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Welcome to Restaurante El 2, a hidden gem nestled on Manuel Iradier Kalea in the vibrant city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, Alava, Spain. This charming eatery captivates locals and visitors alike with its excellent coffee and delectable tostados, making it a bustling spot frequented by residents. It’s evident from the very start that the friendly staff is dedicated to delivering a customer-centered experience.
The delightful pintxos here are a highlight, especially noted during the Semana Del Pintxo de Alava. As described by diners like Phil Warner, these small plates are not just meals; they are an experience worthy of a return visit. The food is thoughtfully prepared, with a special nod to the 5-course tasting menu that showcases Chef Almado’s culinary artistry. Each dish promises to delight the senses, from the moment you take your seat to the last bite of your meal.
Customers like Peter Burke rave about the lively atmosphere, which is enhanced by the warm, inviting decor and the bustling energy of the restaurant. Although popular, the staff maintains efficiency amidst the crowd, ensuring that every guest feels valued and attended to. Diners love the engaging interactions; a visit from the chef often adds a personal touch to the dining experience, making it feel special and memorable.
While most reviews paint a picture of satisfaction, it’s important to note that experiences can vary. A particular review from Yoana B. illustrates that even beloved spots can occasionally falter. In this instance, the wait time and dish inconsistencies were overshadowed by the professionalism of a single staff member, highlighting that while the dining experience isn’t always perfect, customer service can redeem a misstep.
In summary, Restaurante El 2 stands out for its inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and exceptional food offerings. Whether you are a local or just passing through, this restaurant is a must-visit to taste the heart of Basque cuisine in Vitoria-Gasteiz. With each meal, you will not only enjoy the food but also become part of a warm, community-oriented experience that makes this restaurant truly special.
“ Very friendly staff. Excellent coffee and tostados. Very popular with local residents. Always busy. ”
“ The food and staff at El 2 are wonderful. We ate here twice during our 6-day visit to Vitoria. The first time was to try the pintxo prepared for Semana Del Pintxo de Alava which ultimately received our vote. It was spectacular, as was the service including a visit from the chef who invited us back to try the 5-course tasting menu. Three days later we visited again and had a wonderful experience. The entire meal was delicious and each course was special. The restaurant was very busy but the servers were helpful, friendly and efficient. And, we had another visit from the chef as did many of the other tables. We would love for this restaurant to be located in our town where we would visit again and again. We look forward to hearing more about Chef Almado in the future! ”
“ I like this place nice, good coffee and great atmosphere nice pintxos ”
“ Fantastic decoration and very good appetizers. I like the food and the place very much!! ”
“ Octubre 16,2021 I give 3 stars just because my friends asked me to. I just don’t recommend that place. To begin with, when my friends made the reservation I called to make sure they would have options for me. I'm a vegetarian, so I like to call the restaurant before I go to basically check if I'll be able to eat something. So, I called and they told me there were options outside the menu and they ensured the vegetarian dinner. We arrived at the restaurant, we ordered the food, and not only did we wait more than 30 minutes to have the food on the table, but they did not serve everyone at the same time. Basically they prepared a dish and served it regardless of whether it was the order of the same table or not. I ordered a pasta dish with vegetables and I better not go into how I ended up ordering that! The pasta was undercooked and the vegetables, that were from a 0,90€ frozen bags, were barely cooked. The waitress at the bar was rude and it seemed like she forced to be there and it was everybody’s fault. Horrible experience! The only reason we didn't file a complaint right then and there was because of the waitress, Idoia. A charming woman and a professional who made our experience more pleasant. Honestly I don’t think there was any manager around! It’s was my friend’s birthday dinner so thanks to Idoia and a bottle of wine and a few shots later, we just decided to let it go and have a good time. We all can do a bad experience at a restaurant but what happened over there was just a NOT COMING BACK ”
“ Great place and service ”
“ Delicious menu, friendly staffs and at reasonable price ”