🇪🇸 Bilbao | Spanish aged steak 🥩
🥩 Restaurante Amaren: Bilbao’s Steak Sensation (Book Those Reservations!) If you’re chasing standout steak in Bilbao, Restaurante Amaren is the name on everyone’s lips—and for good reason. Tucked away on Diputazio Kalea in the Abando district, this spot is consistently packed, which means one thing: you’ll need to reserve days in advance. Trust us, the planning is worth it. From the moment you step in, there’s a buzz of anticipation—this isn’t just a meal; it’s a steak lover’s rite of passage. 🎉 🥩 The Star of the Show: Fresh Beef, Straight from the Source What sets Amaren apart? Their commitment to quality, starting with the meat itself. Every day, they source fresh beef from 5 distinct regions, offering both ox and cow cuts to suit different tastes. It’s not just about “steak”—it’s about celebrating the diversity of Basque and Spanish beef. Here’s the fun part: once you’ve picked your cut, the staff will bring the raw, unseasoned steak right to your table to show off. For our group of 3, that meant a massive 2.1kg hunk of meat—glistening, marbled, and practically begging to be cooked. It’s a transparent, impressive touch that builds excitement before the first bite. 🥩✨ 🍴 The Dining Experience: Rich, Satisfying, (and a Little Indulgent) Let’s talk about that 2.1kg steak. Cooked to your preference (medium-rare is the sweet spot here, in our opinion), it arrives juicy, seared to a perfect crust, and oozing with flavor. The first few slices? Pure bliss—tender, rich, with that deep, meaty taste that makes dry-aged beef so beloved. But here’s the catch: that size is no joke. By the end of the meal, the richness starts to weigh in. The marbling that made the first bites so luxurious can feel a touch heavy, and even the most dedicated carnivores might find themselves slowing down. It’s a delicious problem to have, though—better to leave full than wanting more, right? 😋 🏮 The Vibe: Casual Cool with a Side of Warmth Amaren’s atmosphere strikes a nice balance. It’s not overly formal—think cozy lighting, a bustling open kitchen, and staff who know their meat but keep things friendly. Whether you’re with friends, family, or a date, it feels welcoming, like a spot locals would frequent as much as tourists. The space isn’t huge, but that just adds to the energy. You’ll hear the clink of glasses, the sizzle of steaks on the grill, and laughter from neighboring tables—it’s the kind of ambiance that makes a meal feel lively and memorable. 🌟 📍 Final Thoughts: A Must for Steak Fans in Bilbao Is Amaren worth the hype? For steak enthusiasts visiting the Basque Country, absolutely. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—just serve exceptional beef, simply and well. Pro tips: Come starving, share sides (trust us, you’ll need them to cut through the richness), and don’t skip that pre-cooking meat presentation—it’s part of the fun. By the end, you might be full to the brim, but you’ll leave knowing you’ve tasted some of Bilbao’s best. And really, isn’t that what travel (and good food) is all about? 🌍🥩 #BilbaoEats #SteakHeaven #BasqueCuisine #FoodieTravel #DryAgedDelights