A Table

In the Old Quarter of Bilbao, in a 19th-century building near the estuary and not far from the Guggenheim, à table restaurant excels in its finely honed take on Basque cuisine. The façade shop front reveals a charmingly relaxed dining room with purple paneling, marble floors and wooden tables, wine crate wall décor and wrought iron screens.  The bistro is small and intimate, and you can dine by candlelight. The dishes are perfectly seasoned and the preparation is skillful, as evoked by such dishes as rabbit fricassee or small squids cooked in their own ink. A harmonious blending of French and Basque cuisine is reflected in a dessert, Basque cake, made with almond pastry cream. The global wine list has great depth in Rioja wines and an intriguing selection from French vintners. Private events are a particular treat at à table and can enjoy excellent service in English, French, German and Chinese.