Islares Restaurant Menu Overview Bilbao Spain Basque Culinary Delights Across From Guggenheim Museum Authentic Seasonal Tasting Experience Northern Spain Cuisine Highlights Standout Dishes and Drinks at Islares Anticipate A Memorable Gastronomic Journey Northern Spain's Finest Flavors.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bilbao, just opposite the iconic Guggenheim Museum, Islares Restaurant invites you to embark on a gastronomic journey celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the Basque Country and northern Spain. This intimate dining spot is famed for its thoughtful presentation and masterfully crafted dishes that weave together traditional recipes with the freshest seasonal ingredients.
starters and appetizers
Islares offers an exquisite introduction to its culinary philosophy with dishes that highlight wild mushrooms, fresh spring herbs, and regional delicacies. Guests can anticipate flavorsome empanada de cocido galego and carefully prepared porrusalda asada, a traditional Basque vegetable stew, all crafted with meticulous care and minimal intervention to preserve the natural essence of each ingredient.
main courses
The heart of Islares’ menu includes two expertly designed seasonal tasting menus: the nine-course Menú A-8 and the thirteen-course Menú N-634. Both menus feature inspired combinations of wild champiñón silvestre (wild mushrooms), tender espárrago blanco de Álava (white asparagus), and fresh algae from Noja, skillfully combined with pulientas cántabras and exquisite sauces like salsa verde. Every dish is a testament to regional produce, such as the savory crema de caricos and delicate picada de pato, harmonizing tradition with innovation.
desserts
Dessert at Islares is a celebration of Basque sweetness and regional specialties. The menu features the legendary goxua, renowned for outshining many traditional desserts with its layered textures and rich flavors. Additionally, guests can indulge in flan de calabaza de Tiós and the comforting intxaursaltsa, a traditional Basque walnut pudding, rounding out the culinary experience with sweet notes of local heritage.
drinks and specials
Islares complements its refined menus with a curated selection of natural wines, celebrating the best vineyards of the northern regions. The beverage offerings include fine coffees such as Café de Nokora and inventive cocktails, all served with attentive and friendly hospitality. The restaurant’s atmosphere, enhanced by the approachable service team, makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Basque dining experience.
- Starters: Wild champiñón silvestre, spring herbs, empanada de cocido galego, porrusalda asada, algae from Noja, and fresh local vegetables.
- Main courses: Seasonal tasting menus featuring ingredients like white asparagus from Álava, Cantabrian pulientas, picada de pato, crema de caricos, and traditional Basque sauces.
- Desserts: Goxua, flan de calabaza de Tiós, and traditional intxaursaltsa walnut pudding.
- Drinks: Carefully selected natural wines from northern Spain, fine coffees, and creative cocktails.
