Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, is renowned not only for its unique architecture and culture but also for its excellent gastronomy. The local cuisine is rooted in Basque traditions, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and simple yet flavorful dishes.
As in the rest of the Basque Country, pintxos are very popular in Bilbao, small bite-sized snacks. The price for pintxos is also not as high as in the neighboring city of San Sebastian. A typical pintxo from Bilbao is, for example, the gilda, a skewer with pickled peppers, olives, and anchovies. Bilbao is an ideal city for txikiteo.
Excellent cheese pintxos from the renowned El Globo bar, Bilbao
Bilbao is also famous for its fish dishes. A local specialty is “bacalao a la vizcaína,” cod stewed with peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Sardines, anchovies, and mussels are also very popular.
Simple but perfect pintxos with pickled anchovy at the Basaras bar, Bilbao
The city also boasts several renowned Michelin-starred restaurants. The most famous of these is Nerua, located in the Guggenheim Museum. In this restaurant, which is proud to hold one Michelin star, the head chef is Josean Alija, one of the most prominent talents in contemporary Basque gastronomy.
Carolina, a local dessert from Bilbao
Bilbao simply offers an unforgettable gourmet experience that combines traditional Basque cuisine with modern gastronomic trends.
The Erriberako merkatua market in Bilbao is an architectural gem with a unique design resembling an overturned ship. The shape of the building symbolizes the significance of the Nervión River and maritime activities for the city. The interior of the market is airy and well-organized, offering a wide range of fresh and high-quality foods, from fruits and vegetables to meats, fish, cheeses, and local specialties. The market also features bars and bistros serving traditional Basque pintxos.
