Islares Restaurant

The tasting experience, thoughtfully themed around four distinct regions, was nothing less than exceptional. It was fascinating to see the chef's innovative spin on traditional cuisine - all dishes were well balanced, paired and thoughtfully presented. A true Basque culinary journey! P.S. Only after finished writing the review, I checked Islares doesn’t yet have a Michelin star. Wishing the team the very best of luck, I'm sure it's just around the corner! 👏

I visited during the 2025 summer and had the shorter menu for lunch as a solo diner. One of the best meals I ever had. If I am ever in Bilbao again, I would put a lot of effort to come back here. I love their ethos of cooking with Basque Country ingredients. The menu changes every season. Summer is seafood-forward and spring is vegetarian.

**A last-minute reservation during our travels through Spain led us to Restaurant Islares — and what an incredible discovery it was!** We were lucky to book a table and chose the **A-8 summer tasting menu**, which features **nine dishes inspired by the regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, and the Basque Country**, all crafted by talented **Chef Julen Bergantiños**. The experience began with a **house aperitif cocktail Bertsolari ** based on **sherry and vermouth** — a pure delight to taste and the perfect start to what became a true **rollercoaster of flavor adventures**. Throughout the meal, the **staffmember Carlota, chef, and even sommelier Marconi were all actively involved, **personally presenting and explaining each dish and the thoughtful flavor combinations**. Their passion and knowledge truly elevated the entire experience. A lovely and personal touch: our **tasting menu was printed with our names on it**. We were also impressed by the **premium olive oil (Erroiz)** and **sunflower oil (Ekilore Olioa)**, served with **local sourdough bread** — a delicious pairing. The **wine selection** was equally memorable, including: * **Rías Baixas Lasobrada** * **White Batagara Aromas del Sur** * **Rioja Manin Clarette Negro 111** Just **ask for the wine pairing**, and you’ll likely be surprised as we were — especially with the **dessert wine**, a truly unique **Ice Cider: Bizi Goxo 2017**. We were especially happy to have chosen the **late lunch seating**, which gave us time to enjoy each moment in full. **Thank you for having us!** In our view, this restaurant truly **deserves recognition from the Michelin Guide**, and we wish you all the best on your continued **organic journey**. Warm regards, **Arnold & Wim**

All the dishes were absolutely excellent, and they truly lived up to the value of a Michelin one-star. The reinterpretation of traditional Basque cuisine was impressive, with flavors I had never experienced before. It’s the kind of food you can only find in the Basque region, and it was fantastic. I highly recommend the 13-course menu, especially for the deer dish and dessert, which I absolutely loved. Definitely a place I’d want to visit again❣️

The tasting menu was creative and, at times, truly phenomenal! Unfortunately, a few courses (like the porrusalda, white asparagus, and green peas) were slightly too salty, which took away from the otherwise well-balanced compositions. The service was warm and welcoming – we felt genuinely cared for. As for the ambiance: it’s elegant and minimalistic, though as someone not very tall, the seating felt a bit low, and a touch more coziness would have been nice. That said, I understand the concept – the focus is clearly on the food. I wish the team all the best – they’re definitely on the right track and well deserving of a Michelin star in the near future.

One of my unforgettable dining experiences this year was in Bilbao. Islares is situated across from the iconic Guggenheim Museum, this intimate restaurant mirrors the artistry of its surroundings with a celebration of Basque flavors and textures. Every dish displays a masterful creation, blending thoughtful presentation with impeccable service that makes every guest feel special. I felt each plate tells a story, capturing the essence of the region’s culinary heritage. If Bilbao is on your itinerary, make Islares a priority—I hope you’ll leave with memories as rich and satisfying as the food itself.

Incredible experience - staff were friendly and attentive, food was incredible taking us through a culinary journey of the Northern regions of Spain. Noma-inspired and would consider coming back to Bilbao just to eat there again.

what an amazing and magical place! thank you so much for such a nice experience and the dog friendliness! ❤️🐶