Azurmendi was on my to go list for a long time. I've made 2 previous reservations but because of special circumstances, we had to cancel. This is my 3 attempt to dine here and it lived up to and far exceeded my expectations. As soon as we walked into the restaurant, we were transported to a lunch of greeneries which was calm and soothing. We were immediately served with a welcome drink and were presented with a picnic basket shortly after which included 3 small bites plus a drink. We then walked through 2 additional rooms including their kitchen and their "garden" room in which we were told to pick things off from the room to eat - I kind of felt like Hansel and Gretel for a moment. Before we got to our dining table, I was already half full before the start of our tasting menu. There were 12 courses to the tasting menu and for each course, Chef Eneko brilliantly highlights and heightens the taste of the main ingredient in various ways. We can really appreciate the freshness of each ingredient and complexity in putting the dish together. Each plating was also beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to the eye and just as scrumptious as it looks - I almost didn't want to eat it because it looks like a piece of art. Every dish was multidimensional with layers of flavors bursting inside my mouth with every bite. There was also a good balance of texture. It would take forever for me to go through very single dish but there wasn't one single dish that I didn't like and each dish also had an element of surprise. One thing I want to note is when I first made the reservation 3 years ago, they had offered children's menu. Since then , they had changed their policy and said they welcome children age 10 and up. I emailed the restaurant explaining I have a 10 and 8 year old but they are very accustomed to fine dining and I promised they would not cause any disturbances. They were very accommodating and agreed to welcome my family. They also made sure they get the same food experience so at times when adults were offered an alcoholic beverage, they would make the same thing but without the alcohol so my kids wouldn't feel left out. Another thing to point out is when we attempted to order a tasting menu for my kids as well, we were told it would be too much for them and they recommend to just order a la carte dish for them. I really appreciate their honesty because it turned out that was the perfect amount of food for my kids. Many other restaurants would not accommodate like this and would require us to order a tasting menu for our kids even though it's clearly too much food for them. Their service was impeccable. Extremely friendly, and their attention to detail is on another level. The restaurant is spacious, calm, and comfortable. All the tables were spaced apart far enough that we didn't even noticed anyone else was there until we turn around. Chef Eneko were also in the kitchen during the whole duration of the service to oversee everything which we appreciate because you no longer see that in a lot of the other restaurants. Overall, Azurmendi is worth the trip to Bilbao just to dine here. Price point is very reasonable. This is not just a restaurant you come to eat, it's an immersive culinary experience that's unforgettable and we will be talking about it for a long time. We will definitely be back! read more

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This was our first 3 Michelin star dinner and we were blown away. The entire meal is an experience and took almost 4 hours from start to finish. They don't rush you and want you to really enjoy the food and craftsmanship they put into making really unique items. It was located about 20mins outside of Bilbao and the location was beautiful. You get to see the kitchen and chef during the initial tour and all the food was so creative and delicious. They are very accommodating and willing to adjust menu items for certain dietary restrictions and we felt so taken care of. Each dish was described by a server and we had at least 4 people checking on us throughout the meal. The dinning room is spacious but not packed with only a few people so it was very serene. There were probably 2-3 menu items that we wouldn't traditionally eat and pushed our culinary boundaries a little but we figured that was part of the experience. We tried everything and walked away stuffed! You definitely get your moneys worth with an insane amount of food but it is still one of our most expensive dinners we've ever had. Overall, a great experience with extremely thoughtful staff and would recommend! read more

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Had a wonderful experience at Azurmendi. The space is beautiful, it really is worth the drive for this alone. The experience begins in the lounge area with a living wall, you're served an aperitif and the opening canapes as well. From there, you progress to the kitchen for more canapes. Then to another room for guess what? More canapes. And finally to the main dining room, lined with floor to ceiling glass windows, to finish the canapes and move onto the meal. The canapes are all very good - flavors super concentrated, presentations beautiful and creative, a wonderful start to the menu. The remainder of our meal had both highs and lows, some wonderful dishes and others I felt weren't quite there given the reputation of the restaurant, especially some of the main protein entrees. Still, this is a wonderful experience and if you're into fine dining, and must visit, so I can't deduct any stars for something that may be more of a preference thing. Service is exceptional, the team doesn't miss a beat and is very coordinated. We didn't dive too deep into the wines, but the somm was fantastic. The list of wines by the glass was my main gripe, from what I saw they were almost as expensive as some of the bottles. I'm sure you can request glasses from the pairing but we didn't ask - had a long drive after this and didn't want to drink too heavily at lunch. Bread service was ok here - didn't love any of the breads and we ran out of olive oil a couple times. Desserts were also ok - they were good but not memorable. The grounds are awesome - they have animals living on the hills leading up to the restaurant. read more

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All style, very little substance. Azurmendi, the restaurant I was looking forward to the most during my visit to Basque Country, ended up being the biggest disappointment. The experience begins in three rooms before you step foot into the dining room: a "picnic" in their garden of haikus, a visit to their kitchen, and a "scavenger hunt" in their greenhouse for additional snacks. I welcome the fun, whimsical elements into fine dining, but when the food is not up to par, the experience fails to delight and ends up feeling tacky and forced. The starters should open up the palate, but I found the majority (eggplant, soup) to be aggressively salty and dense. This set the tone for the rest of the meal: nearly every course could have been more palatable if they toned down the predominant saltiness or acidity and allowed the flavor of the ingredients to come through. For example, the soup from the picnic, chickpea soup accompanying the cod, and the sauces/reductions accompanying the tuna and Iberico pork were made from distinctive ingredients but ended up tasting the same way because of the saltiness and viscosity. Items that should have been palate cleansers were an attack on my senses. I could not stop reaching for water. I'm shocked at the number of good reviews but upon reading them, I realize that Azurmendi is for those who value the flashiness of the experience over the actual food itself. The restaurant also prides itself on sustainability but I felt very little connection since it was barely mentioned throughout the meal. It has been a long time since I invested so poorly in gastronomy. read more

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Top 3 meals of my life and likely top 1! I have been to several 3 Michelin restaurants and Azurmendi is a whole different level. Everything was delectable. It was clear that there was so much thought that went into every little detail... not just the food but the plates, the different stops on the "tour", the beautiful building/architecture, and the service. Everything had a touch of delight and class. Every dish was a treat for the eyes, nose and tongue. We were there for a good 3 hours and I could have spent another 3 hours! Service was attentive yet casual and comfortable. Magical magical experience! I will remember this meal and experience forever. read more

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This is my type of Michelin 3-star restaurant. Everything, from the setting to the food to the service, felt balanced. And ethereal. I was transported to a different space with the lush greens surrounding the interior and exterior of the restaurant. I was indoors, yet it felt like I was having a meal outdoors the whole time. The grandeur of the dining space felt classy yet unfussy, even though we were seated at a giant table with white tablecloths. The food also tread a delicate balance between technique, flavor and presentation. I find that often, Michelin-starred restaurants focus a lot on displaying their technical prowess at transforming ingredients and plating the food in an artful way, at the compromise of the flavor and heartiness of the dish. But nothing at Azurmendi felt forced or overly complicated, the majority-seafood ingredients were allowed to shine and presented gorgeously with edible flowers. (I'm a sucker for those flowers.) The technical transformations were mostly in the earlier part of the meal. I was most impressed by the truffle jus infusion into an egg yolk (that the poor guy had to do in front of us), the basil twig, and the asparagus "maki". My favorite dishes were the lemongrass jelly with foie gras served in a lime bowl, the sashimi taco, the shrimp OMG THE SHRIMP (the blue paste is natural coloring from their brain or something?), the milk bread that came with the shrimp, and the poached lobster. 110% would come back. 1. Welcome Picnic ("Lemon Grass", Smoked fish brioche, Joselito "polvorón", Marianito) 2. The Truffle's Table (Truffled egg, Truffled meringue, Apple and truffle) 3. The Garden (Cauliflower, Basil, Rose and Nectar, Leaf) 4. Rose and Nectar 5. From the sea: Crab; Sea "talo"; Roe 6. OYSTER and sea granita and seaweed 7. SHRIMP and herbal essence 8. Milk Bread 9. Teardrop PEAS, Iberian gel and fermented pods juice 10. FOREST essence 11. Roasted and peeled LOBSTER, grilled pepper juice 12. COD and chickpea 13. Iberian PORK, duxelle and truffle 14. "Lost" BREAD and mead 15. COFFEE and caramel TOFFEE 16. Petits fours read more

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Get ready to be blown away by the food, the service and the experience!!! You are about to travel through the Basque culinary world on a fantastic voyage. Buckle up and keep your hands inside the vehicle. Your eyes and your mouth and your nose will come alive as you make your way through an amazing meal. From food you know well like lobster and bread, to unique local seafood only found in Spain, to things that can only be imagined from a great chef's mind. Please enjoy. read more

Everything at Azurmendi was presented beautifully however the taste did not match the beauty. We had the pleasure of also meeting Eneko. For those who don't know(spoiler), the meal is broken down into the intro picnic basket, followed by bites in the kitchen and in the flower garden then at the table. The picnic basket was a pleasant surprise and everything was fine. The foiegra was a bit bitter. The signature truffle egg was pretty terrible. The uni 3 ways was extremely bitter and was clearly out of season. The Final pork dish was beautifully plated but absolutely inedible. Not a fan of. Finally the recycled bread ice cream cone was terrible. Sad to make ice cream bad. That being said some bites were good (lobster taco, lobster main, caviar bite) but for a restaurant of this caliber, they had way too many misses. All in all in Basque country there are so many better options. We went to Asador Extebarri which was AMAZING. For other 3 stars I wish I had gone to Arzak or mugaritz. read more

5.9.17: Yes it has almost been a year since I have visited and it was almost as if it was yesterday. Azurmendi was amazing. From the parking lot you can see the view and the green house. We walked down to the front entrance and immediately we were greeted. The front was like an indoor garden. We walked around and checked it out as someone else greeted us with a glass of wine. Oh that's nice. Not too long after we were given a small picnic basket with goodies inside. It's fun. A little picnic in the garden it felt like. Picnic Basket Tasting: Eel Sandwich, cheese cake and frozen tomato lollipop. The eel sandwich I thought it was white fish or something, the cheese cake was light and and the frozen tomato lollipop was interesting. Taste like just tomato ice. Cute, each thing was about half a inch big. Perfect size for Thumbelina. Once we were done giggling at the size and enjoy the small bites we sat and waited until someone guide us to the kitchen. The kitchen is freaking huge. There were people everywhere hustling and bustling. They broke down into details what each station were but of course we forgot. Right in front of us was something that looked like a scallop on a sea shell. But as the chef began to explain it was actually turnip. Next to the turnip was a green drink. Kitchen Tasting: Turnip, I liked it as I do like turnip but it wasn't anything mind blowing but good. The drink was interesting. Next was to a small greenhouse: Really fun to hear that what they do with certain herbs and spices and how they created each dish and etc. We tasted four things there and the visually cool standout was the leaf made out of mushroom/herbs and this cone thing made up of spices. This was super unique and fun. The dining room area is very spacious, which I liked very much. The spacing of each table was perfect as experience such as this it's nice to not hear other people's conversation. We were seated next to the window, so it was nice to gaze out while we ate. Everyone was so courteous and the service was impeccable even though we were dressed a bit casual. 13 total dishes, small but oh so filling. Each dish was definitely curated with so much thought. There were a good amount of dishes in which they used the emulsion technique. It is really nice that they don't rush you, they only bring out the next dish because you're already done with the dish in front of you. So if you're feeling full definitely take your time to savor each single tiny bite. Drink your wine and chit chat a bit. Every dish was good. My standout is the garlic mushroom dish. Because I'm a mushroom lover I was super excited how they presented this dish. It was strands of mushrooms (noodle-ish style) beautifully put together in a shape that reminded me of a cocoon. 3 small dollops of sauce on top, with edible flowers, and two puffy crispy things on the side. Yummy! From the time we checked in until we finished our last bite, everything was about 3 hours. I think we could have gone longer. After our filling lunch it was nice to walk the grounds and check out the green house. The greenhouse was hot but so full of interesting seeds, beans, plants and etc. It was definitely a meal to remember. One of the best meals I have ever had. Worth it! read more

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Cyndy's Bottom Line: Three stars for a reason. Azurmendi delivers exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey. Azurmendi is a three star Michelin restaurant. Azurmendi was awarded the most sustainable restaurant award by The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2014 & 2018. A 15 minute taxi cab ride from Bilbao city, approximately 30 euros to Larrabetzu (Basque Country). There is Centro De Sostenibilidaf a sustainable garden center located right above the restaurant. They are growing herbs, citrus, figs, tomatoes, zucchini blossoms, strawberries and more. There is also a collection of corn and tomato seeds displayed in the greenhouse along with miniature roses and alyssum. There is a lanai towards the back that provides a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains. In front of the restaurant is an oak tree dedicated to the Basque freedoms and cultural heritage. Azurmendi is an extraordinary dining experience unlike any other. Chef Atxa and the entire restaurant staff has a passion and focus on food to provide and deliver exceptional service. Great energy and atmosphere. The food adventure starts in the garden with a picnic basket of amazing amuse bouche and drinks. Next enter the kitchen area and taste an amazing egg with truffles. Then enter the green house for a magical tasting and visual display. Enter the beautiful minimalist dining room with floor to ceiling windows which bring in the sunshine and the beautiful sight of tall fig trees. There are two tasting menus to select from. We went with the Adarrak. Every dish was executed perfectly. Thank you very much for the experience! read more

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Our meal at Azurmendi was more than just a meal, it was an amazing gastronomic experience. This three-Michelin star restaurant offers an exhilarating adventure for the senses. This was the first of three 3-Michelin star restaurants that we would visit while on our trip in northern Spain and it definitely left a mark on our souls and memories. The restaurant, located atop a hill in a city just outside Bilbao, is a stand-alone glass wall building with a garden on the upper level of the building where they grow most of their ingredients and it's surrounded by vegetation and grapevines. We recommend going for lunch as you get to enjoy the sunlight and amazing views from the restaurant. The experience starts at the indoor garden right as you enter the restaurant, where you're offered a glass of sparkling wine and a picnic basket with four amouse bouche items to taste. It's difficult to remember what all of the items on the menu were, but from this basket my favorite was the tiny brioche sandwiches with smoked fish. My husband really like the hibiscus drink, also part of the picnic basket. After the picnic we were taken into the kitchen where we were greeted by the staff and where we were served a perfectly cooked egg yolk prepared right in front of us, cooked by stuffing it with a truffle oil mixture and eaten in one bite. The experience then took us to one last stop before being seated at our table, their greenhouse, where we tasted several one bite sized items, most of which I cannot remember in detail, but all were delicious. For our main meal we chose the Adarrak menu which is supposed to be more of a seasonal ingredients menu and it consisted of 9 dishes which included txangurro (crab), oyster, gamba (shrimp), lobster, red mullet, pigeon and pork. All of the dishes were beautifully crafted and presented, some were more flavorful than others. My favorites by far were the lobster, served with a coffee foam (it was like butter) and the red mullet served three ways. We chose to do the drink pairing which we absolutely recommend, as this enhances the flavors of the dishes and you'll be tasting some old wines and some pretty interesting sake that you won't get anywhere else. The desserts on this menu were light and refreshing, but not my favorite part of the meal. The chocolate with olive dessert was for sure the better one from the three that were served. After the dessert, they bring a box to the table with all of their petit fours for you to choose from. It's definitely an indulgence, but why not try several items to close this unforgettable meal with a bang! The service was on point, super attentive without being too tense, stiff or too serious. We never felt rushed through our meal, which lasted approximately 4 hours! It's definitely a food lover's experience worth having. read more

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Beautiful restaurant!! What a cool and unique experience. Unlike many other Worlds 50 Best and Michelin restaurants, Azurmendi doesn't just take you straight to your table, they serve you your first bites in different rooms and areas of the restaurant, including the kitchen. Each "station" is interesting and creative, and made the whole experience much more fun and memorable. The entire space is like a giant greenhouse, meant to remind you of their sustainability and eco-friendly approach. The design is modern and simple yet filled with lush greenery. It's quite lovely to have lunch here during the day! Service was perfect all throughout. The food was great -- pair it with the non-alcoholic drinks, ie concoctions, which in my opinion is always more creative than a normal wine pairing. Out of all the top restaurants in the Basque region that we are at - Arzak, Mugaritz, Asador Etxebarri, Elkano, Nerue - this was my absolute favorite (with Asador Etxebarri coming in 2nd. read more

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An unforgettable experience. From walking in to walking out it was incredible. You walk into a beautiful setting with a lot of green vegetation and as soon as you say the reservation name the experience starts with an aperitif. It's a very interactive experience as you tour the main lobby, the kitchen, a special room, and finally sitting in the dining room with beautifully powerful and unique bites. Each bite is incredibly filled with flavor. There's many Michelin rated restaurants in the basque country so it's hard to say if this is the best but it was engaging, pleasant, and delicious. read more

Azurmendi - Basque Near Me - Larrabetzu, BI

Best meal experience of my life. Show up. Let them do the rest. You won't be disappointed. The service? Impeccable.

Azurmendi is an artform. It is an experience and not simply a meal. You travel throughout the resturant to enjoy your meal and it will be like nothing you have ever experienced. Not in the bragging sense, but as a comparison, we have dined at Alinea, Pujol, Quintonil, and many other Michelin starred resturaunts and have never experienced a meal quite like what we have experienced at Azurmendi. Azurmendi is ranked the 14th best resturant in the world and in some ways I see why some think this is an underrating. The meal is completly an adventure and the sommelier taught me more than I have ever learned from another individual. Not every dish was my favorite flavor but every dish was different than anything I have ever experienced. The meal is very expensive. It is not to say they have not earned this price tag, but this is a meal you save up for. We dined for lunch and it was still one of our most expensive meals ever. Arrive early so you can take in the entire resturant setting. Plan for a taxi if you plan to do the wine tasting with the meal. I really did not find it necessary and enjoyed discovering new wines with the sommelier instead. read more

It took me 2 days to write this review... I wanted to make sure I've had some perspective (and eaten at another 2 Michelin star restaurants) before hand. Bottom line: one of the best experiences we've had in a restaurant... ever! The view is breathtaking, the service is attentive & proactive and the food is inventive and full of flavor. The dishes are based on traditional basque ingredients and elevated to a new level. It pushed my limits and I'm so glad the chef did, because now my standards have changed because of Restaurante Azurmendi. If you're visiting Bilbao, you owe yourself to treat you with one of the best restaurants in the world. I will definitely come back again, bringing the rest of the family with me! read more

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I read about this restaurant a few years ago and at that time, I thought I will never make it as the location seems too far and foreign to me. Fast forward to 2017, and here I was! After all, if you put your heart and mind in and work at it, you can achieve. A very well deserved 3* restaurant. Perfection in all regards to service, presentation, quality, taste, and experience. From the moment you step foot into the restaurant, you enter into an epicure journey. The experience was set in four stages: Garden, Kitchen, Green house, and Dining room. Garden: Welcoming wine and picnic (3 tastings) Kitchen: 2 tasting and a glimpse of where they prepared all the wonderful dishes Green House: 4 tastings and a look at the herbs and spices they grow or use for their dishes Dining Room: Two tasting menus (Erroak - classics) and (Adarrak - seasonal) both 14 courses. Each tasting menu at 180 euro + VAT Restaurant is located not very far from Bilbao city center (Guggenheim Museum). About 20 mins. taxi ride ($40 euro one way). It's difficult to detail all the different flavors and textures you get from each dish. Besides we all have subjective taste and senses that in fact, while I love Azurmendi, my friend prefers Asador Etxebarri. The latter is a more traditional basque grill cuisine versus Azurmendi takes on a more inventive and modernistic approach. Both chefs executed the dishes perfectly and you can't really go wrong with either. read more

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Having been to many fantastic restaurants in my travels all over the world, Azurmendi is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. We went to many wonderful delicious places in Barcelona and Mugaritz near San Sebastian, and Azurmendi really stood out to me as being the best restaurant we went to on our trip. From the service, the dishes, the presentation, and everything in between, I can't say enough how much I absolutely loved our experience here. Everything was top notch, and absolutely worth the cost. I hate being prosaic, but it was truly an incredible experience. I love the restaurant itself and the wonderful and innovative creations they've implemented for sustainability is also admirable. If you're traveling around Basque Country, you absolutely must stop here. If you're going to only go to one luxurious restaurant, make sure it's at Azurmendi. read more

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What a beautiful experience! It definitely deserves three Michelin stars. Everything was perfection. The beautiful modern restaurant was set in the beautiful wine country overlooking lush greenery. The greenhouse had really great stories for each dish. The service was impeccable. read more

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We came here for our friends' wedding, and the food and experience overall was spectacular. We had the entire venue to ourselves and the staff was amazing! My real only complaint and why I didn't rate Azurmendi 5 stars is some of the food was soooo salty. There was SOOO much food! The bride and groom were gracious hosts! My top 3 favorites were: 1) Roasted Lobster out of the Shell on Herb Oil and Chives- 5/5 Yummy appetizer! 2) Roasted Lobste, out of shell on herb emulsion - 5/5 This was my favorite entree of the night!!! 3) Hand craved pig leg: 5/5 so fattty and delicious read more

Opened in 2005 by Eneko Atxa, a Basque native looking to not only change the way the world dines but also the way we think about food, Azurmendi sits high in the hills of Larrabetzu outside of Bilbao at once as a high-flying culinary trapeze act and at the same time an ode to innovations in sustainability, the steel-and-glass geothermal box contributing zero carbon footprint to it's lush green surroundings. A modernist dreamscape, the gleaming kitchen open to eyes of onlookers as Atxa and a team of 35 prepare two menus for guests that unfold over approximately twelve courses plus several bites offered during a tour of the grounds, those fortunate enough to secure a seat in the dining room are undoubtedly in for an experience unlike any other, one that encompasses not only superlative service and food but a trip into the process of a man interested in making a real difference. As much a 'campus' as it is a restaurant, select wines and spirits made in a building further down the hill as lush gardens bloom both outdoors and inside a greenhouse experimenting with concepts as unique as growing lemon trees without soil, greetings at the entrance of Azurmendi quickly see guests ushered back outside where Stages, Chefs, and Gardeners explain techniques and improvisations, a splash of rum amidst an aromatic background offering a first taste followed by a chip made of only n ugly unnamed tuber's skin and foie gras miming a peanut. Continuing the tour with several vegetables expressed in textures one might never expect it was on return to the foyer that a picnic basket of treats were offered, the slowly dissipating avocado mousse from a candy cleansed from the palate by sips of house wine before indulging in the elegant anchovy Mille-Feuille. Walked through the pristine kitchen en route to a table overlooking hills where a rainbow would later form as though staged by Atxa himself it was with greeting from one-and-all present that additional canapes were tasted, a total of fifteen bites and beverages offered before the menu itself began to unfold. Divided into the €175 Adarrak and €145 Erroak, with substitutions and supplements allowed, it was with little hesitation that the former was selected with one extra course from the later and starting off with a glass of Eneko "42" at the Sommelier's suggestion the dry white was a perfect accompaniment to a majority of the meal, a garden of melting olive quickly leading to the signature amuse of an egg yolk partially replaced with concentrated black truffle. Pairing housemade breads to courses throughout the meal, follow-ups to the egg included an oyster explored in textures next to an oyster leaf beneath tempura sea fern and moving on to a smooth potage of spider crab the flavors transitioned from brine to something sweet and silky, the flavor when all mixed not all that different from She-Crab soup popular in the Southeast United States. Spurred on by the textures and temperatures of famous "Tomato and Eel" and further impressed by the arc of flavors found in a lobster vessel to follow the meal only grew better with an Artichokes cream that rendered any guacamole in my memory inconsequential, the creamy croquettas flashing forward to similarly textured cubes of oxtail resting amidst pan jus fortified grains and smear of cheese. Supplementing a sphere of black pudding resting in creamy beans with a rim of crispy flour stems and leaves it was with a large fillet of mullet followed by a gateaux of rabbit saddle that savories would conclude, and transitioning swiftly to dessert with "Coconut and Passion" the only dissatisfying course of the afternoon was brought forward, though certainly not a fault of the chef but one of personal preference. Getting back into good graces with funky cubes of cheesecake and fragrant dollops of meringue around a centerpiece of raspberry sorbet it was once again the briny flavor off olives that served to mellow vanilla ice cream and tuilles of dark chocolate as the menu reached its climax, the mignardises all well crafted with something to offer as opposed to just being something pretty to look at. Presented with a wax-sealed menu alongside the bill, another kitchen visit insisted upon by the staff so that the Chef could bid me farewell, it is the little touches like this that go above and beyond both concept and creativity to make Azurmendi one of the finest dining experiences in the world. read more

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I still daydream about this meal. To date, I think the best of my life - we were blown away. We tried to count the number of unique bites we tasted - I believe somewhere in the 40s, but it was impossible. Best to just settle in and enjoy the culinary journey. The adventure starts in their garden where you're presented with a welcome glass of sparkling and a picnic basket of delightful small bites. You then progress to the kitchen where you see the amazing flurry of activity and a demonstration of the creation of one of their signature bites - egg yolk with truffle. Next it's off to another greenhouse room where you sample bites accentuating flavors/textures from the Basque region as well as the chef's travels around the world. Finally you arrive to the dining room - gorgeous with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding vineyard and hills. To describe each bite would be impossible, but all 40 something were fabulous. Make sure to not skip the wine pairings - so well done. Staff were professional but approachable, warm, open, and able to joke. We finished with a stroll around the grounds and upper level greenhouse. I'd recommend the lunch seating as it's still bright outside and you're able to fully appreciate the beauty around you. Bravo!!! read more

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KenScale: 9.5/10 No restaurant has given me quite the impression when I first stepped in as Azurmendi, a world-renowned restaurant nearby Bilbao on a hill where chef Eneko Atxa has helmed the kitchen since the opening in 2005. First, there is the steel-and-glass that embodies eco-friendly philosophy of sustainability, and then the entrance that makes you feel like you just walked into a botanical garden. Once I was greeted by the staff with a little cute picnic box with some tasty bites to go along with a glass of wine, followed by a brief peek at the large kitchen with energetic cooking staff, I was already feeling something special. Then I saw one of the most stylish and elegant dining rooms looking down the hillside of beautiful Spanish countryside. All of these first impressions could've led me to give a high score to this restaurant, but its story didn't end there. I had one of the most spectacular meals of my life as well. Each individual dish at Azurmendi's tasting menu (I went with erroak menu at 145 euros per person showcasing the classics of the restaurant instead of the more forward-thinking option, not to repeat the same mistake I had made at Akelarre) is a revelation. Starting with the egg cooked inside out and truffled, it was one of the most wonderful and decadent single bites that I had had. Natural prawn was on top of avocado to create very unique flavor and texture. I honestly don't know how the kitchen pulled it off, but the ultra-thin squid noodles were so tender that you could almost take it as real pasta dish. Roasted lobster out of the shell was also perfectly cooked and worked so well with the aromatic herb oil and chives. Yes, I've had a lot of great lobster dishes, but never with this kind of combination for a whole another dimension in the flavor department. Mushrooms and lamb sweetbreads were also outstanding, and I couldn't stop thinking about the fried hake with roasted red pepper infusion and parsley that sounds somewhat greasy yet the hake was just cooked in such a subtle way that blew me away. The final savory course of pigeon capped a magical meal with beautifully cooked meat that worked harmoniously with duxelle and cauliflower. Desserts were perhaps not as sensational as the savory courses, but they certainly weren't far behind. After refreshing mix of orange, strawberry and ginger came ice cream sandwich of chocolate, hazelnuts and rosemary that was rich in flavor but not overly sweet. Overall, the meal at Azurmendi shows everything you need to know about how fresh ingredients turn into beautiful plates with impeccable flavor and texture using sophisticated techniques and attention to detail. The restaurant has a large selection of wine, and I suggest trying a few Spanish glasses or bottles. One big lesson I learned during my trip in Spain is how underappreciated Spanish wine, especially the red ones, is. I was very impressed with the depth of a glass of red that I ordered to go along with the pigeon. The services are very professional and attentive, and I was given an opportunity to personally meet chef Atxa and take a photo together as well. Getting a lunch reservation didn't seem too hard, but I wouldn't take a chance and would book as early as possible. As described above, the minimalist yet elegant dining room will further enhance your dining experience. Azurmendi deserves to be in the pantheon of world's greatest restaurants and for a great reason. It is a total experience that will make you smile all day with how beautiful every food was and how good they tasted. read more

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Azurmendi is more than a stone's throw from Bilbao, about 25 euro cab ride one way, but the meal juxtaposed against the serene setting was definitely a worthwhile excursion. I'd recommend doing the lunch here so that you can enjoy the rolling hills outside the restaurant and the whole compound afterwards. I'd imagine you can only see the lights from the cars on the nearby highway at night otherwise. Don't worry about taking 5 hours away from your time in Bilbao, the restaurant will probably be the highlight of the stop anyway. Not to rehash the numerous reviews before, I won't belabor details. I felt the preambles to the meal proper were delightful, though the green house portion was more show than substance, and the small bites and seafood dishes of the main meal were the strongest component. A couple of the main protein dishes fell flat, but our disappointment soon gave way to sugar coma induced by the endless array of petit fours. On my visit, the diners looked to be mostly local, as a result most tables chose the adventure menu. We had the classic menu, which was fine as an introduction for first timers, but I wished they could have let us try both menus for the table. Service was faultless, as expected. The food itself bordered on sublime. Throw in the setting and you are talking meal of the year territory. The hype is justified, even if it just went sky high to #14 of World's top 50. read more

This is about as good as it gets when it comes to eco-conscious, 3-star cuisine that delivers an unbelievable meal along with a memorable, fun experience. The restaurant is perched on a pretty hilltop, and the 4-hour lunch begins with a facility tour through their lobby, kitchen, and greenhouse with snacks at each step in the visit. Outside, gardens sprout fresh vegetables and grapevines sway along the hillside. It's pretty idyllic. Service is extremely attentive and has lots to say- the head chef Eneko Atxa makes it pretty clear that his ecologically conscious differentiation is the leading feature of the restaurant. English skills are strong, and every request was met near-instantaneously. The food is creative, wonderful interpretations of Basque cuisine that will give you a newfound respect for the region and the culture. I was totally blown away by how perfectly-balance some of the dishes were; a plate of Basque cheese with Basque pork was to die for. A full course-by-course description is available here: ow.ly/5MwW302cAxu Overall- Azurmendi not terribly pricy by 3-star standards, it is unique to the world with its eco-focus, and it provides a memorable experience you'll hang on to for a lifetime. Couldn't recommend it more. read more

One of the best food experiences in my life. 3 Michelin stars. Everything is amazing. It was a pleasure to meet the chef. If you're in Bilbao you must go. Perfect example of the great culinary you'll find En la comida Vasca. Bravo!!!!!!! read more

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Azurmendi was our extra fancy meal for this trip, and we had a lovely dinner there on Friday night when we went with our friend J. (hurray for international babysitting services!). The grounds are breathtaking and we loved that the evening started with a "picnic" in the foyer; we enjoyed everything in the basket except for the apple cider/chorizo cube, which was a bit too funkadelic for us. From there we moved into the kitchen, then the garden, and finally the dining room. We all opted for the Erroak menu along with the wine pairing. We enjoyed most of the courses, but our two favorites were the 'beans and assorted meats' (tasted exactly like grandma's cholent!) and the 'garlic mushroom' (who knew that eating with tweezers could be so much fun?). In the lobster dish, one of our lobsters wasn't cleaned properly, so that was sort of gross, and the petits fours were mostly disappointing. Some other hits, some minor misses. Big picture, however: delicious. The reason why we're not giving this place five stars is because the restaurant lacked the finesse of other Michelin three-stars that we've been to. Pouring/serving order was spotty, servers didn't know the names of certain ingredients in English when asked (or would comment on how much food was left on a plate or not), our printed-out wine menu had a couple mistakes/omissions, etc. These aren't big deals by any stretch, but perhaps are why Azurmendi isn't in the top echelon of the world's best. While this wasn't our best 'top' meal, we had such a lovely evening out with our friend sans bebe, so we'll no doubt be looking back on it fondly for many years to come. read more

Beautiful experience, lovely service, delicious and innovative food. So glad we made it!

Absolutely unbelievable experience. I had never even imagined a restaurant could offer a dining experience like this. You even get to meet the chef at the end of the meal. Just come here and accept that it's a bit pricey; it's well worth it. This place definitely deserves its three Michelin stars. read more

An amazing experience. A 3 star Michelin restaurant. 4 hour lunch, 15 courses. Beautiful interior with spectacular view of the Basque hills. Impeccable service. Imaginative presentations. Don't even think about price. It is a chance of a lifetime. read more

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Azurmendi was our last meal of our trip, and I have to say: we definitely saved the best for last. Given it was a Sunday, we ended up eating lunch, and it pretty much covered us the rest of the day since it was a 4-hour experience. Normally, meals of that length would bore me to a sleepy state, no matter how good the food, but this is one meal where every single moment we were present for was absolutely worth it. What really stands out is that it's not just about sitting down and eating plate after plate of delicious food, but it's about the entire experience. The main dining room, which overlooks the rolling hills, is where you do spend most of your time. But you start off with a welcome drink and and a picnic basket loaded with delicious and innovative bites where you first step in, which has high ceilings, fountains, and trees - making it feel like you have momentarily stepped into a different biosphere. It doesn't hurt that the bites are delicious either; the Iberico ham pastry and the deceptively creamy asparagus meringue are highlights. After that, you are escorted right into the kitchen, where you get to see an egg yolk have the yolk 'drawn' out of its sac via a syringe - and replaced with a black truffle sauce. It's insanely decadent and a delicious bite that is made all the better by seeing the hustle and bustle of the food preparation around you. The last stop is in a room that, at least in mid-winter, contains apple cider that's been aged for a week; some crisps filled with crushed tomato, served amongst a giant selection of spices; a yogurt that stiffens up as you mix it in with a natural coagulate (a nice palate cleanser); and finally finishing off with a 'shot' of caipirinha, except that it's served inside a chocolate truffle. Perhaps my only regret is that this did feel a tad rushed at the time. Once you (finally) make it to your table, you can choose between two tasting menus: one comprised of classics, and one that is more of a seasonal tasting menu. We went with the latter; I also added the wine pairing, which I usually don't do but I highly recommend doing here. The sommelier is incredibly thoughtful about taking flavors that are off the beaten path and making it work with the food. The volcanic minerality of the first wine (a Greek white from Santorini) was fantastic with our initial bites. Azurmendi doesn't shy away from breaking out the stuff that's been aging either; a 1975-vintage Rioja was absolutely delicious with a pork dish, while a 1960s(!)-era sherry wine was even better when it came to layering in a flavor on the following course. At only 125 euros, it's a steal compared to most pairings. Last but not least is the food: beautifully plated, well-prepared and innovative as well. Foie gras as a dish - sure! But serve it with lemongrass and put it in a lime to scoop out, and you've really spun the flavor profile on something that usually is served on bread with a tart, fruity sweetness. Sweet shrimp served atop a thin film of vegetable gelatin and crushed ice infused with tomato - another really interesting and seasonally in-tune dish that combined so many textures, from the creaminess of the shrimp to the bouncy gelatin to the crunchy, icy coldness of the tomato. This was the first time where I've had uni served inside a croquette...and it was delicious! The lobster was probably one of the most straightforward dishes but was cooked perfectly. The garlic soup had a rich broth but also peeled cloves that popped like a bubble when you chewed it. There were two dishes of red mullet as the main fish - one served as a flame-licked roasted bite, beautifully presented with the skeleton of the fish, and another larger filet being grilled and served with a rich pepper sauce. The meat (pork) was also served 2 ways - one as a sweetbread (by far the best sweetbread I've ever had), and one as perhaps the most layered and complex bite that worked so well - especially with the wine. The stewed piglet tail is drenched in a rich sauce, but it's paired with an anchovy that really knifes through the pork with its saltiness. The aforementioned 1960s-era sherry wine just sits right on top of that, with the trademark acidity fading quickly into a vaguely sweet finish atop the meaty succulence and the saltiness of the sea. The mind was blown. The meal ran a bit long at the end - the desserts were very good, but there were quite a few, and we ended up waiting for the check for a little. Despite that, do make sure to stop by the greenhouse upstairs; it gives insight around the inspiration for the restaurant, their sustainability principles, and a look at their vast collection of vegetable seeds. It makes one appreciate not just the immediate meal, but the entirety of your time at Azurmendi and the flawless execution of their vision. read more

This place is crazy... 30ish courses, who could count! The wine paining was 14 glasses. The setting is insane. Your meal takes place in 4 different rooms. All glass windows overlooking sweeping valleys and towering hills. By far the best meal experience I've ever had. read more

23 November 2017 Simply the finest dining experience top to bottom. Food, service, setting, experience...this place is perfect. Completely deserving of its 3 Michelin Stars and all the accolades. This is a restaurant that truly understands that its patrons are expecting an experience, and delivers. Sitting atop a hillside in Larrabetzu outside Bilbao, Azurmendi is certainly worth the journey. The location is special, with glass walls offering each diner spectacular views. Chef Axta blends Basque foods and tastes with innovative techniques perfectly; while his staff delivers personable yet professional and impeccable service. If you are trying to decide between all the great world-class restaurants in this special culinary are of the world I could not offer a stronger recommendation. We arrived for a late afternoon lunch, as we made our way from Bilbao to San Sebastian. Meal began with a picnic basket of small bites and a glass of wine in the foyer. We were then taken into the kitchen, where we were served an amazing Turnip-prepared-as-a-scallop straight off the grill (a truly extraordinary bite that stands out), and a shot of sea-flavored Txakoli. After that we were led into the Greenhouse for several small bites, focused on the special flavors and ingredients of the Basque countryside, before being led to our table. Our main meal then consisted of 10 savory courses, 3 desserts and an ample selection of petits fours (menu below). In all, this was a legendary meal. ERROAK MENU -WILD FLOWERS in tempura--a deliciously light and delicate way to start a meal (albeit after nine or so previous small bites in the other rooms). -"LIMON GRASS" AND VERMOUTH--this was a foie gras mousse served inside a lime shell with a vermouth gelee on top. A gorgeous and outstanding dish, serves among fresh lime leaves. Easily one of my favorite bites of all time. The citrus from the lime combined with the foie was amazing. -Farm's EGG cooked inside out and truffles--a specialty of the house, the technique is certainly very cool. Could have packed a little more of a truffle punch, but delicious nonetheless. - SEA URCHIN, emulsion, foam and juice--strongly flavored and rich sea urchin dish filled with the flavor of the sea. -CAULIFLOWER in different textures, crispy eggs and truffle--another standout dish on a menu that was great top to bottom. Served on a specially made dish, the presentation and flavors were equally amazing. Especially liked the cauliflower puffs and pearls. A stunning dish for something as simple as cauliflower. - Roasted LOBSTER, out of the shell, crunchy and its mayonnaise--we were told that every component of this dish was made of lobster, including the sauce and cracker. Really a great lobster dish. -"SALAZONES" stew: Vegetable, anchovies, and jowl with Idiazabal bonbons--the only real miss of the night; neither of us were a big fan of the gelatinous texture which was found in the stew itself and the "bonbons." Think anchovy jelly...with cheese. - Pil-pil KOKOTXAS and parsley potatoes--a salt cod stew of sorts served in a small copper pot. This was the other dish neither of us were particularly fond of; although truth be told we were never acquired a taste for salt cod during our time in Spain. The richness and saltiness of the dish was difficult to handle given the sheer amount of food we'd been tasked with. -Slightly spicy fried PORK and basil--back to amazingness. This dish consisted of a small "nugget" of suckling pig, tempura battered, fried, and served with a beautiful, porky emulsion. Delicious. Could snack on these all day, -PIGEION, roasted eggplant cream, wheat and Barranca and Gernika Peppers--another amazing dish. Pigeon was perfectly prepared and a great way to end the savory courses. -PASSION and coconut -YOGURT, honey and five spice -CHOCOLATE, peanuts and liqorice read more

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Omg fatty gut the chef is so hot! One of the best meals of my life. Ate so much thought I was going to explode. Worth the one hour drive outside San Sebastián. This will be one of the meals you will compare other high end restaurants for rest of your fatty life read more

Super dining experience from a magician, sorry; chef, that makes tastes, textures and ingredients sing together. The experience is fun, with a "picnic" to start with, followed by an introduction to the people in the kitchen. Before heading to the dining room you visit another room with small nibbles matching the season. The courses of the "future" tasting menu are outstanding. As is the service. We have been lucky to visit quite a few nice restaurants, but this one is really up there with the best in the world! read more

I don't know if this was just a meal, or an adventure. I've been to some pretty amazing restaurants in my life thus far, but no where did I feel like they were giving me an experience versus just sustenance quite like this. It was a stunning building, on the top of a hill. When you enter, you're welcomed, and taken onto a tour of the grounds...starting with a view of the winery, and then moving into the greenhouse. Each plant they show you has a small bite that features that plant, or plays on that plant. Cotton plant? Cotton candy, but flavored with a vegetable. Zucchini? Zucchini noodles served in a ceramic dish, shaped like a zucchini. About 8 bites before you make your way back into the lobby. There, they take you to a small cocktail table (dependent upon the size of your party) and serve a picnic. Each basket has several bites, each with a playful twist on an innovative flavor or flavor combination. After you've taken your time to savor this experience, you are walked through the kitchen, provided with another couple of beautiful bites, and the finally, taken to your table. Then... you get to look at the menu. They have 2 menus, one is the classics, and one is the tasting menu with a somewhat more intricate menu, and more tastes. Unlike any other restaurant I've been to, which is usually, it's this or that, with substitutions if you have allergies... they said, tell us which menu interests you, but if you want to mix them, please let us know, and we're happy to do so. I was honestly floored by this option. I ended up with the classic, but asked to have the desserts swapped in from the other menu, and they were happy to oblige. Each dish was intense in flavor, with bits of tradition, and bits of innovation. Each bite was to be savored, and as it is in most European countries, I enjoyed watching the tables around me experience the food as well. Staff spoke to each table in one of at least 5 different languages (I was addressed in English, but I heard Spanish, French and German as well). Unlike any other 3-star michelin restaurant I've been to, people laughed out loud, and giggled, and looked like they actually were having fun. So many high end restaurants give the folks a sense of required decorum, but this was not such a restaurant. It was also expensive, but for the experience you got, it was a bargain. Note, if you do go, it's outside the city of Bilbao, so plan about 20 minutes to get there via car, and if you can, get there before the sun goes down, because the view is worth the time. read more

Stands tall amongst the best restaurants in the world. This 3-Michelin Star restaurant gave me a restaurant experience unlike any other. The experience began with a tour of the garden, which gazes upon breathtaking scenery, followed by a picnic in the gorgeous waiting area, topped off with a kitchen tour. At every point, we were served small snacks, each of them proving why Basque Country cuisine is the best in the world. By the time we reached our table, we were already half full but unbelievably excited for what was to come next. Unsurprisingly, it did not disappoint. To say the food was among the best I've ever tasted is an understatement. This restaurant delivered mastery to all five senses, transcending all hope of critique. The service was impeccable, unrivalled (in my experience) even amongst three Michelin Star restaurants. Come here and prepare to be amazed. read more

Amazing. Fantastic. Worth every penny. If we spend hundreds of euros on a meal, we expect something we could never have again or make on our own and we were so happy to have this experience. There was nothing we hated and the building and staff were all great. Definitely deserves to be top 50 in the world. read more

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Amazing experience!! The restaurants architecture awas very unqiue like a green house. Solar panels supporting. Almost completely self sustainable. Each plate of the chefs menu was a great experience, starting as you immediately walk through the door with their welcome drink and tour of the entire restaurant. Meeting the chef, who's like a rockstar in his own right, made my wife extremely giddy as well. Great restaurant. read more

Best meal in my 48 years of living. Such creative dishes. I value presentation, but taste is most important, and all the dishes were fabulous - definite flavor profiles sensed in every course. Service was amazing, and everything about the restaurant was beautiful. Could not have asked for more. read more