BASQUE COUNTRY - BILBAO - RESTAURANTE VICTOR MONTES

Jan 23
2 min read

RESTAURANTE VICTOR MONTES

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

This famous local landmark is nicely rowdy downstairs at peak times. Locals and a few tourists prop up the bar, chat loudly, and snack on pintxos like the txangurro (spider crab in puff pastry) while downing a glass of wine or a caña.

The vaulted wine cellar holds Rioja vintages dating back over a century, all of which are on the extensive wine list.

There are also atmospheric dining rooms on two floors that showcase older vintages.

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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 Mauro Terreus Paraje de Cueva Baja 2020 (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Leon) from Bodegas Mauro . It costs €125 but retails for around £110.

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