Café Iruña is one of Bilbao's most iconic cafés, and the interior is absolutely breathtaking. The…read moreMoorish-inspired architecture, colorful tilework, intricate wooden ceilings, and historic ambiance make it feel like you're dining in another era. It's worth visiting for the setting alone.
The menu offers a nice variety of Basque classics, pintxos, seafood, and Spanish favorites. We tried the Gilda, Iberian ham, croquetas, and paired everything with a glass of chilled Txakoli. The food was good, but nothing really stood out. After eating at several other places in Bilbao, we found it to be fairly average.
The service was the weakest part of our visit. The staff seemed overwhelmed and were constantly rushing around. They weren't rude, but they came across as distant and it was difficult to get their attention. It may have just been because the restaurant was very busy, but it did affect the overall experience.