Bilbao and the Basque Country Restaurants

Foodies may never want to leave the Basque Country, where the avant-garde and home cooking mingle seamlessly. Though top restaurants are expensive in Bilbao, some of what is undoubtedly Europe's finest cuisine is served here in settings that range from the traditional hewn beams and stone walls to sleekly contemporary international restaurants all the way up to the Guggenheim itself, where superstar chef Martín Berasategui runs a dining room as superb as its habitat. San Sebastián is another enclave of delicious food, where sampling from pintxos bars is an art form.

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  • 1. El Mesón

    $$

    Textbook-perfect Basque classics draw a local crowd at this Ensanche restaurant run by a seasoned husband-and-wife team on the cusp of retirement—so visit while you still can! Seasonal Basque delicacies, like earthy perretxico mushrooms, meaty fresh anchovies, and tender white asparagus, round out a perennial menu whose star dishes include squid braised in its own ink and hake in salsa verde.

    Calle Ramon Ortiz de Zarate 5, Vitoria, Basque Country, 01005, Spain
    94-514--6191

    Known For

    • Over-and-beyond service
    • Varied wine list
    • Basque restaurant classics done right

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
  • 2. La Bodeguilla Lanciego

    $$

    This inviting white-tablecloth taberna established in 1959 serves soul-satisfying cuisine in a cabinlike dining room decorated with taupe curtains, blond-wood chairs, and original artwork. Steak frites is the go-to here with roast turbot coming in a close second.

    Calle Olagibel 60, Vitoria, Basque Country, 01003, Spain
    94-525--0073

    Known For

    • Subtle, tasteful decor
    • Excellent txuletas
    • Books up weeks in advance

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 3. Bar El Toloño

    $$

    The unassuming interiors of this Casco Viejo standby belie a sophisticated kitchen that has won numerous awards for its knockout pintxos including txangurro gratinado (crab gratin), gildas (olive-anchovy-pepper brochettes), and rabbit ravioli. Order and pay at the bar, then carry your nibbles outside to the first-come-first-served patio.

    Cuesta San Francisco 3, Vitoria, Basque Country, 01001, Spain
    94-523--3336

    Known For

    • Worth-the-wait creative bites
    • Devoted local crowd
    • Aperitivo hour rush
  • 4. Bar La Torre de Anda

    $

    A little-known culinary gem on the ground floor of the 15th-century Torre de Anda, this down-home wine and cheese bar with three high-top tables is always stocked with smoky Idiazabal, limited-production Rioja Alavesa wines, and tart gildas.

    Calle Hedegile 110, Vitoria, Basque Country, Spain
    68-889--8988

    Known For

    • Passionate and knowledgeable owner
    • Perfect spot for an aperitivo or midday snack
    • In the heart of the old town
  • 5. El Portalón

    $$$

    With creaky wood floors, bare brick walls, and ancient beams and coats of arms, this 15th-century inn turns out classical Castilian and Basque specialties reflective of the region. Try the cochinillo lechal (roast suckling pig) or any of the monkfish preparations. The wine cellar is a gold mine. To reserve a tasting menu, priced at around €55, be sure to call at least two days ahead.

    Calle Correría 147, Vitoria, Basque Country, 01001, Spain
    94-514--2755

    Known For

    • Fairytale medieval building
    • Basque comfort food
    • Deep wine list

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Zaldiaran

    $$$

    Don't be put off by the outdated plating (think sorbet served in martini glasses); book a meal here for contemporary interpretations of Basque classics, such as tempura-battered artichokes and razor clams with yuzu vinaigrette. The tasting menu (€78) changes seasonally; beware there is only one dinner service, on Saturday.

    Av. Gasteiz 21, Vitoria, Basque Country, 01008, Spain
    94-513--4822

    Known For

    • Heavenly steak tartare
    • Good-value tasting menus
    • Impress-your-date ambience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.–Wed., No dinner Sun.–Fri.

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