We love small plates.
Introducing Txikiteo.
Located on Frederick Street, Txikiteo is the Spanish-inspired, coal-fired small plates bar from the team behind the legendary Tiger Bites Pig, Trentina and The Church.
With a team behind them that have delivered some of the most popular casual eats venues in the city, you know this place is a winner. Inspired by all things Spanish (and in particular Basque cooking), this brilliant place is all about the flavours. And just like with their other venues, the focus here is on maximum flavours and quality cooking, making sure that every item that leaves the kitchen is utterly delicious.
Txikiteo is a Basque word which loosely means ‘going from bar to bar, having small glasses of wine and pintxos’. It’s a big part of Basque culture and cuisine and often the group will all contribute to a ‘bote’ – a central pot of money before going out, that is used to fund the evening. We love this idea, it sounds like our kind of socialising!
Naturally, the focus is on Spanish (particularly Basque) flavours but with their own spin on it, taking those traditional dishes and elevating them to new heights. On the menu you’ll find a selection of both small and large plates, all inspired by Spanish flavours. Aperitivos include Maldon Rock Oyster served with spicy Basque Chistorra sausage, Jamon Iberico and Gordal Olives – the perfect nibbles to enjoy with a drink at the bar before you move on to the main feast.
The menu is split into different sections. The flatbreads (pretty self-explanatory) come with a choice of either romesco, goats cheese and spring onion, or caramelised onion, olive and anchovy. The other sections are the Pequenos (small plates) and the Grandes (large plates). Everything is designed for sharing so you can try as many of the dishes as you can handle, and we recommend trying as many as you can because they’re all mouth-watering. Pequenos include classics like perfectly charred and blistered padron peppers, new potatoes with mojo verde (like patatas bravas but better), and Escalivada (traditional Catalan dish of roasted vegetables) as well as grilled meats like quarter chicken with mojo roja or duck leg with a refreshing fennel and orange salad.
Larger plates include Spanish-style Arroz – a rice dish with a rich base of tomato, saffron and sweet paprika with a choice of seafood (clams and shell-on Rosso prawns), roasted chicken thigh and seared duck breast, or marinated globe artichoke and roasted fennel. Other large plates include a mouth-watering pork chop with PX sauce (a glossy, sherry sauce) and a beautifully grilled Chuleton (rib-eye) with chimichurri.
For dessert, you must try their signature Basque cheesecake. These beauties have been having a bit of a moment in the last few years, but the Txikiteo folks really know how to pull it off. Soft, light and creamy, this is the perfect end to your Basque feast. Other desserts might include Sangria poached pears and Tarta di Santiago (a traditional Spanish almond cake).
To accompany your Spanish feast, they have a wonderful selection of carefully-chosen Spanish wines too. The wine menu is packed with red, white, rose, orange and sparkling wines from all across different wine growing regions of Spain. If you’re unsure what to choose, the friendly staff will help you out with their recommendations. If you’re not into wine, don’t worry their drinks selection also includes a selection of Spanish beers, Sangria and Spanish-inspired cocktails. There really is something for everyone on this menu.
On top of all the delicious food and drinks, they have a little deli section too where you can pick up some provisions. They stock all sorts of continental goodies like crisps, olives, beers and wines, so you can stock up on some tasty treats next time you’re passing by (or even pick up something to gift to a friend). The interior of the bar is very laid-back, the perfect place for a casual date night, drinks and nibbles with friends, or any occasion when great food and delicious drinks is required (basically every single day right?).
If you’re yet to visit, make sure to stop by Txikiteo for some ridiculously tasty Spanish style bites.
Now offering Independent Birmingham Members: 50% off food when you book a table (Thursdays – excluding grande dishes) + a FREE cheesecake when you spend £20 or more (Friday – Saturday)
