Bilbao travel guide - where to stay, what to do, and where to eat pintxos in Bilbao, Biscay, Basque Country, Spain.
Bilbao cooking is Basque: pintxos eaten at the bar, salt cod (bacalao al pil-pil), txangurro (spider crab), grilled ox ribeye, anchovies and Idiazabal sheep cheese. The Casco Viejo and Plaza Nueva hold the classic bars, the Ensanche (Diputación and Ledesma) and Indautxu (Licenciado Poza) carry the modern ones, and the surrounding countryside holds grills and Michelin houses such as Azurmendi in Larrabetzu and Asador Etxebarri in Axpe.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Bilbao.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Basque Pintxos
Basque Cuisine In A Market
Basque Grill
Basque Grill And Stews
Basque Pintxos And Ham
Basque Pintxos And Vermouth
Contemporary Basque
Market Produce And Pintxos
Modern Basque By Josean Alija
Rioja Wines And Ibérico Ham
Food tours & tastings in Bilbao
Eat your way through Bilbao with a guide.
Browse food experiences in BilbaoWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Pastelería Martina de Zuricalday
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercado de la Ribera
Mercado del Ensanche
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
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Traditional Basque cooking leans on fish, pork and cheese. Vegetarians can rely on tortilla de patatas, croquettes, mushroom and cheese pintxos; vegans have fewer choices at the bar and should use a restaurant. Request gluten-free (sin gluten) and allergy information in Spanish when ordering. Asador Etxebarri has no vegetarian or vegan menu.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |