Good food plays a major role in the Basque Country: Nowhere else in Europe is the concentration of Michelin-starred chefs as high as it is here. But even if you don’t have a big budget for gourmet restaurants, you’ll find plenty of great spots in Bilbao that will make any foodie’s heart skip a beat. Here, I’ll introduce you to my favorite cafés and restaurants in Bilbao.
Bilbao & The Pintxos
But before you dive into the hustle and bustle of the many bars, you should familiarize yourself with the tradition of pintxos in Bilbao . Pintxos (in Spanish: pinchos) literally means skewers and are slightly larger snacks that are often eaten with a drink.
Originally, they were artfully stacked on large plates on the bar counter and each guest helped themselves as they pleased. The bill was then simply based on the number of wooden skewers that held each morsel together and were left on the plate at the end. This tradition has changed a little: Pintxos are often no longer completely open on the counter, but in glass cabinets, and there are also differences in price depending on the ingredient.
Are you interested in the Spanish Basque Country? The region in the northeast with its very own culture and language is super exciting!
Here you can find my tips for the Basque Country
My recommendations for restaurants, pintxos and cafés in Bilbao
Finding good locations in Bilbao is not difficult. The quality is very good and the choice is huge. Here are a few of my favorites:
Baristas Club Right behind the cathedral and therefore in the heart of the old town. Good coffee, relaxed vibe – perfect for a coffee break while sightseeing.
La Olla de la Plaza Nueva & Toma y Daka These two venues are located directly on the Plaza Nueva in the old town. There is a huge selection of pintxos here. Simply stop off at a bar, try a few pintxos and move on.
Los Fueros Centrally located on the edge of the old town, yet somehow hidden away. Small restaurant with really great Basque cuisine made from fresh local produce. Highly recommended for a cozy evening with good food and wine.
By the way: As a vegetarian or vegan, it can be a little difficult in more traditional restaurants, as many dishes are prepared with fish (e.g. the popular bacalao) or meat. However, in a modern city like Bilbao, it shouldn’t be a problem to find good alternatives.
Food tours through Bilbao
Nevertheless, pintxos are a great way to eat your way through Basque cuisine for little money. You can stroll casually from bar to bar and explore Bilbao’s food scene.
A fun way to try pintxos is also a food tour through Bilbao, where you can get to know the tastiest specialties and learn more about Basque cuisine.
Where else you can find good places to eat in Bilbao
I won’t be able to list all the great places in Bilbao here – there’s simply too much on offer. Going out or eating out is a big part of Basque culture, so you will find bars and restaurants almost everywhere. Some streets have a particularly high concentration of eateries, so it’s worth taking a stroll and discovering them for yourself.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants on these streets and in these districts:
Poza Lizentziatuaren Kalea This street parallel to Gran Vía is particularly busy on Atletico Bilbao match days. The street leads directly to the San Mames stadium, whose glittering façade can be seen from afar through the street canyons.
Ledesma Kalea Calle Ledesma is conveniently located between Gran Vía, the Guggenheim Museum and the old town. It is also a pedestrian-only zone and one restaurant follows the next.
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