10. May 2013: Restaurant Rio-Oja
As always: recommendations by locals are the best. We were directed to the Restaurant Rio-Oja for “lunch”. What we found was something so honest and true, you just have to love it. The bar is owned by the same family for over 50 years – the waiter is quick, spills half of the beer or wine when serving but he is a true bar owner!
The food has to be picked from large bowls and is served in smaller ones – and the food is simple and honest. The “Ensalada Rusa” (EUR 6.50) was simple and rich …
… as was the “Guisado Cor.” (EUR 8.00) …
… and even the pork feet (EUR 8.50) were quite crunchy but tasty.
One typical dish which you kind of do not come around in Spain is “Bacalo” (EUR 9.50) which was not as great as the other dishes though.
But then again, it all was made up for with “squid in its own sepia” (EUR 9.50) which was truly yummy!
When we ordered “Callos” (EUR 7.00) the owner was absolutely astonished that we dared ordering “cow stomach” – and well, to be honest, we did not understand what callos were before we tried them. Although it is definitely not my favourite kind of “meat” it was surprisingly fine.
The sardines (EUR 9.00) were amazing – swimming in oil but truly tasty …
… and so was the “Conejo” (EUR 8.00).
We had about 30 beers and paid about EUR 50.00 – so I guess you can say a beer accounted for EUR 1.20 but the patron definitely kept no track of the beer. This behaviour is truly great – serving the customer and then charging him whatever you as a bar owner think is fair is just lovely!
The bar is simple but so honest and true that you just love it when you enter the place!
Personally, I would always go there again – amazingly simple but tasty food, honest service, great atmosphere where usually only locals eat and last but not least very moderate prices.
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Contact Details:
Bar Rio-Oja
Txakur Kalea 4
48005 Bilbao (E)
Tel.: +34 944 15 08 71
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
