BASQUE COUNTRY - BILBAO - RESTAURANTE VICTOR MONTES

RESTAURANTE VICTOR MONTES

March 2023

After a long day and many places closed on Sunday, we decided to stay close to the hotel and have dinner in the Plaza Nueva at Restaurante Víctor Montes.

This famous local landmark is nicely rowdy downstairs at peak times with locals and a few tourists propping up the bar, chatting loudly, and snacking on pintxos like the txangurro (spider crab in puff pastry) whilst downing a glass of wine or a caña.

The vaulted wine cellar holds Rioja vintages dating back over a century ago, all of which can be found in the extremely large wine list.

There are also atmospheric dining rooms on two floors, which showcase the older vintages.

We settled in with a glass of cava,

We then began our meal with,

Tartar de atún con pistacho, coco y lima (tuna tartare with pistachio, coconut and lime).

Alcachofas braseadas (braised artichokes).

Followed by

Hombro de Cordero (shoulder of lamb).

Solomillo poco hecho (rare sirloin).

We had an excellent bottle of Mauro Terreus Paraje de Cueva Baja 2020 (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon) from Bodegas M auro which cost €125 but retails at around £110.

This represents some of the great value wines you find in these traditional old Spanish restaurants.