🍽️ Guide
45 hand-picked places in Bilbao, spread across 3 neighbourhoods. 15 of them three-star.
No chains, nothing sponsored. The rating is Google's on the day it was checked.
Guggenheim 18 Old Town 14 Coast 13
42 of 45 tips placed on the map
Guggenheim
★★★
$ (<30)
Italian food restaurant. There are 2 in Bilbao, check it in Old Town area also
Specialty: Best napolitan pizza in Bilbao
Pro tip: No booking allowed, you must go early when they opened and put your name on the list. Any pizza & pasta is amazing
Reserva necesaria
Coast
★★★
$$ (30-60)
Clifftop chiringuito overlooking Atxabiribil beach since 1998. Sunset views
Specialty: Fresh daily fish, km0 products, tataki, zamburiñas, pulpo
Pro tip: Reserve ahead for terrace. Best at sunset. Try tarta de queso
Terraza Reserva necesaria
Recommended by Ignacio, Natalia, Marian, Marinita and Dnymtz24
Guggenheim
★★★
$ (<30)
Classic restaurant
Specialty: Traditional food
Pro tip: Try burgers
$$$ (60+)
Intimate Japanese with glass kitchen, cozy atmosphere, Michelin Bib Gourmand
Specialty: Omakase menu, authentic Japanese, seasonal dishes, sake pairing
Pro tip: Reserve ahead. Try Omakase menu. Ask sommelier for wine or sake pairing
Reserva necesaria
Old Town
★★★
$$$ (60+)
Restored Basque farmhouse, panoramic Bilbao views, rustic elegance
Specialty: Garbanzos with lobster, grilled fish/meats, seasonal stews
Pro tip: Start with wine tasting in cellar. Book ahead. Finish coffee on panoramic terrace
Terraza
$$ (30-60)
Asian fusion food restaurant
Specialty: Innovative cuisine, everything is super tasty
Pro tip: Fully recommended, order the tasting menu. Booking is needed earlier (the week before)
Reserva necesaria
Guggenheim
★★★
$$$ (>60)
Best sushi restaurant in Bilbao
Specialty: Fresh sushi with innovative cuisine
Pro tip: Fully recommended (top), order the tasting menu. Booking is needed earlier (the week before)
Reserva necesaria
Guggenheim
★★★
$$ (30-60)
Classic restaurant
Specialty: Traditional basque food. Fish and meat
Pro tip: The owner of the restaurant will choose the best to order, follow him is the best choice
$ (<30)
Cozy modern bistró, minimalist design, intimate atmosphere
Specialty: Plant-based gourmet, vegan cheeses, seasonal risotto
Pro tip: Try shiitake risotto with pistachio pesto. Menu del día €17.50. Reserve ahead
Opciones veggie Reserva necesaria
$$ (30-60)
Intimate fusion spot, warm family-run atmosphere
Specialty: Oxtail hot dogs, lamb dumplings, duck magret, monkfish
Pro tip: Book in advance (tiny place). Try blue cheese cheesecake. Venezuelan-Mediterranean fusion
$ (<30)
Pleasant atmosphere, charming couple-run bar, good terrace in Algorta
Specialty: Homemade pintxos with variety, weekend rabas (squid)
Pro tip: Try weekend rabas! Exceptional service and pintxos selection
Terraza
Old Town
★★★
$$ (30-60)
Mountain asador, panoramic Bilbao views, outdoor picnic area
Specialty: Award-winning txuleta (Friesian cow, 30-day aged), grilled octopus, blood sausage
Pro tip: Take funicular from Plaza Funicular. Book ahead for indoor dining. €40-50/person
Old Town
★★★
$ (<10)
Classic bar for pintxos
Specialty: Spanish omelette (Top3)
Pro tip: One of the best tortilla of Bilbao with onion or spicy one
$ (<20)
Small, cozy bar full of locals
Specialty: Spanish traditional cuisine
Pro tip: Champion of Euskadi Tortilla 2025! Try both award-winning versions: traditional or spicy with alegrías riojanas. Arrive early to avoid queues
$$ (30-60)
Historic 1849 establishment, Plaza Nueva terrace, elegant wine cellar, celebrity visits
Specialty: Award-winning pintxos bar, bacalao pil-pil, txangurro, Iberian meats, tart tatín
Pro tip: Visit wine cellar with century-old collection. Book terrace. 3 Eguzkilores award
Terraza
$$$ (60+)
Art Decó icon from 1871, trendy modern atmosphere
Specialty: Premium beef txuletas and gourmet hamBUEYguesas
Pro tip: Two concepts: burgers downstairs, grilled meats upstairs. High prices but top quality
$ (<30)
Lively pintxos bar, Plaza San Nicolas, central Algorta location
Specialty: Famous tortilla de patatas, weekend rabas (squid), pintxos
Pro tip: Worth the wait for freshly-made tortilla! Often sells out fast
$ (<20)
Cozy pintxos bar, lively terrace, local favorite spot
Specialty: Express tortillas made to order, calamari brioche, "crazy" bravas, marianitos
Pro tip: Try individual tortilla and ensaladilla. Arrive early for tables (limited seats)
Terraza
$ (<30)
Historic café since 1903, stunning Mudejar-style decoration with polychrome ceilings and mural paintings
Specialty: Basque cuisine and traditional pintxos
Pro tip: Declared "Singular Monument" (1980) and Best Café in Spain (2000)! Try the famous "Pinchos Morunos" (lamb skewers) and "Serranito" pintxo. 122 years of history. Meeting point of famous writers like Unamuno and Pío Baroja. Open 365 days a year
$ (<30)
Classic italian restaurant
Specialty: Traditional italian food, specialty: pinsas
Pro tip: Try the burrata and Chiara/Fernando/Capitán pinsas
Coast
★★
$ (<30)
Family-friendly cervecera since 2007, sea views, kids play area
Specialty: Rotisserie chicken, grilled chuletón, homemade tarta de queso
Pro tip: Reserve for indoor seating. Outdoor area first-come. Try croquetas
Reserva necesaria
$ (<30)
Authentic Mexican, colorful decor, warm hospitality
Specialty: Tacos al pastor, cochinita pibil, quesabirrias, enchiladas verdes
Pro tip: Fresh guacamole and house salsa are must-try. Vegetarian and gluten-free options available
Opciones veggie
$ (<30)
Lisbon-inspired tasca, bohemian atmosphere, indie music, candlelit cozy space
Specialty: Portuguese gourmet conservas, smoked sardines with salmorejo, vinho verde
Pro tip: Try sardinas ahumadas pintxo and drinks in porrón. Popular prices!
$ (<30)
Small cozy oyster bar, always busy, casual and lively atmosphere
Specialty: Fresh oysters and seafood
Pro tip: First oyster bar in Bilbao! Try Utah Beach, Vernet de Marennes Oleron, or the acevichada oyster. Order by the piece at market prices. Pair with Albariño or Txakoli. Arrive early as it fills up quickly
$ (<20)
Trendy wine bar, small and cozy, lively atmosphere
Specialty: Wine bar and upscale pintxos
Pro tip: Excellent wine selection by Óscar Vila (ex-Zortziko). Try the tuna tataki, salmon pintxos, and octopus. Premium conservas and creative pintxos. Awarded "Solete" by Repsol Guide
Coast
★★
$ (<30)
Port views, modern spacious, casual vibe, dog-friendly, family-friendly
Specialty: Burgers, gyozas, mejillones, tempura, gluten-free options
Pro tip: Try Bibi burger. Great for sharing raciones. Good value. Reserve ahead
Reserva necesaria
$$ (30-60)
Cozy fisherman's house, intimate atmosphere, Old Port charm
Specialty: Km0 seafood, bacalao, tartar, boletus, torrija
Pro tip: Try tasting menu (€40). Reservations advised. Ask for txacoli pairing
Reserva necesaria
$$$ (60+)
Terrace with sea views, family-run 40+ years, cozy atmosphere
Specialty: Grilled Cantabric fish, zamburiñas, kokotxas, rodaballo, besugo
Pro tip: Reserve ahead, always full. Try rodaballo a la brasa. Near cliffs and beach
Terraza Reserva necesaria
$ (<10)
Bustling and friendly, full of locals
Specialty: Spanish traditional cuisine
Pro tip: Try the truffle tortilla or the caramelized onion version. Famous tortillas by Masterchef finalist Aitxu - 13 varieties available
$$ (30-60)
Classic restaurant
Specialty: Traditional food
Pro tip: Try tuna tartar, vieras and cheesecake
Guggenheim
★★
$$ (30-60)
Brasserie restaurant
Specialty: Basque modern food, meat/fish and good wines
Pro tip: Different menus, daily menu is super good option
$ (<20)
Historic Mercado de la Ribera (1929), 10 gastrobars, lively food hall
Specialty: Variety of pintxos, tapas, tortillas, burgers, 100+ options from different stalls
Pro tip: Head to terrace for Ría views and colorful Marzana waterfront. Central seating area
Terraza Opciones veggie
$$ (30-60)
Classic restaurant
Specialty: Traditional basque food
Pro tip: Try Chuleta with a good wine
$ (<30)
Classic restaurant with really good atmosphere
Specialty: Traditional food
Pro tip: Try carrilleras, ham and Viña Alberdi wine
Old Town
★★
$ (<10)
Quite new classic bar for pintxos
Specialty: Spanish omelette (Top3)
Pro tip: Many different omelettes, the caramelized & truffle one the best
$$ (30-60)
Historic bistró since 1878, modernist tile walls, cozy atmosphere
Specialty: Buñuelos de bacalao, famous grilled prawns, ensaladilla rusa
Pro tip: Try "Menú Bilbao de Toda la Vida" (€35) for traditional classics. Bib Gourmand Michelin
Coast
★★
$$ (30-60)
Elegant, modern, intimate space with author cuisine
Specialty: Txuleta croquettes, steak tartar, carrilleras, zamburiñas
Pro tip: Book ahead - only 4 tables, service can be slow peak hours
$ (<30)
Modern minimalist, lively atmosphere, family-friendly
Specialty: Daily changing menu, black squid rice, chocolate croquettes, Mediterranean fusion
Pro tip: Book ahead. Menu del dia (€13.50) rated top 20 in Spain by El País
$ (<20)
Lively Plaza Nueva terrace, award-winning pintxos bar, 25+ years tradition
Specialty: Prize-winning tortilla, rabas (40kg weekends), foie, carrillera, calamares
Pro tip: Try patatas canallas and tortilla. Arrives early for terrace. Two locations nearby
Terraza
Guggenheim
★★
$ (<30)
Lively pintxo bar, liquid-style tortillas always fresh
Specialty: Bizkaia Tortilla Champions 2023, truffle with papada
Pro tip: Arrive early for fresh tortillas, place gets crowded fast
$$ (30-60)
Cozy family-owned bistró, welcoming staff, comfortable atmosphere
Specialty: Roast beef, hare, tempura, freshly baked cakes
Pro tip: Try lemon meringue tart. Beautiful plating. Close to beach. Reserve ahead
Reserva necesaria
$$ (30-60)
Family-run classic since 1987, cozy terrace near Plentzia port
Specialty: Fresh Cantabrian seafood, merluza, besugo, zamburiñas
Pro tip: Reserve ahead. Try house-caught lobster and bonito. Great tarta de queso
Terraza Reserva necesaria
$ (<20)
Lively bar, mix of locals and tourists, buzzing atmosphere
Specialty: Basque traditional pintxos
Pro tip: Don't miss the famous gratineed spider crab (txangurro) - Bilbao's most iconic pintxo! Also try the truffle potato gratin and morcilla with peanuts. Awarded "Solete" by Repsol Guide
Recommended by Albertini
$$ (30-60)
Riverside terrace, creative Basque cuisine, historical building
Specialty: Oxtail ravioli, txangurro "fake strawberry", foie filipinos
Pro tip: Reserve ahead. Try ravioli and tenderete. Terrace has ría views
Terraza Reserva necesaria
Guggenheim
★
$$ (30-60)
Elegant and lively, mix of locals and tourists, iconic Bilbao establishment
Specialty: Basque traditional cuisine
Pro tip: Try the famous zamburiñas (scallops), txuleta (T-bone steak €54), and homemade cheesecake. Almost 40 years serving Bilbao! Perfect tortilla too
No place matches every filter.
🍸 Drinks 17 🏨 Hotels 14 ☕ Coffee 11 🌅 Viewpoints 10 🏖️ Beaches 4 The full guide