Txispa, Axpe (1*)

A bit of background, and something that will hopefully resonate with a lot of you here. My first proper 'fine dining' meal was at Hoja Santa in Barcelona, around 7 years ago. My wife and I arrived, brand newly-engaged foodies who had decided on a celabratory spluge of cash, not really knowing if it would be for us or not. The entire experience absolutely blew our minds, and Hoja Santa instantly became the best restaurant I'd ever been to. Since then, if I'm honest, I've been comparing every restaurant experience to that night, and wether it was rose-tinted (and margarita-tinged) glasses or genuinely spectacular food, nowhere has quite managed to top it.

Which brings me on to Txispa. Long story short (if I can even say that after the self-indulgent intro), Txispa is a truly unbelievable experience from start to finish.

The first thing that hits you after the stunning drive through the mountains (side note: it truly is beautiful, but maybe doing it as your first time driving on the right in 10+ years isn't the best way to take it all in!) is the incredible enthusiasm of the team – from top down, everyone there just radiates passion for what they do. The servers were that perfect level of attention to detail without being afraid to crack a joke or have fun with the guests, and Chef Maeda is an absolute gem of a person – sometimes chefs aren't the most naturally chatty or outgoing, but he had such an infectious energy to him, I don't think I've ever met someone who seemed happier to be cooking his food and making people happy.

And the food…

Someone posted a review here a couple of weeks ago (I'll find and link) that went into great detail on the same menu we had, and did a much better job than I ever could, but safe to say it was exceptional. From pure simplicity and quality of ingredients shining through (the prawns, the corn, the different varieties of vegetables throughout) to unforgettable flavours (the caviar dish is the best bite I've ever had) and great technique (the crispiest fish skin) or a combination of all three (That. Fucking. Steak.) it was all incredible.

To anyone (still) reading this: Txispa is worth the hype it gets on here, and more. Make it the centrepiece of your Basque trip. It is that good.

If anyone has any questions, feel free and I'll do my best to help out.