Arandia de Julen — Restaurant in Bilbao

Second time to Arandia and not disappointed. Took the 50 euro menu again comprising black pudding and mushrooms, home made foie gras, white asparagus stuffed with vegetables in mayonnaise, lovely plancha cooked shrimp and then finally, the star of the show, Txuleton beef - 1.5 kilos of sirloin served on the bone which had been seared in the kitchen, served blue, to be finished off at the table on a hot plate to your taste. This was served with crispy roast potatoes and red peppers. Finally, a desert similar to a creme brûlée. The lunch also included a bottle of wine, water and bread. Ridiculously good and very good value - we had to go back to the hotel...

We visited here on Saturday night, and had booked well in advance via telephone. Expecting it to be busy we were surprised that throughout the evening only a few tables were seated, so the atmosphere was a little dimmed.

We went for the set menu (€70pp) which included appetiser, fish soup, steak (cook it yourself), dessert and a bottle of wine. Food was delicious, although make sure you’re hungry before you go because the portions are huge. The soup alone is enough as a main course.

Service was attentive and very good, and the maitre’d was warm and welcoming.

All in all, great value and good...

We made a booking after seeing rave reviews online. This restaurant is located a short walk out of the old town but was easy to find. The food itself was delicious with the anchovy starter being sensational and the T-bone steak also being delicious - they provide you with a hot plate for you to cook the meat yourself after an initial sear in the kitchen. The staff were all very friendly and gave us two free appetisers and a shot with the bill. We were one of only four tables in the restaurant which was surprising for a Saturday night so the atmosphere was a little flat. Overall, a great...