There are great restaurants, and then there are those that you can always confidently recommend to anybody. One such place is Bar Pintxos, a Spanish tapas restobar with branches in BGC, Muntinlupa, and Salcedo Village in Makati.
Tapas bars may seem intimidating, but the truth is that these kinds of places are so laid-back and cozy that you would often find yourself eating one dish after another and consuming more vino than you could count. Whether you’re looking for a nice, chill place to meet someone for a date or a venue to unwind after a long day in the office, a restaurant like Bar Pintxos is a dependable choice.
I know that places like this can feel quite stuffy (and well, pricey) especially if the bar list has 1 million unpronounceable wines (none of which you’re familiar with), but it’s always best to ask the server—or better yet, the sommelier, if there’s one—for recommendations. Tell them a price range, the flavors you prefer (light? sweet? red or white?), and they will definitely point you to a good choice. As for the food … well, this is exactly the point of this blog post.
I’ve been to both the Salcedo and BCG branches of Bar Pintxos several times and I can honestly say that I fucking love their food. I always end up spending more than I should (gotta track the funds for travels—but then again ... food is life, LOL), but I never feel like I wasted money or that things are overpriced. The dishes are always of great quality—one of the rare bars scenarios wherein I eat more than I drink, LOL! So, if you’re planning to drop by Bar Pintxos, here are some dishes I recommend:
1. Salmon Pintxos
Who can say no to a combination of salmon, goat cheese, and truffle honey? I know I can’t! Luscious salmon sits delicately on a piece of bread, topped with a dollop of goat cheese and finally crowned with black caviar. It’s salty, creamy, sweetish, and all kinds of delicious!
2. Ternera
If this dish looks more delicious than it looks, well, it's because it IS. Imagine sinking your teeth into that juicy chunk of wagyu tenderloin. There's piquillo peppers underneath providing some crunch, and chimichurri on top for that vibrant, garlicky, slightly tart flavor.
3. Bistec Kitayama
Well! Who says you can only order bite-sized food at Bar Pintxos? A new item in their menu is this flat iron Kitayama wagyu steak, seasoned simply with salt, no sauces, and served with fries. It’s gorgeous and delicious. I love my steak medium rare to just looking at that pinkish center sends me to carnivore heaven.
4. Huevos y Foie
Eggs and foie gras … good combination, yes? Maybe not quite for some, but what if you add in some succulent bacon, mushrooms, and creamy mashed potato? Even better! The mix of ingredients showcases different textures and flavors, but to be really honest with you, I’m all for the foie gras. There's also a version of the ternera (#2 above) with foie gras!
5. Gambas al Ajillo
Almost every Spanish restaurant serves gambas, but Bar Pintxos nails the version that I like: super garlicky and spicy. I love how juicy the prawns are, and can you see all that excess oil when you’re done with the prawns? Somebody order a whole loaf of bread, please.
6. Chorizo Frito
Another classic! I think to go to a tapas place and not order chorizo is a crime. Like the gambas, these are spicy and garlicky—perfect with toast, perfect with wine, with beer, with anything! I can even imagine dumping some pasta noodles on this bowl and eating the whole thing like that. Yes, in the bar. LOL.
7. Lengua
I usually prefer creamy versions of lengua (ox tongue), but Bar Pintxos’ rendition surprised me. The pieces of lengua seem to be simply swimming in a pool of oil, mushrooms, and olives, but one bite and you know they have been treated well. The are so soft and velvety, you wouldn’t think they’re tongue.
8. Paella Mixta
I always enjoy a great paella, and the Mixta is an easy answer to such cravings. Laden with shrimp, chorizo, and chicken, a squeeze of lemon is all that’s needed to jumpstart the rice hoarding process, hahaha! The only thing I miss from this dish is the crusty socarrat—I wish they also serve a full-size version.
9. Salpicao
You know how it is… when you don’t know what to order, get the gambas, chorizo, or the salpicao! I’ve never truly appreciated the salpicao until I tried to cook it myself. At Bar Pintxos, they use the same Kitayama wagyu beef so you are sure to get bite-sized, tender, delectable pieces. Oh, and those crispy garlic chips on top are divine.
10. Piquillo-Brie-Jamon
Under that huge piece of piquillo pepper is some brie and jamon serrano, offering varying flavors and textures. I absolutely love this one. The splash of balsamic holds everything together.
11. Jamon Allioli
The saltiness of jamon serrano fuses beautifully with the smooth garlic and oil sauce—the intense flavors softened by the bread. I love jamon and I adore aioli. I can, to be honest, eat them on their own, but the bread is also too good to take a pass on.
12. Churros
No words needed. Even these are in perfect bite-sized pieces.
If you want to sample a variety of the pinxtos (the bite-sized dishes on bread), you can actually order a Pintxos Platter, which features 6 of them. For a party of five to six, I recommend getting 2 platters to share among yourselves, plus maybe two or three of the tapas. Don’t worry because they do offer sangria, as well as a selection of gin, beers, and cocktails.
I spot a couple of items in their menu that I haven’t tried yet—like the uni (OMG), lomo iberico, and LARDO (!!!) pintxo—so I’m really keen on coming back and bringing friends. They also have charcuterie platters so I’m looking forward to a really “adult” wine-and-cheese (and jamon) session soon.
~*~
Bar Pintxos
Makati
Paseo Parkview Tower, San Augustin Corner Sedeño Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City
+639770734737/+632 8454952
BGC
Ground Floor, Fairways Tower, 5th Avenue Corner McKinley Road, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
+632 8101307
Muntinlupa
Ground Floor, Gesu Building, Don Jesus Boulevard, Cupang, Muntinlupa City
+632 8310065
Budget: PhP500 up
Have you been to Bar Pintxos? What are your favorites?
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