Not that surprised that they have lost their Michelin star: Restaurant La Despense de Etxanobe (9. May 2026)
I was quite curious what to expect as online it seemed like this place was rather special, so, my hopes were high. Once you’re seated and they have taken your order, you’re served a “watermelon gazpacho”, which was actually quite lovely. However, the issue started before – the waiter who explained the menu was somewhat intense in his way but almost like he had taken something (I’m not saying, he has, I’m just pointing out, it seemed that way). So, the start was somewhat weird.
I decided to go for the “rice with octopus and mushrooms” (EUR 24.00) and while it was actually tasty, I found two small pieces of octopus a bit disappointing to call it a “rice with octopus”, but I guess technically they were right. That being said, I would have appreciated if they would have added a bit more octopus.
The “grilled cod fish with sauce pil-pil” (EUR 36.00) with the “roasted red peppers” (EUR 14.00) was okay. The sauce pil-pil was actually enjoyable, but I found that the fish was too salty. And personally, I like salty food, so, frankly, that tells you something. Else, it wasn’t too bad. And, to be fair, the roasted red peppers were absolutely enjoyable!
Last but not leat, you would get two pieces of “carrot cake” to finish off the lunch – and they were good from a flavor perspective, but frankly, rather dry.
The place isn’t too bad from an interior design perspective …
… but the whole thing just feels overpriced and like it has seen its best days. A pity really, as I think they would have more potential. So, frankly, I wasn’t blown away, and I felt like we had paid too much for what we got.
Rating:
| Atmosphere: |   |
| Service: | |
| Dishes: | |
| Price-Performance Ratio: | |
| Overall Rating: | |
Contact Details:
Restaurant La Despense de Etxanobe
Calle Juan Ajuriaguerra Kalea 8
Abando
48009 Bilbao (E)
Tel.: +34 944 42 10 71
Homepage: https://ladespensadeletxanobe.com
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. 
