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Issas comida venezolana Resto-barB+Worth Trying

Name: Issas comida venezolana Resto-bar
Address: Francisco Macías, 8, Deusto, 48014 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain, Bilbao, Spain
Rating: 4.7

Francisco Macías, 8, Deusto, 48014 Bilbao, Biscay, Spain · Venezuelan restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (793 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively Venezuelan spot in Deusto serving crowd-pleasing arepas, cachapas, and juices; delicious when on form, but waits and portion/value consistency can wobble—go at off-peak for best experience.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Issas Comida Venezolana delivers authentic Venezuelan flavors with bold seasoning when execution peaks, supported by warm, knowledgeable staff and vibrant, welcoming décor. However, inconsistent portioning and seasoning across visits and frequent 30–60 minute waits with staggered courses prevent a higher grade. The restaurant excels as a neighborhood favorite for Venezuelan staples but lacks the operational reliability expected of grade A establishments.

Restaurant Summary

A neighborhood spot where the room feels colorful and welcoming, Issas hums with families, students, and Venezuelan expats swapping stories over tequeños and fresh juices. Servers are often warm and helpful, with diners praising generous plates and sauces. Some nights run hot and loud, and a few guests report long waits and staggered courses that cool down the fun. The cooking leans toward straight-up Venezuelan comfort: arepas, cachapas, pabellón, patacones, and fried nibbles. When the kitchen is on, flavors pop and portions satisfy; when it slips, fillings feel scant or seasoning fades. Best results come from classics like cachapas and pabellón, plus a maracuyá juice to brighten the table. Families do well here thanks to kid-friendly staples like tequeños, arepas with simple fillings, and sweet plantain sides. The menu lists multiple vegetarian choices, though vegan mains are limited. Expect around €28-40 per person for a full meal; go early to dodge the peak-time delays.

At a Glance

Authentic Venezuelan staples with crowd-pleasing flavors when on form
Friendly staff who guide first-timers and pack leftovers
Peak-time waits of 30–60 minutes with staggered courses
Portion and seasoning consistency vary across visits
Grills are pricey; consider sharing or sticking to core staples

What Sets It Apart

authentic_venezuelan_menu
colorful_welcoming_space
fresh_juices_and_sauces

What People Love

Vibrant, homey atmosphere
Cachapas and arepas that taste familiar to Venezuelans
Addictive maracuyá and papelón drinks
House sauces that elevate fried bites
Warm, attentive staff guidance

Points of Concern

Service delays common at peak; courses can arrive far apart
Portion sizes and fillings reported as smaller by some recent diners
Occasional quality slips (burnt or cold patacones, raw cachapas)
Pricing feels high to some, especially grills and specialty drinks

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€28-40 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Build a meal: tequeños (€6-8.5) + reina pepiada arepa (€9.5) + maracuyá juice; share a cachapa if hungry
Avoid grill platters if price-sensitive; pick two mains to share instead

Perfect For

Casual group dinners with sharing plates
Diaspora cravings for Venezuelan comfort food
Weeknight family meals with kids
Students looking for hearty arepas and juices

Location Insights

Area: Residential-university district with student and local foot traffic; casual eateries and cafes dominate.

Safety: Generally safe, well-traveled neighborhood near university; normal urban awareness at night.

Nearby: Close to University of Deusto and riverside paths; mix of apartments, shops, and neighborhood bars.

DeustoDeusto is a lively residential and university neighborhood with a youthful atmosphere due to the presence of the University of Deusto. It offers a variety of casual dining options and local shops, attracting both students and long-term residents.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday12:00–23:00 Wednesday12:00–23:00 Thursday12:00–23:00 Friday12:00–23:00 Saturday12:00–23:00 Sunday12:00–23:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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