Casa Rufo

Casa Rufo was a major disappointment. After an excellent experience at La Gavilla the day before, we were up for another day of gastronomy - but Casa Rufo turned out to be our worst meal in the Bilbao. Some lowlights: Despite being promised a table inside when reserving, we were seated directly at the door, exposed to a cold draft. My cod dish was extremely salty and the sirloin steak was on par with what I’d expect at a generic German autobahn restaurant. The fries were bland and far from homemade. Service was lackluster, bordering on rude, and the prices were unjustifiably high. Most strikingly, there wasn’t a single local visitor in sight, a telling sign. Based on my experience, I would recommend choosing another place. La Gavilla, for instance.

We read about this place on Culture Trip, usually a bit of a go-to when stuck for choice particularly with eating out in a new place. We’d had our pintxos fill and fancied something special for our final night. This place really didn’t disappoint. The space itself is wonderfully charming and kooky, with tables placed in different rooms surrounded by walls adorned with deli products, olive oils, all kinds of alcohol, trinkets and basque memorabilia. We immediately felt comfortable despite it being a quiet Tuesday evening. And away from the busy tourist hotspots of the Old Town we got the feeling we were dining amongst locals as the place filled up, the Maître d explaining he found our booking easily as we were the only non Spanish name on the system. We opted for a few of the 1/2 portions to share and of course that famous ribeye. The smoked duck was seriously incredible, as were the Bay of Biscay anchovies in a pool of amazing olive oil with simple roasted pepper and a few olives. We didn’t have time to consider bread before it was offered and brought out - 2 individual crusty rolls, warmed through. The bonito tuna salad was fantastic too, in a delicious vinaigrette and frankly enormous for a 1/2 portion! No complaints there. Then came to steak, sizzling on a cast iron skillet and cooked perfectly with that amazing aged taste you get with matured on the bone cuts. It was washed down with a few glasses of txakoli for myself and for my partner what we assumed to be a house red. We glanced the wine list but what was quickly poured into my partners glass was big, bold, oaky and just perfect. We honestly felt like we were at the mercy of staff that just knew how to get the job done. No stuffiness, no pretence, just amazing produce and hardworking staff. As I mentioned it was quiet and we were admittedly thankful for a large party popping in after us to liven up the atmosphere a bit but that shouldn’t put anyone off booking. I can imagine it’s absolutely electric during a busy lunch rush or at the weekend. Final bill was astoundingly reasonable for the amount we ate and how we were treated. Really a perfect and special end to our time in Bilbao.

Stunning place and food to match. Everything we tried was delicious. The service was excellent.

We had an amazing lunch at Casa Rufo . The intimate comfortable atmosphere and amazing food was highlighted by a chat with the owner José Luis. It was a memorable dining experience and we are so happy we ordered the most delicious foods and wine. I highly recommended this dining experience. Muchas gracias José Luis.

We had a delicious meal here and we're accommodated despite not having reservations. For starters we ordered the asparagus which just melted in your mouth and the mushrooms. The mushrooms were incredible! The sauce was so yummy and it came with foie served on top. Some thing to watch out for of you're vegetarian. We shared the T-bone steak between the two of us and it was delicious. Served with french fries on the side. We were too stuffed for dessert.

Outstanding food and service! Took the family here. Great setting understated, but cosy. Had the smoked duck, foie and croquetas for starters - real homely food. The oxtail stew was superb and it’s not often you get a solomillo steak as good as this outside of Ireland! Fantastic selection of Riojas and traditional Basque desserts Highly recommended

After six days walking the Camino del Norte, we had a great diner @casarufo Bilbao last friday 31-05-2024 with people we’ve met during this Camino. She heard from a college about this restaurant and it was thruley a wonderful experience! The entourage is great, like you’re having dinner in a shop or wine cellar. When you enter the restaurant you think you’re at the butchers place, but in the back it looks like a real restaurant with several tables. And of course the food was great. Not high cuisine but just like food needs to be,: pure, simple and tasteful. We’ve had a great meal and wine; we took the option to share for 65 euro’s each, including a bottle of red and a bottle of white wine and two bottles of water and coffee. Not cheap for Spanish food, but worth it! We ate at 15.30, so it was a late lunch, but so much food that it was our dinner at the same time… I’ll highly recommend it, if only to see the ambiance: you’re going back into the last century.

We visited the restaurant specifically for the meat dish. Although we didn't ask for any starters, we were constantly asked by the staff if we wanted to order. This was a bit annoying because we already paid 78 euros for a steak for two people, which should be enough income for the restaurant. By the way, the wine menu was very successful and we liked the wine recommended. The taste of the meat was excellent for an average restaurant, but for a place of this price and quality, it could have been better.

The best T-bone steak!!! Wine selection were extensive but just ask the server he's the best( sorry can't remember his name). Tomato salad with Tuna white asparagus went so great with the steak. Don't forget to order the stewed oxtail (rabo). Call for reservation, we were just lucky it was a weekday and was able to get in even for 7 people. The place has the tables at the back of " grocery store" but is well known in the area. Most of all service was great!!!

The hype is real. Really really good meal here! I was looking for a good steak after days of seafood and Casa Rufo delivered. Really nice staff as well and loved the decor.

We found Casa Rosa on a travel blog as we searched for things we wanted to do in Bilboa. The review from the blog was amazing and made us want to visit. Let me just say, it was better than advertised. The staff was sweet and gracious to my new bride and I, visiting from the United States and limited in Spanish. We wanted Rioja, but didn't know what to pick. The older gentleman offered us his opinion and it was seriously the best wine we have had in country since we arrived. He was so kind and patient with us. Our first order arrived, smoked salmon. The pepper relish and the sauce on the side were simply tantalizing. They paired so well with the wine we offered and the blend of flavors was unique and desirable. Next; we got an appetizer of mushrooms. They were sweet, but so tasty, again accented by the amazing wine pair. Soaking the bread given to us with the wine, in the mushroom sauce... truly exceptional. My new Bride ordered their Hake and I ordered the sirloin. There is nothing in the world like what we tasted. The fish was light; flavorful; and flaky. The steaK melted in our mouths and was seasoned perfectly. The beef flavor was immaculate and accented the best of what we have had in Spain as well as our home country. THE BEST STEAK I have ever tasted. Finally; we ended with dessert and another bottle of wine. The desserts were good and accented with the espresso we got with it. Not as amazing as dinner but a good compliment. We highly recommend and are grateful the blog we were read recommend. This is a must stop anytime you're in Bilboa. You will not be disappointed. Great staff and food. We love the older man who helped us. Thank you so much staff of Casa Rufo! You've helped make our honeymoon in Spain amazing and memorably.

I read a few "foodie" reviews before coming to Bilbao, and this restaurant was highly recommended. We reserved a table, as suggested, for dinner and (given the limited seating,) I would recommend anyone wanting to dine, do the same. Trust that it is worth the trouble to bypass anything else in the area to eat here!! My husband and I spoke limited Castellano, but the staff that took care of us (one of which I believe was the owner) was amazing, and patient, and kind; and, despite their limited English, was able to communicate with us, and even make recommendations regarding wine and food...and since wine and food is why you are reading this review, trust that the food is AMAZING! I had the hake and my husband had the sirloin, and both were beyond superb. I have read that this restaurant has been family owned for over a 100 years, and I can absolutely see why they have continued to thrive. The food is SUPERB, the service is EXCELLENT, and the wine was AWESOME. This restaurant should be a "can not miss" locale if you're coming to Bilbao.

Absolutely fabulous meal! The owner greeted us himself and although he could speak limited English he made us feel welcomed and made sure we were taken care of the entire night. The wine, steak, and fries were incredible, the fries were a surprising portion of the meal we didn't specifically order but were maybe the best we've ever had. The steak came out on a sizzling platter with flaked sea salt on top- to die for. We stayed for about 2 hours and never felt rushed or as if we were imposing on another persons' reservation. We would come back every week if we lived here. Don't miss the coffee flan!