(Palacio Euskalduna, 4 Avenida de Abandoibarra in Bilbao, Spain)

Etxanobe restaurant is amazingly sited above Bilbao’s second iconic building, the gleaming Palacio E...uskalduna. Etxanobe is one of the hottest dining spots in the world right now, drawing breathless reviews from food-writers and food-lovers for the grand cuisine of chef/owner Fernando Canales. The post-modern décor of the two dining rooms – one of them available for private hire – features a fabulous ruched fabric ceiling, wittily skirted lighting, white linens and seating, and unforgettable views over the estuary and the Guggenheim from the terrace. Light pours in everywhere. Innovation is on display in every mouthful that emerges from Canales’ kitchen. There’s no menu of the day; you choose a la carte or a series of tasters. Dishes change monthly and may include deceptively simple descriptions like starter of lasagne of anchovies, main course of sole with pil-pil sauce and trout eggs, and home made dessert of cinnamon and rice puff-pastry with milk, though you’d be mad to miss the little chocolate bombs. The wines are excellent and the service is a mission unto itself – in a word, sublime. Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Etxanobe is closed for Easter holidays for a week and in summertime from 1st to 21th August. Opening hours: Mon - Sat 1pm - 4pm & 8pm - 12am Sun: is closed all day Etxanobe anchovies lasagne are so popular they even have a fan club! [moreless]

(66 Gran Via in Bilbao, Spain)

Guria restaurant in Bilbao is a short walk across Doña Casilda Park from the iconic Euskalduna Palac...e and worth every step. Guria has widely known as a temple of traditional Basque gastronomy for nearly sixty years – ten at this location – and the kitchen is still under the watchful eye of chef Genaro Pildain and his partner Carlos. Guria is divided into two parts. The luxurious, formal dining room is decorated in the English style in tones of taupe with leather seating, thick carpets and drapes that can be pulled to create private enclaves. The buzzing, brasserie-like bistrot, with its more affordable prices, features a long wood and brass bar, chequered tile floors, and an informal air. Wherever you sit, do not miss one of the two famous cod dishes, either simmered very slowly ‘al pil-pil’ or a la Vizcaina, as Pildain is known as the King of Cod. Wines are service are exemplary Upon arrival, please inform the restaurant that your booking was made via toptable. Group bookings: A credit card is required to reserve a table, if there is availability - this is simply to secure your booking, absolutely no money will be charged to the card except in the case of late cancellations. A fee of 30€ per person will be charged for a cancellation within 1 week or for a no show Opening hours: Mon - Sat 1:30pm - 4pm & 8:30pm - 11:30pm Sun 1:30pm - 4pm [moreless]