Are you in Bilbao and don’t know what food to try? Well, you’re in luck! You may have heard that Spain is one of the most important foodie destinations in the world. (Don’t take our word for it; look at the number of Spanish chefs that have won awards from the International Academy of Gastronomy in recent years.) But did you know that the Basque Country is known within Spain as one of the best areas to eat? That means the food in Bilbao has got to be out of this world! In fact, Bilbao is home to a whopping 11 Michelin-starred restaurants. But don’t worry. You don’t have to visit a Michelin-starred restaurant to discover Bilbao’s exquisite cuisine. And here at Civitatis, we intend to show you just that. Check out this guide on what to eat in Bilbao!
What makes food in Bilbao so great?
The cuisine of Bilbao has a distinct personality and authenticity characterized by two things: local products and high quality. Under these two pillars, Basque kitchens have managed to create timeless dishes that succeed wherever they go. Each dish is like a tribute to the local product, elevating and showcasing its unique flavor.
Where to find the best Pintxos?
Of course, no trip to Bilbao would be complete without having some pintxos! Pintxos are small finger foods that you typically have at a bar with a glass of beer or wine – the “tapas of the North,” if you will. You can find good pintxos in any area of Bilbao, but if we had to pick one, we’d focus on the Casco Viejo (Old Quarter). Not only is this area steeped in history, but you’ll also find the most typical Bilbao food in this urban center, which has lots of bars and taverns.
Tourists and locals alike frequent the Casco Viejo to go pintxo-hopping, stopping at one bar after the other to try a variety of pintxos. Some must-visit bars include Bacaicoa, for its chorizos al infierno (sausages in hell); Songirzulo, for its anchovies; Gure Toki, for its fusion between traditional and modern; and the iconic Bar Charly.
“But which pintxo should I try?” you might ask. The true star of pintxos is the Gilda. Invented by the brothers Blas and Antxon Vallés, this skewer of anchovies, guindillas (chili pepper), and olives causes a furor among all those who try it. After you try it, you’ll be left wondering: how can something so simple be so delicious?
Fish, an essential ingredient
Focusing on the traditional cuisine of Bilbao, we’ll see that the sea is a main component of Basque cuisine. Cod (bacalao in Spanish) in particular is the quintessential ingredient of Basque gastronomy, starring in recipes such as bacalao al pil pil or a la vizcaína. You’ll also find the fish in a Spanish omelet (tortilla) or smoked. Basically, you’ll find the fish served in every possible way!
Another typical fish dish of Bilbao cuisine is marmitako, a delicious stew made up of tuna, potatoes, peppers, and onions. For fish lovers, we recommend also trying cocochas (cod or hake cooked in white wine, olive oil, and garlic), txipirones en su tinta (baby squid in its ink), and angulas a la bilbaína (baby eels cooked with olive oil and garlic).
Idiazábal cheese, the pride of Bilbao
Tradition is undeniable in Spanish dishes. And, speaking of tradition, there’s one ingredient that absolutely cannot be missing from a Basque table… Cheese! More specifically, Idiazábal cheese, which a pressed cheese made from unpasteurized sheep milk with a characteristic rich and smokey flavor. Top tip: For the perfect aperitif, head to a bar and order this cheese with a glass of txakoli, a local soft white wine. You’ll look like a local!
And what do they drink in Bilbao?
And to pair with traditional Bilbao dishes? If we’re in a bar in the city center, the most common thing to see the locals enjoying would be a glass of the aforementioned txakoli, a soft and somewhat acid white wine. If you’re not much of a wine person, though, you could order a zurito, which is the name for a small glass of beer. (Top tip: A zurito is the ideal size since you’ll likely be having several pintxos and several zuritos…)
Sagardoa is another quintessential Basque drink. This kind of cider, made from fermented apple juice, has seen its popularity grow exponentially since the 1980s. Another of the oldest and most famous drinks in the Basque Country is patxaran, a liqueur that has been drunk in this area since the Middle Ages and is even recommended for digestion after a hearty meal!
Last but not least, dessert
And, of course, we have to finish on a sweet note! There are various Basque pastries that have been around for centuries and are full of history. A must is the pantxineta, which is present in almost any local celebration. It’s a puff pastry filled with pastry cream and sprinkled with almonds. Simply delicious!
Another typical dessert is the goxua, a sponge cake soaked in syrup and accompanied by whipped cream, pastry cream, and caramelized sugar. There’s also the canutillo, which is a fried rolled puff pastry dough filled with pastry cream and decorated with powdered sugar. The Carolina is a miniature pastry crust filled with custard and topped with a meringue cone, and then typically coated with a sweet egg yolk glaze and dark chocolate. Any of these typical desserts can be a perfect finishing touch to any gastronomic route through Bilbao!
In terms of specific places to visit for dessert in Bilbao, we highly recommend a visit to Martina de Zuricalday, the oldest artisan bakery in the Basque Country. They’ve been sweetening the lives of the Basque since 1830! Since then, this coquettish locale has achieved an irreplaceable place in the list of must-visits when in Bilbao. You’ve got to taste the unique Bilbao butter buns (bollos de mantequilla)!
And that’s a wrap! We hope this guide to what to eat in Bilbao helps you in your foodie travels. See you next time!
