Bilbao, Spain — Food and Dining
Restaurants in Bilbao, Spain
Restaurants
Expensive
Restaurante Etxanobe
This restaurant is located on the top floor of the Euskalduna Palace, overlooking the most modern part of Bilbao. The dining area is voluptuously decorated, with the ceiling draped in billowy fabric. The dishes are rich, flavorsome and highly innovative creations that are at the same time respectful of the region's culinary traditions. The service is excellent.
Palacio Euskalduna, Avenida de Abandoibarra 4
Tel: (94) 442 1071.
Website: www.etxanobe.com
Restaurante Zortziko
Zortziko is a gastronomic institution in Bilbao. Located in a late 19th-century mansion not far from the Guggenheim Museum, it offers contemporary haute cuisine with local roots. There are three dining rooms, each with its own individual style. The menu is seasonal and the innovative Basque creations by acclaimed chef Daniel Garcia are sublime and among the very best in the region.
Calle Alameda Mazarredo 17
Tel: (94) 423 9743.
Website: www.zortziko.es
Moderate
Asador Sidrería Arriaga
A traditional cider house and carvery, this is a typical Basque eating place offering grilled meat, fish and traditional cuisine. Situated at the heart of Bilbao's old quarter in a historical building, the ambience and the décor (stonework and large windows) make it the ideal spot for any type of celebration.
Santa María 13
Tel: (94) 416 5670.
Website: www.asadorarriaga.com
El Perro Chico
It might be situated in a residential area of Bilbao, but that hasn't stopped El Perro Chico from becoming widely known for its top-notch food. The cuisine here is both modern and innovative, but has a very honest and authentic feel to it at the same time. The house specialty is roast duck in orange sauce served with seasonal vegetables. The dining area offers great views of the river and the Old Town.
Aretxaga 2
Tel: (94) 415 0519.
Restaurante Casa Vasca
Restaurante Casa Vasca, located in Bilbao's Deusto district, specializes in traditional and classical Basque cuisine. The interior is decorated in typical Basque style, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Among the specialties are salt cod dishes such as Pil Pil. The wine cellar is impressive.
Avenida Lehendakari Aguirre 13-15
Tel: (94) 448 3980.
Website: www.casavasca.com
Cheap
Restaurante Victor Montes
This Bilbao restaurant is a popular favorite on the Plaza Nueva. Particularly busy during lunchtime when punters drop by the lower-floor bar to sample the excellent tapas, it also offers more quiet dining tables on the ground floor where generous portions of traditional Basque-style roasts, grilled seafood, fresh vegetables, soups and salads can be enjoyed.
Plaza Nueva 8
Tel: (94) 415 7067.
Website: www.victormontesbilbao.com
Nightlife
Nightlife in Bilbao is lively and fun. The Old Town and the Abando area are packed with bars, eateries and clubs.
Bars
Café Boulevard
Café Boulevard is Bilbao's oldest café with a stylish art deco interior.
Paseo del Arenal 3
Tel: (94) 415 3128.
Charlie Bar
Charlie Bar is one of Bilbao's oldest and most popular bars.
Plaza Nueva 8
Tel: (94) 415 0127.
Taberna Txiriboga
Taberna Txiriboga is located in Bilbao's Old Town and has an authentic Basque atmosphere.
Santa María 13
Tel: (94) 415 7874.
Clubs
Congreso
Congreso is a famous club in Bilbao, attracting big national and international DJ stars.
Muelle de Uribitarte 4
Tel: (94) 424 7382.
Website: www.congresoclub.com
Cotton Club
Cotton Club is an excellent Bilbao club with live blues and rock music.
Calle Gregorio de la Revilla 25
Tel: (94) 410 4951.
Distrito 9
Another famous nightclub in Bilbao is Distrito 9. Ultra-modern and with a strong gay presence, it's one of Bilbao's hottest alternative dance clubs.
Alameda de Recalde 18
Tel: (94) 423 0056.
Oboe
Oboe is a more exclusive and elegant place for less hectic evenings in central Bilbao. You can choose between two atmospheres: a more boisterous one out on the dance floor, or a quieter, more intimate one at the small bar.
Calle Ercilla 44
Tel: (94) 441 5616.
Live Music
Astarloa
Astarloa offers a great range of live music in Bilbao.
Calle Astarloa 5
Kafe Antzokia
Kafe Antzokia is Bilbao's best live music venue with a wide repertoire from Basque music to international pop-rock bands, world music and reggae.
San Vicente 2
Tel: (94) 424 4625.
Website: www.kafeantzokia.com
The Rock Star
The Rock Star is a nice and noisy Bilbao bar hosting local rock bands.
Calle Gran Vía 87
Tel: (94) 445 9295.
Website: www.salarockstar.com
