Bilbao, Spain | Basuki.

🍴 A Bilbao Favorite: The Rollercoaster of Menú Degustación at Juan Ajuriaguerra 14 This spot’s been on my list forever—friends raved, but I kept putting it off without a dining buddy. Finally, I bit the bullet and went solo… twice. Turns out, their monthly-changing Menú Degustación is a mixed bag, but worth sticking with. 📅 First Visit: A So-So Start (With Bright Spots) My first try left me underwhelmed. Most dishes felt forgettable, but two stood out: Hachis Parmentier: Cheesy mashed potatoes smothering tender beef—comfort food at its coziest, rich and satisfying. :Strawberry cheesecake: Silky, sweet-tart, and perfectly portioned. The cocktail, though? Excellent—smooth, balanced, and a great pairing. 🍽️ Second Visit: A Turnaround (With One Head-Scratcher) This month’s menu? Way better. Beetroot hummus: Creamy, earthy, and so good I mopped the plate with bread. Parmesan cheese balls: Crisp outside, melty inside—salty, nutty, addictive. Seared salmon: Cooked to flaky perfection… but why pair it with sweet potato purée? The combo felt forced, like the chef was overcomplicating things. Salmon and sweet potato? Just no. Dessert was a split: The coffee ice cream was bold (bitter, rich, perfect), but the “fake tiramisu” (chocolate cheesecake with cocoa) was cloyingly sweet—way too much sugar. 💡 Tips for Visitors Book ahead: It’s a (Instagram-famous) spot, even busy on weekday lunches. No reservation? You’ll likely get shut out. Price: ~€35+ per person with drinks, and free bread/water—solid value. Location: Steps from the Guggenheim, ideal for a post-museum meal. I’m already planning a November return—curious what next month’s menu brings. For a spot that mixes hits and misses but keeps evolving? It’s worth the revisit. #BilbaoEats #TastingMenu #GuggenheimArea #SpainFood #RestaurantHopping