🍸 | Support wall in, support wall out. Perth must eat first choice

🍴🤎 Monocromo Vermuteria Gastronómica: Bilbao’s Cozy Seafood Haven (Worth 6 Visits—and Counting!) Nestled on Heros Kalea in Bilbao’s Abando district, this tiny spot is a hidden gem. Run by a friend of my former boss, it’s become a go-to after six visits—and for good reason. The menu shifts daily or weekly, zeroing in on seasonal seafood, and the owner cooks every dish himself. Consistency? Flawless. Bonus: They started opening daily last year—a rarity that makes it a top pick for tourists and us food industry folks alike. No more chasing limited hours here! 🎉 🌟 What Makes It Special Vermouth lovers, rejoice: Their signature vermouth is a standout—smooth, balanced, not overly bitter. 🍷 Rare misses: Dishes almost always hit… though desserts? Skip ’em. Flexible eating: Order half-portions, or split a main into two plates—perfect for sampling more! Budget-friendly: Quality this good at these prices? Unheard of. Heads up: Most cheese names are in Basque 🧀—ask if you’re not a fan. And book ahead! The space is tiny—note if you need extra room when reserving. Check their socials for daily menus—trust us, it helps. 📱 🦑 The Standouts (From 6 Visits!) Chargrilled squid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Juicy, smoky, and always a highlight. We got half a portion, and it was plenty—grab it if it’s on the menu. 🦑 2-5. Ceviche ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Fresh fish in rotating sauces, but skip the cheese-based ones unless you’re a die-hard fan. 🍋 Chargrilled oysters ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Served warm, with a hint of char—briny, rich, and satisfying. 🍢 Chargrilled volandeiras ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Rarer than the usual zamburiñas (scallops), and way more flavorful. Tender, buttery, and worth ordering the second you spot it. 🔥 Fried egg with truffle & tuna ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Creamy yolk, earthy truffle, and salty tuna—an unexpected combo that works. 🍳 Chargrilled corvina belly ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: The best fish dish I’ve had in 2 years in Spain. The bony belly is tender, smoky, and smothered in a wild mushroom (perrechico) sauce that’s pure umami. 🐟 Chargrilled turbot ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: Another fish winner—bony, but that’s where the flavor hides. Suck the bones clean—you won’t regret it. 🐠 Fried scorpion fish ⭐⭐⭐⭐: Crispy outside, flaky inside—textural perfection. 🐡 Lumagorri chicken dumplings ⭐⭐⭐: Juicy (thanks to free-range chicken!), but the cooked filling feels like a letdown if you prefer raw. Your call. 🥟 Chargrilled Iberian pork tenderloin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐: I usually hate gamey pork, but this? Perfection. Even medium-rare, it’s fragrant, tender, and never overpowering. We split half a portion—more than enough. 🐷 Pork tenderloin rice ⭐⭐⭐: The broth tastes strongly of pork—skip if that’s not your vibe. 🍚 📍 Final Thought Monocromo isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a reliable, delicious staple in Bilbao. With daily hours, flexible portions, and a focus on fresh, seasonal flavors, it’s a no-brainer for tourists and locals alike. Just remember: Book early, check the daily menu, and embrace the coziness. Six visits later, I’m already planning the seventh. 🥢 #BilbaoEats #BasqueSeafood #HiddenGems #FoodieTravel #SeafoodLovers