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As we savored the rich flavors of the grilled lamb, we marveled at the irony of enjoying a dish from southern Spain in the northern Basque region. Nevertheless, its delicious taste, with hints of saffron and spices, made it clear that food transcends geographical boundaries.
Bilbao’s Gastronomic Heartbeat
Exploring further into Bilbao, Plaza Nueva quickly revealed itself as a vibrant hub filled with bars and restaurants, each offering a unique pintxos experience. While attempting to visit Café Bar Bilbao for their renowned pintxo de bacalao al pil-pil, unexpected kitchen closures led us to Iturriza Taberna. Here, we discovered the original grillo pintxo, which combines potato, onion, lettuce, and olive—a delightful combination that surprised even this self-proclaimed non-veggie lover.