LisaMarieSykes (lisamariesykes)

We were laughing more at this place than with it because it was so old fashioned... But the food was really good. We were staying at the hotel within the monast... read more We were laughing more at this place than with it because it was so old fashioned... But the food was really good. We were staying at the hotel within the monastery and we had booked a table for 8pm (I think you have to book more so that they know to open the doors than to make sure you get a table, especially at this time of year). We'd been out all day walking and had skipped lunch so we were ravenous. And we were cold. The restaurant was freezing too. (The hotel was toasty-warm FYI) At 8pm we were the only table. By 9pm there were three more tables. We saw all the same people the next morning at breakfast so I guess they had no outside customers. They offer a very reasonably priced set menu and there are about five choices for starter, main and dessert. Wine and water was included in the price and the sweet but kind-of-lost old guy who was the waiter asked us if we would like a glass or the bottle of wine. We asked for the bottle (and finished it) and there was still no extra charge. The service in general was really good, except with the wine; it took at least ten minutes to get it and we were already eating the starter. I think that they had got a bit flustered because a European couple came in to dine and the waiter couldn't communicate with them and he had to go and get the receptionist of the hotel (who wasn't much better) to come and translate the menu. I'd love to see this place full! The food was rustic, piping hot and plentiful. It totally hit the spot. It was like going to Granny's house for dinner. I had the typical Catalan stew as a starter and it was excellent: full of butifarra, chorizo and veg. The other starters and the main courses were equally good and equally hearty and tasty. I wouldn't hesitate to go back here.

We stopped here twice; once for a glass of wine and once for breakfast. On both occasions the place was buzzing with a great atmosphere and the girls behind the... read more We stopped here twice; once for a glass of wine and once for breakfast. On both occasions the place was buzzing with a great atmosphere and the girls behind the bar were efficient and friendly. The prices were reasonable and there was a good selection of wines available

This is a small, typical bar in the city centre of Bilbao. It is not much different to all the other small typical bars in the city centre. Until you get to kno... read more This is a small, typical bar in the city centre of Bilbao. It is not much different to all the other small typical bars in the city centre. Until you get to know a bit about the owners. This bar has been passed down from generation to generation and they offer tapas and pintxos, but they specialise in bacalao (salt cod). The bacalao is marinated in olive oil and garlic and then served. That's it: no cooking, no nothing. And it is delicious. There are other pintxos on the bar to choose from but the bacalao was worth going back for. They offer many wines by the glass too but the txacoli was very good. The prices are very reasonable: two glasses of wine and two mini baguettes for 4€ in total.

We had several glasses of sherry and four or five tapas here and it cost us only about 25€ for two people. The place itself lacks ambience and I was even a litt... read more We had several glasses of sherry and four or five tapas here and it cost us only about 25€ for two people. The place itself lacks ambience and I was even a little put off going in. But we had read that the tapas were good and they were. I would highly recommend eating here. The tortillitas de camarones were the best of anywhere.

As soon as I found out I was going back to Las Caldas I couldn't wait to visit El Recreo de Las Caldas again. I knew that I was building it up too much in my mi... read more As soon as I found out I was going back to Las Caldas I couldn't wait to visit El Recreo de Las Caldas again. I knew that I was building it up too much in my mind and that I was setting myself up for disappointment. However, I was in for a pleasant surprise... The clumsy father-son duo that had charmed me so much the last time with their erratic service and love for their local products were still at the helm and, it seemed, had steered the restaurant to a place where they were making money and still serving excellent local beef. We had a marvellous meal of perfectly cooked entrecôte and they shook our hands like we were old friends. When we went back a few nights later, we sampled their take on the regional cachopo and it, too, was excellent. I have nothing but praise for these people. They deserve to do well and I was thrilled to see a full dining room with no slip in standards. I hope to be back in Las Caldas again soon. Without a doubt, El Recreo will be my first port of call.

As well as being a bright and cosy place with a great location, Con Culler serves great food at great value. We went at lunch time for menu del dia which was 11... read more As well as being a bright and cosy place with a great location, Con Culler serves great food at great value. We went at lunch time for menu del dia which was 11.50€ for a three course meal with a glass of wine. The starter was homemade croquettes of chorizo and of ham. Both were excellent but the ham ones slightly better. One dish was four croquettes but they were very large! My partner and I shared the main courses because neither could make up our mind about which we preferred. The lentils were perfection. The other dish was rice with different kinds of wild mushrooms and was perfect for Autumn. Emphasis here is on good quality honest food and they nailed it! I would definitely return.

Far from the best sushi in the world and full of things that I hate in sushi, such as cream cheese, but a good business idea and fills a niche. It 's the first... read more Far from the best sushi in the world and full of things that I hate in sushi, such as cream cheese, but a good business idea and fills a niche. It 's the first time I 've ever been to a sushi shop where I can choose from rolls already made and create my own selection. Good quality products, good prices. First time I 've bought takeaway sushi and have had to wait less than five minutes for preparation.

Nice place to drop in for a pintxo and a glass of txacoli. Nice selection of pintxos on the bar and friendly staff. There's a lot more seating space in the bar... read more Nice place to drop in for a pintxo and a glass of txacoli. Nice selection of pintxos on the bar and friendly staff. There's a lot more seating space in the bar than the crowds spilling into the street would lead you to believe.

We went here when we were waiting for the tourist info office to open. This is Andalucia so the tourist info office didn 't open until 6pm!!! We were greeted by... read more We went here when we were waiting for the tourist info office to open. This is Andalucia so the tourist info office didn 't open until 6pm!!! We were greeted by a pleasant woman who poured our sherries and suggested a few local tapas to try. We weren 't out for meal but were more than happy to taste a little of the local Embutidos and cheese. As it happened, we were so impressed by the ambience of the place, the service and the value for money that we dropped in again the next day for a little of the same.