It’s the WORLD’S #2 BEST Restaurant, but I SEE IT DIFFERENTLY - Asador Etxebarri

It’s been named the 2nd best restaurant in the world (World's 50 Best Restaurants list) and it’s renowned as the best grill restaurant, period. It's called Asador Etxebarri. It’s the brainchild of local chef Bittor Arguinzoniz.
You've probably seen some of the many articles and videos about this restaurant, claiming it to be one of the best in the world.

Unfortunately, I beg to differ.

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[Morgan]

I understand the thought process of "if I pay this amount of money, I want more technique and bells and whistles" in the food, but for me I think this is one of the more appealing restaurants ive seen on this channel. I love it when good ingredients are prepared without much fuss and cooked to perfection.

[evgeniygerkus]

Well worth the price. This is the first time I see a full on steak being served in a place Alexander visits and not a paper thin slice of it decorated with shavings of fossilized truffle and sprinkled with solt extracted from the tears of virgin Mary.

[dilankaseneviratne]

Love the act of giving the waiter the opportunity of tasting an exclusive wine despite it being a very rare niche bottle. The favour being returned back with a smile was so nice too see as well.

[MrBiggergun]

This actually seems exactly like the kind of restaurant I would enjoy the most. Top ingredients, simple preparation, unobtrusive service. I don't like too many bells and whistles.

[tomlangdonec]

as someone who's been a chef for 22yrs and worked in Michelin in the Basque Country, it's the simplicity that makes me love this place above all others.

[jeohist]

I really enjoyed this review. I always feel awkward with the ridiculous levels of service in many Michelin-starred restaurants, this restaurant's focus on the quality and preparation of the food is refreshing.

[Riskmangler]

Dishes prepared in a manner where the finished product still resembles the original ingredients are unique to this channel. I would dine here before many of the other fantastic restaurants I've seen on this channel. The simplicity belies a welcome honesty.

[BrooklynBear]

The fact that they deliver extraordinary food in a beautiful setting WITHOUT the pretentious "bells and whistles" is exactly what would bring back time and time again. But that's just me.

[matthewlachs]

Alexander "For the main course we have a glass of delicious wine with a side of food"

[ChefBardo]

I had lunch here in 2011 for my Birthday. We got lost in the mountains bc gps and they kept the restaurant open for us for an entire hour past closing just to serve us. It was the best meal I have ever had in my life.

[neyrhu]

Sure, food doesnt look as fancy as in any other highend restaurant, but it looks insanely tasty. Because plates are so simply dressed, its easier for my brain to understand its actually food, and how it should taste through a screen. mouthwatering episode !

[AnonymousCapybara]

Man just casually inflates his bill by 10x chasing rare wines. What a flex. Love this peek into the life of luxury.

[userange]

- He cooks only with fire (no gas or electricity).
- He designed a concept of a lifting grill that he invented himself, and it has since been copied all over the world.
- He cooks ingredients that have never been cooked with fire in a restaurant before, for example, egg yolks, elvers, caviar, etc... for which he has invented special kitchen utensils designed by him. - He cooks each ingredient with a type of wood, to enhance its properties (it takes many years and a lot of technique to master this and also to cook each ingredient to perfection).
- He brought buffalo from Italy, which took him 1 year, to prepare his own mozzarella, ice cream and butter, which he prepares on the fire (yes, he also smokes the ice cream on the fire).

But, can't you see anything special in this? I suppose it's because the presentation of the dishes is simple and not modern, this makes it seem like the cooking is simple and there is no technique behind it, but that is a superficial judgement.

You didn't understand the concept of the restaurant, but luckily, the representatives of "The best restaurants" did.

[Alvaro-qzqk]

It’s a compliment to them that you disvalue them this much. It means their full price goes into the product quality, and not stupid shows, personnel’s stories or weird presentations

[mickyboy]

I love the simplicity.I would feel quite relaxed there..

[milenakupiec]

The best steak I’ve ever had was in the Basque Country. But overall, the Basque cooking is sublime.

[NicoTallac]

Vega Sicilia Gran Reserva 57... It's like a Stradivarius violin or a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

[theo]

Many contemporary diners want a more casual dining experience. The standard 3-star Michelin service makes many feel uncomfortable and is not relaxing. I applaud Amador for a more laid back dining experience without compromising on the food. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[nootandtheyeet]

I love how you are explaining things, like the source of ingredients and the dishes, instead of just showing them. You are definitely one of my favourite channels! Never stop

[TheCs]

Basque cuisine is all about tradition and master it to perfection with high quality ingredients. You first have to understand this before coming. It's one of the few places in the world where you can taste perfectly grilled seafood.