Bilbao is a 140 year old shop you must go to!
đą CafĂ© Iruña: Bilbaoâs 140-Year-Old Gem (Skip the MichelinâThis Is a Must!) Weekend in Bilbao? Timeâs tight, but donât skip CafĂ© Iruña. This 140-year-old spot serves up ć°é (authentic) tapas and Moorish-style grilled meat thatâll make you forget about fancy reservationsâunless youâve got a Michelin star booked, of course. Trust us: Itâs that good. đ„ The Star: Moorish Lamb Skewers These are life-changing. Pure lamb, grilled to juicy perfection, then tossed in their secret sauce and drizzled with fresh lemon. No gamey aftertasteâjust rich, meaty flavor cut by bright citrus. Itâs hearty, not heavy, and if you love big, bold meaty bites? Order two portions. You wonât regret it. đ đ„ Pintxos, Not Tapas (But Whoâs Complaining?) Locals call âem pintxos, not tapasâbut semantics aside, these little bites are incredible: Ham and foie gras with beetroot: Rich, creamy, and balanced by earthy beetroot. Shredded ham on crusty bread: Simple, but the quality of the ham shinesâsalty, savory, and generous with the filling. At just âŹ2+ a pop, you can load up and walk out stuffed for under âŹ20. Value? Off the charts. đ đ The Vibe: Old-School Charm (No Small Talk) Donât expect chatty serviceâthis place has a no-nonsense, 140-year-old vibe. We watched a group of American tourists try (and fail) to spark small talk with the staff, who kept things efficient but stoic. Itâs part of the charm, reallyâtheyâre here to serve great food, not make small talk. The space feels historic, cozy, and packed with localsâalways a good sign. đ Final Thought CafĂ© Iruña isnât just a restaurantâitâs a slice of Bilbaoâs culinary history. For Moorish lamb skewers, killer pintxos, and unbeatable value, this is your spot. Skip the small talk, grab a table, and dig in. Youâll leave full, happy, and already planning a return. đ„ą #BilbaoEats #BasquePintxos #MoorishGrill #TapasLovers #HistoricEats