Eat, Eat, Eat —— Visit Karlo's in Bilbao

🍤 Karlo's Itsaskitegia: Bilbao’s Local Seafood Hotspot (With a Playful Twist!) Tucked away on Iturribide Kalea, this is the “great nearby eat” I hinted at in my Bilbao hotel notes—and it’s a must-visit. Locals flood the place, which says everything about its quality. No reservations here—your best bet is to show up right at 12:00 when they open to grab a table. 🏰 The Vibe: Classic Charm with a Quirky Edge The decor feels old-world European, with one delightful quirk: walls lined with toy cars. It’s cozy, not flashy—ideal for a relaxed seafood meal. Think “casual with character” rather than “fancy”—and that’s a good thing. 🚗 🍽️ The Food: Fresh Seafood That Speaks for Itself This spot nails simple, high-quality seafood—here’s what stands out: Santiaguiño (velvet shrimp): The must-order. At €13.3 for 4, they’re a steal. Juicier and more tender than lobster, with a sweet, briny flavor that’s hard to beat. Easily the star of the meal. Small shrimp : Tiny but mighty. These are incredibly fresh and tender—way better than the larger shrimp (which taste pretty plain, honestly). Octopus leg: €18 gets you a huge portion. Cooked perfectly—tender with a slight char, it’s satisfying and flavorful. Seafood platter (with lobster): At €80, it’s a splurge with mixed results. The seafood is fresh, but the crab is chilled (not my favorite), and overall, it’s less of a value than the smaller dishes. Skip unless you’re feeding a crowd. 💰 The Lowdown Taste: 4.5/5—seafood lovers, rejoice. Service: 4.0/5—friendly and efficient, even when busy. Value: 4.0/5—great for shrimp and octopus; skip the platter. Average cost: €20–25 per person—easy on the wallet for quality. 🌟 Final Thought Karlo's Itsaskitegia is a Bilbao gem—no frills, just fantastic seafood that locals love. Show up early, order the santiaguiño and small shrimp, and enjoy the quirky, laid-back vibe. It’s proof that sometimes, the best meals are the ones that let the ingredients shine. 🦐 #BilbaoSeafood #LocalEats #BasqueFlavors #SeafoodLovers #TravelFood