Bontxo, the Basque bistro

This article is not based on one visit at a restaurant. It is about one of my favorite restaurant in Budapest, which I still trust and visit after more than a year.

This little bistro, the Bontxo, is located next to the Jászai square, in the calm and peaceful Falk Miksa utca. As the restaurant is representing the Basque gastronomy, I think it deserves a little introduction.

The Basque Country is an autonomous community in Northern Spain with a climate similar to the north of France or England.Therefore we can't expect from it having the same gastronomy as Andalusia, in the south of Spain. Its cuisine is influenced by the freshest fishes from the sea and by the mountainous nature's treasures, like vegetables, freshwater fishes and an endless assortment of fresh and cured meats.

Also the tapas has a Basque adaptation, which name is Pintxo. It's even smaller than a tapa, served with a small slice of bread spiked with a toothpick (pincho=spike).

For trying these pintxos, there is no need any more to travel to the Basque country. Although it's challenging to give the same quality in a country where there is no sea or the same vegetables, the Bontxo is definitely delivering a little Spain in the Falk Miksa utca. I would prefer say Spain, not only Basque country, because in my opinion the food they offer has influences of other regions of Spain as well, although their main inspirations come from the Basque cuisine. 

I have tried already almost everything from the menu, and I didn't regret any choice.

Some Basque pintxos and padrón pepper (a must try)

Croquettes with ham or cod fish and some anchovies

Risotto with squid and its ink

Gambas al ajillo (unfortunately this dish became smaller with the time although the quality remains the same) 

An amazing fish soup which was a weekly offer, but I really hope it will be back once

More and more pintxos

My top favorite of the desserts is the chocolate mousse but you won't get disappointed neither with the cheesecake and the crema catalana.

For accompanying the dishes you also can choose from a wide variety of wines and ciders.

I would really recommend the Bontxo bistro if you wish to eat something delicious, light and fast (and Spanish).

Am I going to return? - Definitely, more times

Do they speak English? - Yes and one of the owners speaks Spanish pretty well