(37 - 39 Calle De Ercilla in Bilbao, Spain)

The Bermeo Restaurant in the heart of Bilbao just a short walk from the Guggenheim and Sacred Heart ...Plaza has been hailed by critics as the best hotel restaurant in Spain. The Bermeo is set in the Ercilla Hotel, a four-star highrise, and the dining room itself is a sophisticated mélange of elegant nautical styling and contemporary comfort. The trad striped wallpaper works nicely with the faux antique seating, wood panelling, brass rails and orange upholstery. It is an elegant space, perfect for business entertaining or the private enjoyment of excellent food, though a little local celebrity-spotting might take place too, as the restaurant is a favourite of politicians, writers and Bilbao’s social set. The Bermeo offers the epitome of Basque cuisine in seasonal fish, seafood and meat dishes, things like homemade foie gras with essence of bay leaves, five preparations of cod, stewed partridge with glazed shallots, dessert of truffled figs. Fine wine list and excellent service, and there are private rooms with capacities ranging from 10 to 600. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Mon - Fri 1pm - 3:45pm & 8:30pm - 11:45pm Sat 9pm - 11:45pm Sun 1pm - 3:45pm [moreless]

(4-6 Calle Particular De Estraunza in Bilbao, Spain)

Gure Kide (formally Goizeko Kabi) restaurant in the centre of Bilbao has long featured on almost eve...ryone’s top ten list.Gure Kide has a homely, welcoming ambience that can only be the spirit of its founder-owners Jesus Santos and wife Maria Medina. Ingredients are top quality, as is the service. The menu is traditional Basque, but always with a touch of imagination, while the décor is utterly traditional: creamy walls, dark wood paneling, upholstered and tapestried seating, modest artworks, figured Persian carpets, green plants. Dishes include specialities like grilled hake kokotxas pil-pil made with the underside of the fish’s jaw, squab pie with grated Idiazabal cheese, crab-filled potatoes with gazpacho mayonnaise, entrecote of beef with mustard and foie gras. The home made desserts, like chocolate soufflé, are celebrities in their own right. If anything else were needed to convince you, the central location makes this a perfect spot for business and romance. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Opening hours: Mon - Sat 1:30pm - 4pm & 8:30pm - 12am Sun: closed all day [moreless]