Mao

Bilbao

Copyright: Prajak Poonyawatpornkul/Shutterstock.com

DESTINATIONS spain bilbao Dining Mao

Mao

If you want to tickle your taste buds with Japanese food of the highest quality, you definitely have to visit Mao. The chefs use excellent raw products, and the food is prepared before guests' eyes. A few dishes served at the restaurant are the salmon tart, teppanyaki rice with lotus leaf and sushi sashimi moriaware. On the wine list, you will find more than 150 different labels.

Dining

Bilbao is the home of Basque cuisine–considered the most inventive cuisine in both Spain and France. The city is famous for an array of dishes and for its delicious tapas-like appetizers called pintxos. Seafood forms the heart of Basque cooking, thanks to its strong 'arrantzale' fishing tradition, with cod-based dishes and hake being particularly popular. Despite this, Bilbao offers many other types of traditional food too, making it equally delicious for those who tend to favour meat-based dishes or even for vegetarians. The food here is so mouth-watering that many visitors return to Bilbao solely for the culinary experience.

El Viejo Zortzi

El Viejo Zortzi

El Viejo Zortzi is the little brother of Zortziko. The difference between the restaurants is that El Viejo Zortzi is more informal and the prices are significantly lower than Zortziko. The quality remains, of course, the same. El Viejo Zortzi has a modern take on traditional Basque food, such as fillet of cod in pil-pil …

Etxanobe

This fine-dining restaurant has a great view of the Guggenheim, which beautifully complements the creative and artfully plated Basque dishes served here, such as chocolaty oxtail crépinettes and cold anchovy lasagna in tomato soup. One of the most popular dishes was not created by the chef himself but is actually a recipe from his grandmother. …

Gaminiz

Located in Zamudio, slightly out of the centre of town is one of Bilbao’s most famous restaurants. It's about 10 km from the city centre and a bit tricky to find, but the trip is well worth it. Cod is the main item on the menu, but don’t forget to try other dishes, like squab …

Guggenheim Bilbao

Guggenheim Bilbao

For a slightly less expensive taste of Martin Berasategui’s new Basque cuisine, head to his restaurant at the Guggenheim Museum. The menu includes some real gems like tempura hake with sautéed mange-touts and Biscay cheese. It's not possible to order one dish at the restaurant, but you'll pick a menu which consists of a traditional …

Gure Toki

At this small tapas bar, you can relish fantastic pintxos, which are wonderfully executed with a creative touch. Some dishes you can find on the menu are beef ribs with seaweed, crab tempura, and mushroom risotto. This is a popular place, so it might be crowded but definitely worth the …

Mao

If you want to tickle your taste buds with Japanese food of the highest quality, you definitely have to visit Mao. The chefs use excellent raw products, and the food is prepared before guests' eyes. A few dishes served at the restaurant are the salmon tart, teppanyaki rice with lotus leaf and sushi sashimi …

Porrue

Enjoy well-prepared Spanish food at this cool and elegant restaurant. The fresh food is inventive and tasty and served by attentive staff. The ingredients are mostly from local farmers or fishermen, to support the local community. Try the 8-dish course with lots of different exciting flavours, accompanied by a glass of good Spanish wine, …

Restaurante Mina

Restaurante Mina

Located in the heart of Bilbao, Mina is a gastronomic restaurant with only 8 tables for 25-30 guests. The menu reflects each season, and the chefs use local produce from the market and nearest farms. You can also sit at the ''barra'', an oak counter in front of the chef, and take a peek …

Irrintzi

Young and vibrant tapas bar offering a great variety of pintxos, plus beers and cocktails in one of the most tranquil streets of the Old Quarter of …

Restaurante Lar

Restaurante Lar

Restaurante Lar is a small family-run restaurant that serves traditional Spanish food. Their focus is on seafood and seasonal products, which are carefully prepared. This charming restaurant has a simple decor with family photos adorning the …

Kasko

At this restaurant, you can indulge in modern Basque cuisine. Kasko is located in the Old Quarter of Bilbao and offers a great mix of traditional and modern food. The atmosphere of the restaurant is special, with decor planned out by the famous Vicente and Fernando Roscubas. The portions are huge, so make sure to …

Yandiola

Located at the top of Azkuna Zentroa, a historic building in the heart of Bilbao, Yandiola offers you one of the city's most beautiful views. It serves innovative basque cuisine based in local products, tradition and …

Restaurante Zortziko

Restaurante Zortziko

At this classy restaurant, a meal is like a work of art. The chefs aim to reflect the flavour and culture of a country in their dishes and pay close attention to even the tiniest of details. At Zortziko, you get the best of Basque cuisine in an authentic setting. The Menú Tradición is highly …

Andra Mari Galdakao

Andra Mari Galdakao

Surrounded by nature, this charming restaurant is your place for a perfectly Basque experience. The wood building fuses elegance and comfort in a homey atmosphere, and the genuine local cuisine is made with some of the best ingredients in the region. Andra Mari is the kind of hidden gem you would recommend to good …

Arzak

Located in San Sebastian, this family-run business from 1897 is one of the most high-class restaurants in the area. It has been distinguished for its cuisine and ambience several times in the past. Arzak offers tasting menus specializing in modern Basque fare. The choice of wine is splendid, and you can combine your dinner …