"Fantastic experience and well deserving of the star. We have seen our fair share of fine dining restaurants, but Ola managed to provide interesting courses with very few misses and exciting combinations of ingredients. The service was great and especially one waitress elevated the experience. We had the smallest menu, which was more than enough food for us, so unless you are very hungry don't be afraid to go with that one. Will definitely return the next time I am in Bilbao"

Bjarke Daugaard

"I was really looking forward to this meal and traveled to Bilbao just to try it, yet I was disappointed. The mix of flavors and textures just did not go well. For the price, I was expecting to have some delicious dishes and some were barely edible (sweetbread). The service and the ambiance are average but there are many other restaurants in Bilbao with Michelin Stars that may be a better fit, be sure to read the menu carefully and make sure it’s for you."

Leonor Cadena

"My experience at Ola was a true game of two halves, leaving me with complex feelings. There is undeniable talent in the kitchen, but the overall experience didn't quite come together for me.
Let's start with the highlights: the main courses were absolutely superb. The seabass was cooked to perfection, easily at a 1 or even 2-star level. The pigeon was also excellent, showcasing high technical skill. The desserts were creative and delicious, providing a strong finish to the meal. The service, in a technical sense, was also very efficient and coordinated.
However, the emotional connection was missing. The service felt more mechanical than personal, creating a somewhat cold and rushed atmosphere. This was most evident when my plate was snatched away the very second I put down my cutlery. It felt efficient, but not hospitable.
The culinary journey also started on the wrong foot for me. The first part of the menu was heavily focused on a very traditional, sharp, and acidic Basque flavor profile. While I appreciate the authenticity, it was a complete mismatch for my personal palate. This is, of course, a matter of taste, but diners who prefer richer or sweeter notes should be aware of the chef's stylistic choices.
The biggest disappointment was the non-alcoholic pairing. When asked for a sour mocktail, I received an incredibly sweet drink. In a restaurant of this caliber, where some guests do not drink alcohol, offering more sophisticated non-alcoholic options than just beer or a basic mocktail should be a given.
In conclusion, Ola is a restaurant of high technical skill. It would be an excellent choice for a diner who deeply appreciates a very classic, acidic Basque flavor profile and values technical precision over a warm, personal atmosphere. For me, unfortunately, despite the brilliant main courses, the soul was missing"

Alex O.