Bilbao Restaurants

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This restaurant was founded in 1940. It is located in the old square of bilbao. It´s got a exclusive wine cellar and their own pastrymaking.
This popular street was called the square of Fernando VII when it was built. its construction last 20 years.
If I were you I would visit this square because it is worth and later it would be a good idea to have something at this ezquisite restaurant.

We asked a waiter in a pub close to our hotel where would she go to have lunch if she went with a friend and she sent us to Alkartetxea restaurant. Later on we were told it was a new restaurant and they are trying to offer the best author food at the best price, and to me they are getting a whole success. The were offering a wonderful painting exposition and the ambient was young and classy, since both customers and waiters were young, and the waiters are well trained. I've been paying about 50 euros for this kind of food, and this time it was less than 30. Wonderful.

Favorite Dish: It was called "Txapeleta", and it was something similar to provolone but with a spanish smoked cheese called Idiazabal.

This restaurant was absolutely packed when we arrived for lunch. Packed full of locals coming in for lunch. We thought that it had to be a good spot. And it was. We waited some time before getting a table but it was worth the wait. We each ordered a lunch special which was about 12EUR and included soup or salad, entree, dessert, espresso and wine.

There was a language barrier as we didn't speak Spanish and they didn't speak English but they made the effort and we were able to communicate and get good food and good service.

Favorite Dish: Lunch Special.. all three of us had a good meal.

We asked the concierge to recommend a good Basque restaurant that would be open on Sunday night because we arrived in town around 9pm. They directed us to Guetaria and we were not disappointed.

Favorite Dish: We suggest any of the fish dishes along with the local wine Txakoli. Be prepared to order in Spanish - or even better in Euskara.

This bar/cafe is located behind the Diputacion ("County Hall") Building on Gran Via on a paved street (Diputacion).

It has arguably the best quality pintxos in Bilbao (reflected in prices).

There is table service for raciones and pintxos, or just stand at the bar. The interior has not changed in at least 50 years.

Favorite Dish: The ham is awesome.

This route of pintxo bars is located in the centre of town around Gran Via (Metro: Moyua). As always in Spain, when you eat is very important: go too early or late and there will be little available. For pintxos, around 1.30pm and 7pm are often good time.

This route starts at Lepanto (Plaza Pedo Eguillor) at the bottom of General Concha. This large bar has in the past won the "best pintxo's in Bilbao" award. From there, head across into the pedestriansed c/Diputation that runs down the side of the town hall. Here there are La Olla (Diputation 12) and La Vina (no. 10). There are tables outside La Olla. If you sit at tables in La Vina there is waiter service and choice from a menu (depending on time of day), alternatively stand at the bar. The ham in here is excellent.

After La Vina, move on into El Globo which is on the corner (next to the chinese restaurant), with tables outside. Pintxos are good here, but this isa pickpocket haunt so watch your bags.

After El Gobo, cross Gran Via and you come to Lasa, who do a nice menu del dia (at workday lunchtimes) and a reasonable range of pintxos (at the bar). They also have tables outside. Just down street (about 10 metres) is Bar Leketio (named after the Basque fishing village and carrying images of the place, but not of the famous annual "pulling the head off the goose" event). Here, there are some nice raciones too, including antxoas (anchovies).

The total distance travelled is probably less than a hundred metres, and you will be enriched by the food and empoverished by the price. (The pintxos around here can be expensive as it is the city centre with many business customers).

Oh, and try the various wines on offer too!

Favorite Dish: A good pintxo jamon takes some beating.

This standard Bilbao bar/restaurant is located on Recalde, close to the Guggenheim (on the main road leading over the river). Zubia means Bridge in Basque.

Pleasant enough menu del dia available on saturdays at a reasonable price.

This small bar, facing the Alondiga (old wine warehouse now being converted into a sports centre and car park) has little out of the ordinary except that it has satellite television that gets the BBC.

Hence popular with the Expats for the FA cup final!