Bermeo

Description:

• One of the best hotel restaurants in all of Spain and one of the finest representatives of Basque cuisine anywhere in the world, Bermeo caters to the Basque world's most influential politicians, writers, and social luminaries. Within the modern walls of one of Bilbao's tallest hotels, the restaurant is decorated with glowing wood panels, crisp linens, and copies of 19th-century antiques. Service from the formal uniformed staff is impeccable. Menu items change with the seasons but might include a salad of lettuce hearts in saffron dressing with smoked salmon, homemade foie gras with essence of bay leaves, fresh thistles sautéed with ham, five preparations of cod, stewed partridge with glazed shallots, or duckling filets with green peppercorns. For dessert, try the truffled figs or a slice of bilberry pie with cream.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2010