Exploring Bilbao ｜COKOONCAFE

☕ A Tiny Bilbao Café (Open Till 2 PM) That’s All About Joy (And Killer Canelés) I stumbled on this spot while Googling “canelés” in Bilbao—little did I know it’d become my happy place. First visit? I showed up too late—they close at 2 PM, rare for a Spanish café, especially one steps from the Guggenheim (prime real estate, no less). My first thought? “This owner must be living the dream—turning a hobby into a career, and loving it.” Turns out, I was right. 👫 The Vibe: A Family Affair (And Pure Happiness) Run by a couple with two part-time staff (who double as cooks), it’s cozy and unrushed. The kitchen is an open island—you can watch every step of your meal being made. The husband mans the coffee machine and bakes the desserts; the wife handles orders. Both speak fluent English and French, and their Instagram (run by him) is full of food pics and after-work snapshots—they look happy, the kind of joy that’s impossible to fake. It’s the life I dream of, honestly—calm, purposeful, and filled with things you love. Pure envy, but the good kind. 😊 🍞 The Food: Simple, Seasonal, and Worth It I came for canelés, stayed for the toast. Canelés: Tiny, caramelized, and perfect—crunchy outside, soft inside. €3 a pop, but worth every cent. Brioche toast: A revelation. They use buttery brioche, and the toppings? Chef’s kiss. P2: Porcini toast: Brioche slathered with homemade hazelnut spread, piled high with sautéed porcini, and topped with a raw egg yolk. Mix it all together—rich, earthy, and indulgent. They rotate seasonal options (no salmon ones for me, but the rest? Tried and loved). Desserts & coffee: Gooey, oversized cookies (warm, melty centers) and solid coffee (€3.5–4). The husband even shares tips on their beans—handy for pour-over fans. 💸 The Catch: It’s Pricy, But Justified Let’s be clear: This isn’t budget dining. Toasts run €12–15, desserts €3+, and coffee €3.5+. For that price, you could get a full menú del día elsewhere. But here? You taste the care—fresh, high-quality ingredients, made with attention. It’s not just food; it’s an experience. 🌟 Final Thought This little café isn’t just about canelés or toast—it’s about a way of life: doing what you love, slowly, and with joy. For that, I’ll keep coming back, even if my wallet grumbles. If you’re near the Guggenheim and want a taste of “happy” (and great food), this is it. #BilbaoCafé #Canelés #BriocheHeaven #SpanishFood #TravelEats