Ten Best Restaurants in Bilbao
The Travel Pages picks the ten best restaurants in Bilbao, including Michelin Stars, Bib Gourmands and classic pinxtos bars.
Here’s a list of the 10 best restaurants in Bilbao, featuring a mix of Michelin-starred dining, traditional Basque cuisine, and innovative gastronomy. Each entry includes a description, nearby attractions, and contact details.
Ten Best Restaurants in Bilbao
1. Azurmendi (Michelin 3 Stars)
Description: Led by chef Eneko Atxa, Azurmendi is a culinary temple focused on sustainability. The multi-course tasting menu highlights local ingredients in avant-garde presentations. The restaurant itself is an eco-friendly glass structure with stunning views.
Signature Dishes: “The Forest,” oyster with seaweed, smoked eel.
Nearby Attractions: Larrabetzu countryside (15-min drive), Butrón Castle.
Address: Barrio Legina, s/n, 48195 Larrabetzu.
Phone: +34 944 55 88 66
Website: azurmendi.restaurant
2. Nerua (Michelin 1 Star – Guggenheim Bilbao)
Description: Located inside the Guggenheim Museum, Nerua offers sophisticated Basque cuisine by chef Josean Alija. The minimalist decor complements the artistic dishes, which change with the seasons.
Signature Dishes: White asparagus with black garlic, hake kokotxas.
Nearby Attractions: Guggenheim Museum (inside), Zubizuri Bridge.
Address: Abandoibarra Etorb., 2, 48001 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 00 04 30
Website: neruaguggenheim.com
3. Mina Restaurante (Michelin 1 Star)
Description: Chef Alberto López de Ipiña crafts elegant, market-driven dishes in a sleek, intimate setting. The tasting menu is a journey through Basque flavors with modern techniques.
Signature Dishes: Lobster with smoked butter, pigeon with beetroot.
Nearby Attractions: Doña Casilda Park, Bilbao Fine Arts Museum.
Address: Calle Henao, 2, 48009 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 24 83 56
Website: restaurantemina.es
4. Gure Toki
Description: A modern pintxos bar with a creative twist, blending Basque tradition with playful techniques. Tiny but mighty, with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its outstanding value.
Signature Dishes: Foie gras-stuffed ravioli, smoked cod with black garlic, burnt cheesecake.
Nearby Attractions: Plaza Nueva, Basque Museum.
Address: Plaza Nueva, 12, 48005 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 15 88 18
Website: guretoki.com
5. Casa Rufo
Description: A meat lover’s paradise, famous for its dry-aged beef and rustic ambiance. The family-run spot is a Bilbao staple for carnivores.
Signature Dishes: Chuletón (aged ribeye), roasted peppers with bonito.
Nearby Attractions: Plaza Nueva, Santiago Cathedral.
Address: Calle Henao, 5, 48009 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 24 59 21
Website: casarufo.com
6. La Viña del Ensanche
Description: A cozy bistro with a focus on seasonal pintxos and grilled meats. The wine list features top Rioja and Ribera del Duero selections.
Signature Dishes: Grilled octopus, solomillo with foie gras.
Nearby Attractions: Indautxu Square, Gran Vía.
Address: Calle Diputación, 10, 48008 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 15 56 15
Website: lavinadelensanche.com
7. Bar El Globo
Description: A legendary pintxos bar in Casco Viejo, serving classic small bites since 1930. Stand at the bar for the pintxos with a glass of wine or book a table for a full meal.
Signature Dishes: Gilda (spicy skewer), txangurro (stuffed crab).
Nearby Attractions: Plaza Nueva, Arriaga Theatre.
Address: Calle Diputación, 8, 48008 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 15 42 21
Website:barelglobo.es
8. Baster
Description: A sleek, contemporary bistro where chef Aitor Baste (ex-Azurmendi) crafts seasonal, market-driven dishes with technical precision. Think: Basque soul food with a modern edge.
Signature Dishes: Grilled octopus with smoked potato, duck liver with apple gel, Basque cheesecake with blackberry.
Nearby Attractions: Museo de Bellas Artes, Doña Casilda Park.
Address: Calle General Concha, 24, 48010 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 946 24 50 33
Website:facebook.com/BasterBilbao
9. Sumendi
Description: A seafood-focused luxury restaurant inside the Meliá Bilbao, specializing in Cantabrian fish and shellfish. Stylish setting with river views.
Signature Dishes: Grilled turbot, kokotxas al pil-pil.
Nearby Attractions: Zubizuri Bridge, Doña Casilda Park.
Address: Lehendakari Leizaola, 29, 48001 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 06 60 00
Website: melia.com
10. Victor Montes
Description: A historic tavern in Plaza Nueva, serving refined pintxos and classic dishes like bacalao al pil-pil. The wooden bar and vintage decor add charm.
Signature Dishes: Bacalao with garlic, txuleta (T-bone steak).
Nearby Attractions: Plaza Nueva, Basque Museum.
Address: Plaza Nueva, 8, 48005 Bilbao.
Phone: +34 944 15 16 78
Website: victormontes.com
BEST GUIDE
Our choice of the best guide to take with you is this Lonely Planet Pocket Guide to Bilbao and San Sebastian.
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