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 The essence of Peru |
Barrencalle, 5 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain +34 94 415 2209 |
Here you'll find a little bit of Peru in Bilbao's Old Quarter. This restaurant has been open for eleven years and each day offers one of the best things about Peruvian culture: its cuisine. It does this with exotic products and spices imported from the other side of the Atlantic. It is a small premises, but the atmosphere and decoration are perfectly evocative of Peru. It is advisable to reserve a table, especially on weekends. The restaurant has a mainly young clientele, curious, perhaps, and eager to learn something of another culture, and prices are therefore reasonable. It is difficult to recommend anything specific, but here are a few suggestions: mixed ceviche (marinated fish and seafood), stuffed potatoes, chili-peppered chicken or Lima potato salad. If you haven't been surprised by the first two courses, wait for dessert. Recommended puddings are: "Mazamorra morada", which is a type of maize consommé and fruit compote, or "suspiros de limeña", which is like custard but sweeter. All desserts are made with condensed milk. The Ají Colorado restaurant prepares food to take away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Classic Basque cuisine in Casco Viejo |
Jardines, 2 Bilbao 48005 Spain +34 94 415 6148 |
Apart from the classic Basque cuisine, this restaurant has two other attractions. The first is that it has been in business now for half a century. The second is that it is situated in the middle of the Old Quarter. The premises is located on a first floor and you can get to it through the bar or the separate doorway. This restaurant is characterised by its generous portions and affordability as well as its high quality. The place has had a faithful clientele for many years. Some recommended dishes are: special hors d'oeuvres of the house, Hake Fillets with Crab Sauce and Steak Fillet with Paté. To drink, try the 87 Barón de Oña or 81 Glorioso. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Elegant Basque cuisine |
Elexalde, 22 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48960 Spain +34 94 456 0005 |
The Andra Mari restaurant is undoubtedly a monument of Basque gastronomy. Not only because traditional Basque cuisine is prepared on its stoves, but because the building itself pays tribute to Basque tradition. It's in a charming "caserío" (traditional country house) located next to a hermitage of the same name. Its exterior is worthy of admiration. Speaking of its whereabouts, we should mention that it is situated in Galdako, one of the most densely populated of the suburban municipalities and only 9 kilometres from Bilbao. Those without access to a car can get there by bus, which leaves from calle Bailén, next to the RENFE train station. One of the many wonderful things about this restaurant is its cellar: a real museum dug out of stone and well worth seeing. Among the many recommended dishes are: risotto of various wild mushrooms, cod cooked with beans and clams, squab with glazed fruits and macaroni stuffed with anchovy mousse. A good bottle of wine from the well stocked cellar is the 95 Conde de Valdemar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wonderful views and cuisine |
Barrio Elexalde, 20 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48960 Spain +34 94 456 7671 |
The Aretxondo restaurant is owned by the same people who run the nearby Andra Mari. It offers the best Basque, or more specifically, Vizcayan cuisine. It is situated on the mountain's slope and has spectacular views: in short an idyllic place. Just like its twin, the Andra Mari, the Aretxondo has an excellent cellar which is also dug out of stone and is also located in Galdako, some 9km from Bilbao. Here are a few suggestions: fillet steak in a herb crust or the grilled sole with anchovies. For the first fortnight of August this establishment is generally closed for holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Luxury restaurant decorated in English style |
Gran Vía, 63 Bilbao 48011 Spain +34 94 441 5332 |
The dining room's English style decor of wood and beige tones makes for a cosy atmosphere in which to sample the specialities of the house. The restaurant is also conveniently located near one of the best hotels in town. The pictures on the walls, the lamps hanging from the ceiling, the wall lamps and the ceiling mouldings give the dining room, which has a separate entrance from the bar, a rather stately air. The Atlanta's stoves are well acquainted with the "nouvelle" Basque cuisine but traditional Basque cooking is not forgotten. The house recommendations are skewered fillet steak with cheese and lamb barbecued cutlets with mushrooms and baked potatoes. We should not, however, forget the seafood and fresh fish. In fact, the specialties differ depending on the season, and in warm weather the specialties include the crab and lobster salads, or the garden salad and crunchy stuffed peppers. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Elegant restaurant in country house |
Barrio Atxondoa, s/n Bilbao, Vizcaya 48300 Spain +34 94 625 3408 |
This restaurant is situated 36km from Bilbao in the famous town of Gernika. In a more than idyllic spot there is an old country dwelling that houses one of the best restaurants in the province. This place is well worth a visit, not just because of its history and the surrounding countryside, but also because of its cooking. Traditional cooking is the order of the day here. The interior of the 18th century house and the outside countryside is impressive, offering the best example of Basque nature. If the interior decor and landscape are delights, the culinary creations are no less so: sea-bass with eggs "al pil-pil" (slowly simmered), red mullet fillets on rice, oxtail, cod neck baked in a firewood oven, and for dessert, a delicious home-made chocolate soufflé. If you do not have access to a car, you can get to Gernika to visit this splendid restaurant by taking a bus from the number 4 stop. It leaves every fifteen minutes from 7.15a to 8p. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Busy bar in the nightlife zone |
Jardines de Albia, 5 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48001 Spain +34 (0)944 23 7021 |
It opened in 1903, and the same curious Moorish-style coloured ceramic tiles and shields with coats-of-arms remain on the walls. A popular meeting point for bankers, executives and young working people, it's always busy and bursting with life from early morning until late at night. You can come for breakfast, lunch or drinks in the evening when the music is turned up. The bar sets up outdoor facilities during special festive events so that you can eat and drink and enjoy the music where the action is, on the street. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: esselnyc |
 Photo: Jacques Manzano |
 Photo: Julio Arrieta |
 Photo: IRobbo  |
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Pure Mexican |
Alameda Recalde, 11 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48009 Spain +34 94 424 9089 http://www.elcharroloco.com |
The essence of Mexico is concentrated in El Charro Loco. The whole atmosphere is Mexican here, from the decor, which of course includes the furniture, to the staff's attire and the glassware - all of it pure Mexico. All the best of Mexican culture is here: the cooking and the music that adds atmosphere and colour to what is the experience of eating a meal in El Charro Loco. Here you can sample the best chilaquiles, tasty strips of Guajolote, real kidney beans, fried or Mexican style, a selection of folded tortillas; and you cannot leave without sampling the burritos and enchiladas. Sorbet with lemon and - what else? - tequila is our recommendation for dessert. To accompany all these exotic dishes, what better than a refreshing piña colada or margarita? Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Elegance next to a windmill |
Carretera de la Galea, 30 Bilbao 48990 Spain +34 94 491 1700 |
Situated in one of the most privileged areas on Bilbao's outskirts, Cubita is located in Punta Galea, semi-detached to the Aixerrota windmill that dates from the beginning of the 18th century. At this restaurant you can enjoy good classic cooking and fabulous views at the same time: the mouth of the Nervión river (or the Bilbao estuary, depending on how you look at it). To get to the restaurant, which is situated 15km from Bilbao in Getxo, you can take a short and pleasant trip along Punta Galea from the Bidezabal station, until you come to the Aixerrota windmill. The restaurant's decor is traditional and very elegant. The large windows afford a good view of the landscape. The wealthiest and most influential classes in Getxo frequent this establishment. Cubita's speciality is quality fish and the recommended dishes are: fish soup, a variety of starters and seafood, baked sea-bass and hake "á la Bilbaina". The restaurant is closed for holidays in August. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Authentic German food and beer |
Plaza del Ensanche, 7 Bilbao 48009 Spain +34 94 424 1311 |
The name translates as something like 'a toast to Bilbao'. In this restaurant the best of two cultures come together: the Germanic and the Bilbaoan. It goes without saying that this recently opened establishment offers typically German dishes and, of course, the best German beer. The Prosit Bilbao is different and original, so much so that on entering you are immediately transported to Germany. The beers are the stars here, especially the draught wheat beer, and the sausages are authentically German. To whet your palate, here are a few suggestions: roast pork leg joint with mashed potatoes and German cabbage, meat and cheese pie with a selection of vegetables, and a delicious creamy dessert of caramalised walnuts. On weekends, mushrooms with cheese and deep fried squid in 'best beer style' are available. The door is open for all who want a pure German experience. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional restaurant and barbecue |
Rodríguez Arias, 56 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48011 Spain +34 94 441 9761 http://www.farketa.com/ |
This place is a combination of restaurant and grill. The grill is open for all to see the dishes they are about to enjoy. Fresh fish is the star menu item, although in this elegant establishment everything is top quality. Not only are the dining menu items delicious, but the "pinchos" (canapés) served at the bar are also very popular. Apart from the grilled fish, the chopped ribs served as an appetiser are also highly recommended. But if you fancy something else, you can always order hake "Farketa", juicy prime rib, or a charcoaled angler fish. There is something for all tastes, and the price-quality ratio is excellent. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Surprising creations |
Areatza, 38 Bilbao 48620 Spain +34 94 443 4937 |
Gaminiz restaurant used to be located in Plentzia, about 25km from Bilbao. Now it is located in the center of Bilbao. It is impossible to speak of the restaurant without mentioning chef Aitor Elizegl, who has been prized for his modern cuisine that uses typical Basque ingredients and cooking methods. When it comes to delicacies Gaminiz is there, surprising customers with the originality of its creations. Cod is the featured menu item in this restaurant, but don't forget to try other dishes, like the Spring Chicken Paté or the Squab with a Peach Puree. To accompany these culinary delights, we suggest a 92 Barón de Oña, Reserva. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of Vizcaya's most famous |
Avenida de Leioa, 24 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48990 Spain +1 34 94 491 2031 |
This is a luxurious place that offers sophisticated cooking in a chalet-style restaurant surrounded by pretty gardens 15km from Bilbao. You can choose from an informal glass-covered terrace dining room that's ideal for lunch on spring afternoons or a more formal dining room inside for winter evenings. It serves a range of traditional Basque dishes complemented by the chef's own imaginative creations that include sirloin of lamb with sweet onions and peach sauce, baked sea-bass with mushrooms and saffron oil, and sponge cake filled with chocolate for dessert. As for the wines, you'll find stars like a 1992 vintage Marqués de Vargas for 3200 ptas (EUR 19.23) and a superb Val de Reyes for just 1400 ptas (EUR 8.41). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Excellent restaurant, famous for "pinchos" |
Diputación, 1 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48009 Spain +34 94 423 9240 |
This is an excellent traditional restaurant. A simple bar welcomes the customer who can whet his appetite here sampling the succulent "pinchos" (canapés). In the rustic dining room, customers can enjoy Lekeitio's specialities, which are: baked red bream, grilled ribs, hake "a la romana", and "pinchos" such as "the best peasant omelette in the city". All of the ingredients, such as the meat and fish, are of a high quality. The restaurant has even won prizes in the Bilbao "pinchos" competition. The menu is á la carte, with no daily specials. During the summer months it is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hawaiian atmosphere |
Simón Bolívar, 28 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48013 Spain +34 94 422 2066 |
There is cooking from all around the world in Bilbao and even the sounds of the most envied islands in the world reach here. The restaurant has all the exoticism of Hawaii and a disco too. No effort is spared so that visitors to Moana Beah can experience all the warmth of Hawaii without leaving Bilbao. During the week a menu of the day is available and on Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy a spectacular dinner that is practically unmissable. Throughout the dinner there are "minishows" that entertain customers while they enjoy the quality menu that changes weekly. Originality is the common denominator here. Steak fillets with surprising sauces, fish of all sorts, shark fin and lizard are some of the unusual dishes. At midnight the main show begins, with dances and Polynesian rituals giving an exotic touch to dessert. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Commercial variety |
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain |
Narrow winding streets, small squares and neighborhoods comprise this charming district that buzzes with activity every day of the year. As the heart of the old town, this area dates back to 1300 and in 1972 was recogized in statute as having great historical and cultural importance. After the disastrous floods in 1983 much of the district was rebuilt and improved. The Plaza Nueva, Plaza Miguel de Unamuno and Santiago Cathedral are particularly deserving of a visit, as are the many independently-owned boutiques that offer shoppers a wealth of choices. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Pritchard |
 Photo: Beltza Scene Vol.3 |
 Photo: Jesús Gorriti |
 Photo: | *anabel | |
 Photo: Alberto Alvarez-Pere |
 Photo: StaneStane |
 Photo: Max Naylor |
 Photo: Stuart Smith |
 Photo: Jay |
 Photo: tokyoshawn |
 Photo: michelle leer |
 Photo: Corey Root |
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Terraces, bars, shops and markets |
Cerea Arenal puente Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain |
Behind its arches you'll find the city's most popular meeting places: bars and cafeterias that have a lively atmosphere at all times of day. It's best in summer when you can sit outside on the terraces, or on Sunday mornings when the travelling market comes to town. Come on December 21 for the most colourful traditional market of all - Mercado Rural de Santo Tomás. It's a splendid example of neoclassical-style architecture built during the 18th and 19th centuries with columns and 63 arches supporting three floors. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Carmen Martín |
 Photo: P.L. Gomez Barrondo |
 Photo: peter duchek |
 Photo: lindatxikiakalea |
 Photo: PP |
 Photo: Carlos Jurschik |
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One of the best |
Plaza Nueva, 2 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005 Spain +1 34 94 415 1678 http://www.restaurantevictor.com/ |
The kitchen produces contemporary interpretations of traditional Basque cuisine with style and flair along with a superb range of homemade desserts. Both fish and meat dishes are prepared with great care and served in a dining room that has been elegantly decorated with hard woods. Everything comes in generous portions. Try the medallions of beef with goose liver and their famous cappuccino cake for dessert. You can choose from over 1,500 different wines. Business people and wealthy tourists are the main clientèle. There are two air-conditioned dining rooms seating 40 and 18 respectively. Staff speak French and English. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Quality and originality in a palace |
Alameda de Mazarredo, 17 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48001 Spain +34 94 423 9743 |
This restuarant is situated in a late nineteenth century mansion. The Zortziko has had great prestige since its founding but its proximity to the Guggenheim museum enhances it even further. The Zortziko restaurant is an institution in Bilbao. Imaginative and creative cooking is practised here. It has three dining rooms, each of a very different style. One of them has a Versailles-like atmosphere, another is in the English style and the third is more contemporary. The specialities of this establishment are: Sole with Cockle Juice, Scallops on a bed of Tomato Carpaccio, Roast Baby Squid with Peppers, and Zortziko style squab. From the extensive wine list, try the Conde de Valdemar, Gran Reserva 93. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |