Recommended restaurant by locals in Bilbao! Good food

🍴 Goizeko Izarra: Bilbao’s Local Gem (Saved by a Coworker’s Pro Tip!) We’d set our sights on the much-hyped Amaren—until we ran into a local colleague outside. “No reservations?” he laughed, “Don’t sweat it—they’re mostly catering to tourists now, not as good as they used to be.” Instead, he hit us with two better recommendations… and even scored us a table at this one. Best. Detour. Ever. 🙌 🌙 The Vibe: Locals Only, Zero Fuss We rolled in at 9:30 PM, and the place was packed—with locals. No tourists, no flashy decor, just the warm hum of Basque conversation and clinking glasses. This was the real, unfiltered Bilbao dining scene. 🥂 🥩 The Dishes That Wowed Us Mollejas (lamb sweetbreads): The (star of the show)—unbelievable. Tender, buttery, with zero gamey aftertaste. Cooked simply, letting their natural richness shine. We couldn’t get enough. 🤤 Txuleton (Basque steak): We went for an older cow (easier on the conscience—these beauties live longer than a year!). The result? Juicy, perfectly seared, with a deep, meaty flavor that needs no fancy sauces. Pure perfection. 🥩✨ Shrimp: Insanely fresh. A neighboring aunt polished off two plates, and we instantly got why—sweet, plump, cooked with just a dash of oil and salt. Simple, but sensational. 🍤 🌟 Why It Trumps the Hype Amaren might have the name, but Goizeko Izarra has soul. It’s where locals eat when they want something real—no frills, just great food. Thanks to our colleague’s tip, we traded a tourist trap for a meal we’ll remember. Next time you’re in Bilbao? Skip the lines, ask a local, and let spots like this surprise you. 🌟 #BilbaoLocalEats #BasqueFlavors #FoodieFind #SpainTravel