263074 Fri Aug 15 19:53:42 -0700 2003 5 26 International 0 1389897 I will be in Bilbao in October for one night and I'm looking for suggestions. I'm on an eating tour across Spain (ok, just Barcelona and San Sebastian area) and we're trying to hit the most innovative restaurants we can find. I've already planned for the usual suspects in San Sebastian, but having a bit of difficulty deciding on a place in Bilbao itself. Any help would be most gratefully accepted. regards, Andrew Fri Aug 15 19:53:42 -0700 2003 0 Andrew McC. 1 1389903 You could try the fine dining restaurant in the Guggenheim Museum. I haven't been but I've heard excellent reports. Bound to be touristy though. Sat Aug 16 10:09:21 -0700 2003 1389897 0 Tony Finch 2 1389905 We did eat at the restaurant in the Guggenheim several years ago and my journal report is that it was surprisingly good. I did not, however, write down any details. Sat Aug 16 13:52:31 -0700 2003 1389903 0 Mad 2 1389927 Another vote for the restaurant in the Guggenheim, which we found not too touristy for lunch (lots of business diners). When we were there last year we also ate at Zortziko (sp?) which has a Michelin star but which was extremely disappointing. Sun Aug 17 19:15:51 -0700 2003 1389903 0 David A 1 1389992 Just returned from a similar expedition and we decided to eat the local tapas (which are different from the rest of Spain). You'll need a break from 'the usual suspects', and this is as good a place as any to get it. If you don't have Akelare on your San Sebastian list, add it immediately (we did lunch there and it was the best meal of my life - previous best was in 1983 - will write it up as soon as I get time). It was FAR more enjoyable than Berasategui (who is also responsible for the Guggenheim and a chain of coffee shops). Although we didn't go (neded a break from formal dining) the best menu we checked in Bilbao seemed to be at Zortziko (10 minute walk from Guggenheim). Thu Aug 21 10:25:31 -0700 2003 1389897 0 estufarian 2 1390057 Our one dinner in Bilbao was at Zortziko. Disappointing although the carabinero (really big shrimp) were magnificent. Service was very lacking for such a quiet night. Mon Aug 25 04:53:19 -0700 2003 1389992 0 Susan Joenck