Eat at the Michelin-starred restaurant in the Guggenheim Museum
đœïž Nerua: Where Art Meets Cuisine at Bilbaoâs Guggenheim Tucked inside the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Nerua isnât just a restaurantâitâs a culinary experience that matches the buildingâs artistic vibe. Helmed by a chef with stints at Martin Berasategui and El Bulli (two legends of Spanish cuisine), itâs no wonder this spot hit #32 on the Worldâs 50 Best Restaurants list. After a meal here? We can confirm: itâs creative, delicious, and totally worth the hype. đš đŠȘ The Journey Begins: Amuse-Bouches First up: A trio of palate teasers to set the mood: Crispy mushroom croquettes, crunchy fried fish skin, and a fresh salad A small cup of salty bean soupâhearty, earthy, and the perfect warm-up. đ± Vegetable Courses: Bold, if Not for Everyone The first two veggie-focused dishes lean into experimentation: Artichoke with herbs and olives: A unique combo, but the flavors felt a touch disjointed. Almond-stewed spinach: Nutty and rich, though not our favorite. These dishes showcase creativity, but theyâre a warm-up for whatâs to come. đ„ The Standouts Start Here Things get exciting with the third course: A medley of Iberian ham, (Basque chanterelles), and fluffy egg foam, plus tangy pickled local peppers. The hamâs fat melts slightly, releasing a rich aromaâincredible. đ Seafood Shines: From Cod to Octopus Neruaâs seafood dishes are where the chefâs skill really shines: Hake kokotxa (Basque cod cheeks): Silky, tender, and paired with leeks and bright green sauceâpure elegance. Octopus with black butter and cockles: Inspired by Galician flavors, the octopus is springy, and the sauce balances salt, heat, and a hint of acid. Fried cod with local chili sauce: Crispy exterior, juicy flesh, and a zesty sauce that cuts through the richnessâperfect. đŠ A Surprise Add-On: Lobster & Quail We couldnât resist adding the lobster courseâand it was a great call: Steamed lobster, fried quail breast (pink, tender, juicy), and crispy quail legs, all tossed in a briny seafood sauce. The quail alone was worth the splurge. đ· Meat Course: Iberian Pork Perfection The main meat dish? Faultless: Iberian pork belly with black pudding sauce and cabbage purĂ©e, topped with chanterelles. The pork is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the sauces add depth without overpoweringâa masterclass in balance. đš Desserts: Sweet, Sophisticated, and Local Apple tart: Warm, buttery, with a dollop of tarragon-spiked apple purĂ©e and Armagnac ice creamâherbaceous, boozy, and not too sweet. Petit four: A cute surprise: Gurin Opila (Bilbaoâs signature ice cream butter bread), served with a tiny guide on how to eat it. Fun, nostalgic, and delicious. đ Final Thought Nerua isnât just a mealâitâs a journey through Basque flavors, told with creativity and precision. From the artful setting to the chefâs clever twists on local ingredients, itâs a must for food lovers visiting Bilbao. Pro tip: Pair it with a visit to the Guggenheim next doorâart for the eyes, and art for the taste buds. đ· #GuggenheimDining #BilbaoEats #MichelinMagic #BasqueCuisine #FoodieTrave