The 20 Best Restaurants in Bilbao, Basque Country

Formaggi specializes in Italian-style pizzas and calzones with well-made dough, generous seasoning, and flavorful tomato sauce. Guests highlight classic options like margherita and salami with mushrooms, as well as tiramisu and pistachio desserts. The interior is clean and inviting, with attentive staff and an engaged owner contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

Set among vineyards near Bilbao, Txakoli Simon offers traditional Basque cooking in a peaceful, rural setting. Grilled specialties such as steak and squid, along with housemade charcuterie and anchovies, highlight the kitchen’s focus on robust local flavors. An extensive regional wine selection and attentive, personable service complete the relaxed yet well-organized dining experience indoors or on the terrace.

San Telmo Pastificio offers Italian cooking centered on fresh, housemade pasta and carefully prepared sauces. Dishes are served al dente with flavors that recall home-style recipes, complemented by simple, elegant presentation. The warmly furnished dining room and attentive staff create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Desserts continue the focus on craft and detail for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Located on Plaza Nueva, Gure Toki specializes in inventive pintxos that showcase both classic and modern Basque flavors. Guests choose from an abundant display at the bar while the kitchen continually sends out fresh options, from seafood and vegetable bites to rich cheeses and sausages. The lively bar and mix of indoor and outdoor seating create an energetic, informal dining experience.

La Viña del Ensanche offers a lively setting in central Bilbao, known for high-quality ingredients and carefully prepared Basque-style dishes. Guests enjoy classic pintxos and plates such as ham croquettes, grilled fish, and seasonal vegetables. Attentive, personable service and an energetic bar atmosphere make it a popular choice for both snacks and full meals.

Restaurante Yandiola is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering refined Basque and Spanish-inspired cuisine with careful presentation and thoughtful flavor combinations. Located inside Bilbao’s Azkuna Zentroa, it pairs creative dishes, such as cod prepared in traditional styles, with a well-regarded wine selection. The atmosphere is lively yet elegant, and service is attentive and polished.

Buddha Palace offers Indian and Nepalese cuisine with flavorful curries, tandoori specialties, and classic dishes like lamb saag and biryani. Portions are described as satisfying, and staff members are attentive, taking time to explain the menu and make guests feel welcome. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, focusing attention on the food and warm service.

Odoloste is a Michelin-selected restaurant offering contemporary cuisine with a strong focus on presentation and carefully developed flavors. Tasting menus, including a pork-focused option, highlight seasonal ingredients and inventive combinations. The dining room is cozy, and the experienced service team maintains a professional yet approachable style, creating a relaxed, engaging experience.

La Roca offers traditional local cuisine with a mix of meat, fish, salads, and classic desserts served in an authentic bar-restaurant setting. A daily menu complements an à la carte selection, appealing to a range of tastes. The atmosphere is lively with many local guests, while the attentive staff provide thoughtful guidance on dishes and wine and are receptive to special requests.

Kapikua Plaza Euskadi is a casual café and pintxos bar offering classic Spanish and Basque-style snacks, from croissants and tortilla to a selection of pintxos. Guests highlight the well-made coffee and the welcoming, efficient service, even for those unfamiliar with the local language. The space is clean and organized, with both indoor tables and a covered outdoor area that adds to its neighborhood appeal.

La Olla Plaza Nueva serves Basque-inspired cuisine with carefully prepared dishes and generous portions. Guests highlight specialties such as squid ink Basque-style paella, Iberian meats, aged steaks, and classic desserts like torrija. Service is described as quick, courteous, and attentive, even when the dining room is full.