysearch

when i go to tapas, i like to order a lot of things to share. that is the beauty of tapas. i also like to drink a lot of vino. i am not cheap by any means. but at txikito, when you get a glass of wine, there is so little in it and it's not cheap. the food is also tasty and different from other tapas places, but they are more in price, which makes it difficult to get a selection to share. it's confusing-entree prices with small portions. i have been here twice but am always reluctant-i head over around the corner instead to el quinto pino.

• Pros: different kind of tapas from other places
• Cons: pricey wine and tapas