Andra Mari Galdakao

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.

• Web:

  https://andra-mari.com

• E-mail:

  andramari@andra-mari.com

• Address:

  Barrio Elexalde 22, Elexalde Auzoa

• Phone:

  +34 944 56 00 05

El Viejo Zortzi

El Viejo Zortzi is an elegant, inviting tavern known for its market-fresh Basque cuisine and one of the best wine selections in the city. At the bar, you’ll find hot pintxos made to order, while the dining room serves seasonal plates with a creative touch. Try the cod pil-pil or fresh hake in garlic sauce if they’re on the menu, and don’t miss the wine list, which spans nearly 20 countries and features rare bottles available by the glass. Reservations are a good idea for dinner, especially on weekends.

• Web:

  https://viejozortzi.es

• Address:

  Poza Lizentziatuaren Kalea 54, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 41 92 49

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 1pm–4:30pm / 8pm–11pm; Sat 1pm–4:30pm, Sun closed

Etxanobe

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.

• Web:

  www.etxanobe.com

• E-mail:

  etxanobe@etxanobe.com

• Address:

  Calle Juan Ajuriaguerra Kalea, 8, Abando, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 42 10 71

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 1pm–3:30pm / 7:30pm–10:30pm; Sun closed

Gaminiz

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.

• Web:

  https://gaminiz.com

• Address:

  Parque Tecnológico de Zamudio, Ibaizabal, Zamudio

• Phone:

  +34 944 31 70 25

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8:30am–4:30pm, Sat & Sun closed

Gure Toki

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.

• Web:

  www.guretoki.com

• Address:

  Plaza Berria 12, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 15 80 37

• Opening hours:

  Mon & Tue 10am–11pm, Thu–Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 10am–4pm, Wed closed

Irrintzi

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.

• Web:

  http://irrintzi.es

• Address:

  Andra Maria Kalea 8, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 16 76 16

Bar Marzana

An unpretentious and laid-back riverside bar where locals and tourists gather for tapas, snacks, and a variety of drinks, from beer and wine to Basque cider. The terrace offers a prime view of the Nervión River, making it a perfect spot to unwind as the city lights come on.

• Address:

  Martzana Kalea 16, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 946 75 30 36

Bihotz Café

Bihotz is a modern cocktail lounge, coffee shop, and a favourite neighbourhood hangout in Indautxu. The bartenders get creative with both classic and signature cocktails, often highlighting local ingredients, while the café side serves excellent coffee. Craft beer lovers will also find a curated selection of local brews.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/bihotzcafe

• Address:

  Arechaga Kalea 6, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 71 96 74

Bilborock

Bilborock is a vibrant cultural venue housed in a repurposed 17th-century church. It hosts everything from live music concerts and theatre performances to dance shows, poetry readings, workshops, and film screenings. Check their website for the event calendar to see what’s happening during your visit; there’s always something creative going on.

• Web:

  https://bilbaogazte.bilbao.eus

• Address:

  Mesedeetako Kaia 1, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 15 13 06

Café Bar Bilbao

Cafe Bar Bilbao is a popular, retro-style bar tucked just off Plaza Nueva. The long counter is lined with classic Basque pintxos and snacks, perfect for a quick bite, while the drinks menu covers everything from coffee to local beers.

• Address:

  Plaza Berria 6, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 15 16 71

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 7am–11pm, Sat 8:30am–10:30pm, Sun 8:30am–3pm

Café Iruña

Café Iruña is one of Bilbao’s most iconic cafés, established in 1903 and located near the Jardines de Albia. Known for its stunning Moorish-inspired interior, with decorative tiles and murals, it’s a place where history and local culture meet. The café offers a wide range of options, from breakfasts and coffee to pintxos and à la carte dishes, with highlights including the 'serranito' sandwich and Moorish-style pinchos.

• Web:

  www.cafeirunabilbao.net

• Address:

  Colón de Larreátegui K., 13, Abando, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 23 70 21

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 9am–11pm, Fri 9am–midnight, Sat 11am–midnight, Sun 11am–11pm

El Globo

El Globo is a cosy, low-lit tapas bar in the heart of Bilbao, just a short walk from the Palacio de la Diputación. Known for a wide variety of pintxos and a carefully curated selection of Spanish wines, it’s a favourite with both locals and visitors. There’s also a dedicated vegetarian section, so everyone can find something to enjoy.

• Web:

  www.barelglobo.es

• Address:

  Diputazio Kalea 8, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 31 38 58

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 9am–11pm, Fri 9am–midnight, Sat 11am–midnight, Sun noon–11pm

ARVO Specialty Coffee

ARVO is a trendy café just a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum, famous for its brunch and healthy lunch options. The menu features tostadas, açai bowls, creative sandwiches, and fresh juices. Coffee here is taken seriously, with specialty roasts, flat whites, matcha drinks, and even turmeric lattes.

• Web:

  https://arvobilbao.es

• Address:

  Barraincúa Kalea, 9, Abando, Bilbao

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 8:30am–4pm, Fri & Sat 8:30am–7pm

Bistró

After a long visit to the Guggenheim Museum, why not rest your feet at their stylish in-house bistro? Alongside coffee, cocktails, and inventive Basque cuisine, the highlight here is the terrace, situated right on the edge of the Nervión River and surrounded by the museum’s striking titanium curves.

• Web:

  https://bistroguggenheimbilbao.com

• Address:

  Abandoibarra Etorbidea 2, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 23 93 33

Bohemian Lane

Bohemian Lane is a small and charming all-vegan bakery and café offering a wide variety of homemade sweet treats: cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and palmeritas, plus vegan twists on classics like tortillas, pastries, and brownies. And to wash it all down? plant-based coffees and fresh juices.

• Web:

  https://bohemianlanebilbao.com

• Address:

  Harategi Zahar Kalea, 3, Ibaiondo, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 680 81 94 23

Charamel Gozotegia

Charamel Gozotegia is a quaint local bakery nestled in the heart of Bilbao's Casco Viejo. This artisanal pastry shop offers a mouth-watering array of homemade pastries, cakes, and sweet treats, all crafted in-house. It’s a perfect stop for breakfast, a coffee break, or an afternoon indulgence while exploring the Old Town.

• Address:

  Jardines Kalea, 2, Ibaiondo, Bilbao

• Phone:

  +34 944 16 59 84

Cokooncafé

Cokooncafé is one of Bilbao’s most popular spots for breakfast and brunch. The menu includes avocado-topped tostadas, fluffy pancakes, fresh juices, sweet cookies, and expertly crafted specialty coffees. It’s a cosy place that fills up quickly, so arriving early is a good idea.

• Web:

  https://cokooncafe.com

• Address:

  Iparraguirre Kalea, 5, Abando, Bilbao

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 9am–2pm, Mon closed