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Bilbao

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Café Iruña, located at Colón de Larreátegui K., 13 in the heart of Abando, Bilbao, is a charming restaurant and bar that captures the essence of traditional Spanish dining. Known for its authentic tapas and vibrant atmosphere, this establishment is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the rich culinary heritage of the Basque Country. With its beautiful tile walls and classic decor, Café Iruña offers a cozy setting where guests can enjoy a variety of delicious dishes, including pintxos, grilled meats, and regional specialties.

Café Iruña is celebrated for its extensive menu that features a delightful array of Spanish cuisine. Highlights include:

Authentic tapas and pintxos, perfect for sharing.

Grilled meats and regional dishes that showcase local flavors.

A selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal.

Café Iruña is conveniently situated in the bustling Abando district of Bilbao, making it an ideal stop for both locals and tourists. Nearby attractions include:

The iconic Guggenheim Museum, known for its modern and contemporary art.

The historic Casco Viejo, filled with charming streets and shops.

The picturesque Nervión River, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Regional food & grilled meats served in a long-standing locale that has decorative tiles & murals.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYX182ekFREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCXzrG9BPTg0RuIls92C7DmM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURYX182ekFREAE

Café Iruña is a cozy spot with a real old-school Spanish vibe. The beautiful tile walls and classic decor make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The tapas are delicious and fresh—I especially loved the mix of flavors they offer. It’s the perfect place to relax with a glass of wine, enjoy some authentic Spanish bites, and just soak up the unique atmosphere. If you’re looking for a genuine taste of Spain in a charming setting, Café Iruña is a must-visit!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNudDY2dElBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCXzrG9BPTg0RuIls92C7DmM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNudDY2dElBEAE

Amazing spot, probably the most authentic we saw in Bilbao. We found it by chance, though lived literally across the street. If you want to feel the atmosphere of a true basque tavern, do not hesitate to drop in. Pintxos are super top! I definitely recommend.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3eF91UUhREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCXzrG9BPTg0RuIls92C7DmM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3eF91UUhREAE

Lovely place to have some tapas with a nice bottle of wine or a jug of sangria. The jamon is glistening, fresh and delicious. You go to the bar to choose from a variety of little plates to bring back to your table. Vm

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMb0ltWHVBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCXzrG9BPTg0RuIls92C7DmM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURMb0ltWHVBRRAB

I choose daily menu ( EUR 19,90) in restaurant part and drink was included. Super tasty and fresh. Also been there 2. day and tried pintxos. Super tasty ! Warning: The staff in the bar said that there is no sangria, however in the cafe side they serve it. Warn the staff not to misinform the customers !

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIOXRPZ0R3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJCXzrG9BPTg0RuIls92C7DmM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURIOXRPZ0R3EAE

**1 Star**

Unfortunately, my experience here was incredibly disappointing, and I ended up leaving before the main course. From the moment I sat down, the service was off. My table wasn’t properly set—just two forks and a napkin—while other tables around me had full settings. When I asked for the same, the waiter seemed annoyed. There was also some confusion about whether they had a set menu, and asking about it only seemed to irritate the waiter more.

To make matters worse, I was told I needed to “choose quickly” because they would be closing soon, despite it only being 22:45 and their listed closing time being midnight. If there wasn’t time to give me a good experience, I would have preferred not to be seated at all.

The second waiter was nicer, but couldn’t make up for the poor service. When my first course (lamb sweetbreads with garlic, parsley, and truffle parmentier) arrived, it was clear it wasn’t fresh—the dish came out far too quickly. The sweetbreads tasted more like fast food than anything thoughtfully prepared, and the truffle was completely missing from the parmentier. The whole dish was covered in a salty brown sauce that was hard to identify and impossible to enjoy. Having spent time in the Basque Country, this felt like an insult to the rich culinary tradition.

After trying a third of the dish, I canceled my main course. The first waiter seemed surprised that I didn’t want to finish, but the final straw was when he ignored my request for the bill. At one point, he stormed by, slapped my table, and mumbled something I couldn’t understand. After waiting for a few more minutes, I flagged him down again and asked for the bill. That’s when he laughed and told me that the slap on the table was meant to indicate “everything is okay.” I told him I didn’t understand that, and he brushed it off as if it was nothing.

This experience was deeply frustrating, and I left feeling unwelcome, especially as a solo diner. Hopefully, the restaurant can improve its service, because the way it operates right now is far from what it promises to be.

Authentic Tapas and Wine at Café Iruña in Bilbao

Café Iruña is a charming restaurant and bar in the heart of Bilbao, offering regional food and grilled meats in a locale adorned with decorative tiles and murals. It is a cultural landmark where locals and travelers share moments over delicious Basque cuisine.

Café Iruña

Dine In

Takeout

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Parking Options

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Coffee

Serves Breakfast

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Good for Groups

Café Iruña is a charming café in the heart of Bilbao, known for its regional food and grilled meats served in a beautifully decorated locale with tiles and murals. It offers a delightful culinary journey with a vibrant atmosphere, making it a cultural landmark in the city.

Savor authentic Basque cuisine at Café Iruña in Bilbao. Enjoy a vibrant atmosphere, exquisite dishes, and unbeatable flavor. Visit today!

Authentic Tapas and Wine at Café Iruña in Bilbao

Dining & Culinary Delights

Location & Nearby Attractions