Mugarra — Restaurant in Bilbao

Let me begin to rave about Bilbao. Though not as refined as San Sebastian in terms of it's coastline beauty, it surely more than made up for it's rustic charm.

And with charm comes Mugarra. A relatively small size establishment(less than 30 seats) with all the charm that you can find in the food, service, and setup.

The cured fish was a charm to begin with. Well cured, yet without the over-bearing saltiness that other establishments would, it was perfect with the versatile bottle of Albarino.

It was followed by the large & perfectly grilled 1kg whole wild-caught calamari... Even the sauce is all completely finished by our group of 4, dip with their oh so well made hot & crusty bread.....

The main attraction, a 1.6kg wild-caught Seabass; the specimen that totally changed my understanding of what a good seabass should be textured and taste like. I can't rave enuf about it. If I have to use 1 word to describe it, then "Heavenly" should be fair.

The boss, the server, and the chefs are all wonderful; I kept pouring them wine out of appreciation of the great work.

The experience is by no means cheap; €300, wif wine....but the flavours, charm and service we experienced that day was priceless.

If you are not on a tight budget when travelling to Bilbao, I earnestly urge everyone to experience it.

Reservation is...

I'm still reeling from my culinary adventure at Mugarra in Bilbao. This restaurant is a true gem, offering an unforgettable dining experience that will leave you craving for more.

From the moment I stepped inside, I was struck by the elegant yet cozy atmosphere, complete with rustic stone walls, wooden beams, and a roaring fireplace. The service was impeccable, with a team of friendly and knowledgeable staff who guided me through the menu with passion and expertise.

But the real star of the show was the food. Oh, the food! Each dish was a masterclass in creativity, technique, and flavor, with every bite a symphony of textures and tastes. From the amuse-bouche to the dessert, every course was a surprise, a delight, and a revelation.

The highlights for me were the Pan-Seared Squid “Begi Haundi”, with its tender, smoky flesh and tangy aioli; the Scallop and Lobster Tartar, a fresh and indulgent combination of flavors and textures; the Fruit Cannoli, a sweet and crispy treat filled with a burst of citrusy goodness; and the Mascarpone, a creamy and velvety dessert that melted in my mouth.

In short, my experience at Mugarra was nothing short of extraordinary. If you're a foodie, a lover of fine cuisine, or simply looking for a special night out in Bilbao, then this is the place for you. Trust me, you won't be...

The best meal we had in Bilbao.

Great service, with the warm intimacy of a family-owned restaurant with 40 years of history.

The room is nicely decorated. Incredible origami give it a laid back vibe.

The food. Oh man, the food. They are known for salted and vinagre conserves, which were the best I ever had. But everything else was even better. The tuna ribs melt in your mouth in an explosion of flavor. The orange sauce artichokes feel so tender that they seem hand-massaged. The beef was delicious. The wine was a charm.

We walked with another ten packs of their conserves, which they thankfully sell...