Extebarri | From Patty's Pantry

Me at Extebarri

I think it is rare that you have a dining experience that is truly unique and exceptional. Now good food is plentiful but coming to Etxebarri was a truly special experience relishing in the simplicity of the grill. (Everything is grilled or smoked.) As I mentioned last week, I went to Spain for the weekend to eat. San Sebastian has been on my list for a while since the food is suppose to be some of the best in the world. Bilboa is just an hour and half flight from London and an hour drive to San Sebastian from Bilboa!

A friend of mine went on honeymoon to Spain, recommended that Asador Etxebarri, was truly a unique dining experience. She and her husband always know the latest and greatest restaurants from 3 Michelin stars to the hole in the walls, so I decided this was a must on my trip. I made the reservation 90 days in advance to make sure I got one! To say I was not disappointed would be an understatement. The restaurant is located an hour outside of San Sebastian in Basque Country closer to Bilboa. It is modest in decoration, but situated around snow capped mountains, truly beautiful.

We arrived at 1 for lunch, (early in Spain) the restaurant was empty and my group poked fun, at my need to make the reservation 90 days out. Sure enough it filled up in no time.We had about 8 courses in total each one more amazing than the next, everything so fresh and succulent. They even baked me a birthday cake free of charge and not even requested. I was bold, since it was my birthday and asked if I could meet the chef Victor Arguinzoniz, I wanted to meet the genius behind this meal and see the space with my own eyes where all of this goodness was created. He couldn’t have been any nicer it was the perfect ending to a perfect meal.

I would place this experience in top 5 dining experiences I have had in my life- the setting beautiful, the food simple and superb, and the service fantastic. A must if in Northern Spain, worth hiring the car to get there!