Bilbao

Víctor Monteshas been serving Basque cuisine since 1849, making it a true reference point for traditional cooking in Bilbao. The restaurant sits in a former market space with an ornately painted facade, and inside, white marble tables look out over Plaza Nueva in the Old Town. The menu focuses on gourmet pintxos and classic Basque dishes made with high-quality, local ingredients. Stop by a relaxed meal or a few tapas while watching life in one of Bilbao’s most historic squares.

Etxanobe sits on the edge of the Guggenheim, giving diners a view that’s almost as impressive as the food served here. The restaurant specialises in creative Basque cuisine, with artfully plated dishes like chocolaty oxtail crépinettes or cold anchovy lasagna in tomato soup. One highlight is 'Grandmother’s Cake', a recipe passed down from the chef’s grandmother.

About 10 km from Bilbao, Gaminiz sits in the Parque Tecnológico de Zamudio and is worth the short trip if you’re into food that mixes tradition and a bit of playfulness. Cod is the star here — you’ll find it in pil-pil, vizcaína, and club Ranero styles. But the menu also offers dishes like grilled squid, octopus, and slow-cooked meats. The tasting menu is a great option if you want to try several dishes in one go.

Gure Toki is a small and popular tapas bar where contemporary Basque cooking meets inventive pintxos. You’ll find dishes like beef ribs with seaweed, crab tempura, and mushroom risotto alongside a well-curated selection of regional wines. The space has a modern, industrial-chic feel, and the bar buzzes with locals, so it can get crowded, but the wait is part of the experience.

Irrintzi is a bustling tapas bar tucked into one of the quieter streets of Bilbao’s Old Quarter serving a variety of pintxos alongside beer and cocktails in a colourful setting with mural-covered walls.

Lar is a small family-run restaurant serving traditional Spanish dishes, with an emphasis on seafood and seasonal local produce, carefully prepared. The dining room is unpretentious, cosy, and lined with family photos, giving it a homely, welcoming feel.

Yandiola sits on the top floor of Azkuna Zentroa, giving you one of the best views in Bilbao while you eat. The space inside the cultural centre is stylish, with clever lighting that highlights the modern yet comfortable design. The menu is an updated take on Basque tradition, plus tasting menus if you want to try a bit of everything.

Set in a traditional farmhouse surrounded by nature, Andra Mari Galdakao offers an exclusive Basque experience. The rustic wood building feels homey yet elegant, with two dining rooms and a bar, all with views over the Ibaizábal river valley. The cuisine focuses on the rural and maritime roots of Vizcaya, reinterpreted with a modern touch and the best seasonal ingredients from small local producers. Highlights include hake with salsa verde, and there are both à la carte and tasting menus. The restaurant’s origin goes back to the Asúa family, who opened it to provide rest and food for pilgrims visiting the 13th-century Andra Mari church nearby.