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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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Inside Artaza Hotel |
Avenida de Los Chopos, 12 Bilbao 48990 Spain +34 94 491 2852 |
The restaurant inside the Hotel Artaza is located just 15kilometres from Bilbao in Neguri, which is in the Getxo municipality and one of the most luxurious districts in Vizcaya. The hotel has been declared a historic-artistic monument. It also has extensive grounds that have been turned into a garden. The dining area is divided into three rooms, all luxuriously decorated, seating 25, 60 and 140 people. The hardwoods blend well with the sky-blue walls and ceilings which are reflected in the linen. There is also a white fireplace, making the establishment cosy even in the winter months. Don't miss the Red Bream á la Vizcaína. The steak Wellington and seafood are also delicious. 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 |
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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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One of Santurce's best |
Avenida Murrieta, 21 Bilbao, Vizcaya 48901 Spain +34 94 493 7308 |
Situated in one of the classic fishing villages, the Currito restaurant is housed in a chalet overlooking the Abra port and here luxury and quality are assured. In an area with so much fishing tradition, one of the best restaurants in Santurce couldn't possibly specialise in anything but fish, especially cod. It is prepared here in various ways, each of them delicious. In summer you can sit out on the terrace in the fresh air and enjoy the famous Santurce sardines. The sea's influence is much in evidence in the decor. At the right time of year "txerribodas", or pig slaughters also take place here. Here are a few suggestions to give you a taste of what to expect: a sampling of cod, grilled prime rib, angler fish and pigs trotters "á la Vizcaína". Buses for Santurce, or Santurtzi, as they say in Basque, leave from Bilbao's calle Luchana, behind El Corte Inglés. 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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On the beach |
Playa de Ereaga, s/n Bilbao, Vizcaya 48990 Spain +34 94 491 0009 |
This restaurant is housed in an old spa that used to belong to the Bilbaoan Society of Igeretxe. As it is situated right on the beach, customers have wonderful views of the sea. The light that comes in through the immense windows washes over the dining area so that little decoration is needed. Simple furniture and a few wall lamps in turn of the century style are sufficient to give the place a cosy atmosphere. It is situated in the best possible place; on one side the Getxo marina, on the other the old port of Algorta, two places no visitor to Getxo should miss. Some suggestions: hake fillets stuffed with crab and cream of peppers, veal escalopes in orange sauce, and fillet steak with salmon. There is an extensive wine list to choose from as well. Review © 2007, Wcities |