Spain for foodies

Nerua

Josean Martínez Alija

In June 2011 Josean Martínez Alija, Ixo Grupo and Guggenheim Museum Bilbao launched new and innovative dinind options with two clearly differentiated spaces. Nerua, the gourmet restaurant run by Josean Martínez Alija, and the new Guggenheim Bilbao Bistro: a winning combination that offers high-quality international cuisine.

Nerua is a establishment dedicated to haute cuisine situated on the banks of the Nervión river estuary. The restaurant is located inside the Museum, beside the gallery where Richard Serra’s The Matter of Time is on permanent display, and has a separate street entrance.

The estuary and the new restaurant also share a special bond: Nerua, a term that first appeared in texts from Roman times, is the ancient Latin name for the Nervión River estuary. From an architectural perspective, the restaurant’s main entrance facing the estuary is reached by climbing a series of stone steps which lead to a titanium vestibule. The interior is a neutral, harmonious space where the dining room is designed as an extension and interpretation of the kitchen. The same materials and colors were used in both areas to achieve an aesthetic fusion of the two spaces: maple wood and smooth and perforated lacquered paneling.