Bilbao - Top Restaurants
Download the Schmap Bilbao Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
Bilbao Home
Schmap Bilbao guide and map

If we can say that the Basque lands in general are known for their culinary traditions, then it must be pointed out that the region of Biscay, and its capital Bilbao, are the absolute masters in the art of Basque cuisine. Thanks to the city's proximity to the sea, fish are the ubiquitous stars of the local restaurants. Codfish, called "bacalao," is the most typical dish in such restaurants.





Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?Continue Anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC
Begoña


Walking distance from Basílica de Begoña
Virgen de Begoña, s/n
Bilbao 48006
+34 94 412 7257
This restaurant next to the "Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Begoña" started out back in 1970. All those who come here to visit the religous temple can't leave without visiting another temple, the gastronomic one. To get to both the restaurant and the basilica you take the Mallona elevator, which is at the Unamuno exit of Casco Viejo station. Those who are fit enough might want to work up an appetite by climbing the Begoña steps. Here you can enjoy "authentic traditional Basque cooking" and nothing less than the protection of the Begoña virgin, mother of Vizcayans. The star dishes at the Begoña are: spring onions stuffed with lambs' trotters, skewer of crayfish and monkfish, wild mushrooms baked with natural paté and steak fillet with Bordeaux sauce. The restaurant closes for holidays in August and Easter week.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Bermeo


One of best hotel restaurants
Ercilla, 37-39
Bilbao 48011
+34 94 410 2000
http://www.hotellopezdeharo.com
In keeping with its name, the decor of the dining room of Hotel Ercilla has a strong marine influence. It has not taken the name of a famous Vizcayan coastal location in vain. The walls of this luxurious establishment are decorated with pictures of boats. Considered one of the best hotel restaurants, in the Bermeo you can sample creative cooking where fish is the main star. The dishes most in demand here are: cod salad, baked sea bass with sauce, hake with seafood and cod prepared in two different ways, both of them delicious: "á la pil-pil" or "á la Vizcaína".

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Café Boulevard


Prestigious venue
Paseo del Arenal, 3
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005
+1 34 94 415 3128
An atmospheric 19th century cafe that was later refurbished in Art Deco style, it's become a meeting place for literary discussion groups on Tuesdays. It's popular with the general public as well and you'll find it opposite Arriaga Theatre. It serves excellent tapas, or pinchos, of things like potato omelette and peppers stuffed with cod along with sandwiches and ham and cheese on toast to eat with your drinks. You have to book the restaurant and arrange a menu in advance if you want to eat a proper sit-down meal here.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Café Boulevard photo by Thomas Cloer
Photo: Thomas Cloer
 

 
Euskalduna


Stews among classical and Basque music
Euskalduna, 4
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48008
+34 94421 3125
This is a restaurant in which the decor pays homage to the Basque classics of music. The establishment is decorated with mementos that evoke the opera and Basque musicians. Following the music analogy, we have to say that the cooking in the Euskaldena interprets the classic Basque repertoire perfectly. Nothing jars, there are no false notes. This is the place for those who know how to appreciate their music, which comes free with good cooking. The two arts complement one another perfectly here. To whet the appetite, here are a few suggestions: Vegetable Stew, Baked Sea-bass, Prime Rib, and Peaches with Walnuts and Cream. As for wines, there is a 92 Lan or an Imperial, Gran Reserva.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Euskalduna photo by Sergio Rodríguez
Photo: Sergio Rodríguez
Euskalduna photo by Josu Orbe
Photo: Josu Orbe
 

 
Jolastoki


One of Vizcaya's most famous
Avenida de Leioa, 24
Getxo, Vizcaya 48990
+1 34 94 491 2031
This is a luxurious place that offers sophisticated cooking in a chalet-style restaurant surrounded by pretty gardens 15km from Bilbao. You can choose from an informal glass-covered terrace dining room that's ideal for lunch on spring afternoons or a more formal dining room inside for winter evenings. It serves a range of traditional Basque dishes complemented by the chef's own imaginative creations that include sirloin of lamb with sweet onions and peach sauce, baked sea-bass with mushrooms and saffron oil, and sponge cake filled with chocolate for dessert. As for the wines, you'll find stars like a 1992 vintage Marqués de Vargas for 3200 ptas (EUR 19.23) and a superb Val de Reyes for just 1400 ptas (EUR 8.41).

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Kerren


Watch your meat grill
Iparraguirre, 56
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48010
+1 34 94 422 0089
You can be sure you're getting fresh food here because you can watch the chefs prepare everything in the open-plan kitchen. Grilled meats and fish are the specialities and they're best accompanied by fine wines like Viña Vallabona, very reasonably priced at 1000 ptas (EUR 6.01) a bottle. The interior perfectly evokes the style and atmosphere of an authentic old tavern, with bare stone walls lit by old-fashioned wrought-iron lamps. The lunchtime clientele tend to be office workers, but on weekends it's a much more varied crowd.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lamiak


Open all hours
Barrenkale Barrena, 7
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005
+1 34 94 415 9642
It's a venue that changes functions throughout the day to suit its clients. You can come for a late breakfast snack, pop in at lunchtime for tapas or come in the evening for serious drinking and music. You'll see displays of work by 'alternative' painters on the walls and you can entertain yourself chatting with friends or playing board games.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Mandoya


Luxury and quality in Casco Viejo
Perro, 3
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48005
+34 94 415 0228
This restaurant is situated in one of the most popular streets of Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Quarter). It is a luxurious establishment with a decor that has been thought out down to the last detail. It also professes to offer "unbeatable service". Up-dated traditional Basque cuisine is the speciality. One of the dishes not to be missed at the Mandoya is the lobster, which comes from the restaurant's own nursery. But apart from the lobster, here are a few other suggestions: seafood and smoked fish salad, charcoal-grilled sea-bass or "chuletón" (steak) with garnish. There is also a large selection of home-made desserts. Mandoya normally closes from the end of July through the first week in August.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Mandoya photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Taberna de los Mundos


Multi-cultural
Luchana, 1
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48008
+1 34 94 416 8181
A busy restaurant with a kitchen that shows culinary influences from all over the world, you'll find a wide range of imaginative dishes on the menu like endives stuffed with monkfish, prawns and country-style omelette with cod. It's so popular during the week you can't make reservations at lunchtime. You just have to turn up and hope you're lucky. The management organizes regular exhibitions of travel photography (to complement the exotic artifacts decorating the mahogany dining room walls) and other cultural activities. There's another branch on Calle Simón Bolívar, 17 (tel: 441 3523).

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Víctor Montes


Modernist facade
Plaza Nueva, 8
Bilbao, Vizcaya 48008
+1 34 94 415 5603
The best place in town to sit down and try cured Iberian meats, fresh fish and free-range beef. You can also buy all these products to take-away from the delicatessen counter. The bar offers a delicious selection of tapas, or pintxos, to savour with a glass of fine wine, like the house Paternina or a 1994 vintage Rioja. The huge range of spirits (including brandies and whiskies) behind the counter looks like a museum exhibition. You'll recognize it by its outstanding modernist facade coloured black with gold trimming, hidden behind one of the arches on Plaza Nueva, in the heart of the Casco Viejo (Old Town). You can sit out on the terrace in summer, if you can find a space.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Víctor Montes photo by Scott Bushnell
Photo: Scott Bushnell
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this City:Bilbao
Bilbao - Historical Background
Bilbao - Neighborhood Guide
Bilbao - Where to Stay
Bilbao - Dining & Drinking
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - Out & About
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - Deusto
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - Begoña
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - Uribarri
Bilbao - Sights & Attractions - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Sights & Attractions
Bilbao - Attractions & Landmarks
Bilbao - Historic Buildings
Bilbao - Churches & Temples
Bilbao - Baths, Saunas & Spas
Bilbao - Breweries & Wineries
Bilbao - Lakes, Rivers & Beaches
Bilbao - Parks & Gardens
Bilbao - Panorama
Bilbao - Zoos, Farms & Aquaria
Bilbao - Museums
Bilbao - Tourist Information Centers
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - Out & About
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - Deusto
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - Begoña
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - Uribarri
Bilbao - Trips & Activities - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Trips & Activities
Bilbao - Day Trips & Walks
Bilbao - Guided Tours
Bilbao - Marine Excursions
Bilbao - Fun Days Out
Bilbao - Educational Outings
Bilbao - The Great Outdoors
Bilbao - Hiking & Climbing
Bilbao - Extreme Sports
Bilbao - Miscellaneous Activities
Bilbao - Cycling Tracks
Bilbao - Equestrian Activities
Bilbao - Places to Fish
Bilbao - Golf Courses
Bilbao - Water Sports
Bilbao - Winter Sports
Bilbao - Gyms & Health Clubs
Bilbao - Sports Grounds
Bilbao - Hotels - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Hotels - Out & About
Bilbao - Hotels - Deusto
Bilbao - Hotels - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Hotels - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Hotels - Begoña
Bilbao - Hotels - Uribarri
Bilbao - Hotels - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Hotels
Bilbao - Hotels - Deluxe
Bilbao - Hotels - High-end
Bilbao - Hotels - Moderate
Bilbao - Hotels - Budget
Bilbao - Restaurants - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Restaurants - Out & About
Bilbao - Restaurants - Deusto
Bilbao - Restaurants - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Restaurants - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Restaurants - Begoña
Bilbao - Restaurants - Uribarri
Bilbao - Restaurants - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Restaurants
Bilbao - Restaurants - Afghan
Bilbao - Restaurants - African
Bilbao - Restaurants - American
Bilbao - Restaurants - Australian
Bilbao - Restaurants - Belgian
Bilbao - Restaurants - British & Irish
Bilbao - Restaurants - Caribbean
Bilbao - Restaurants - Central European
Bilbao - Restaurants - Chinese
Bilbao - Restaurants - East European
Bilbao - Restaurants - French
Bilbao - Restaurants - German & Austrian
Bilbao - Restaurants - Greek
Bilbao - Restaurants - Indian
Bilbao - Restaurants - Indonesian
Bilbao - Restaurants - Italian
Bilbao - Restaurants - Japanese
Bilbao - Restaurants - Korean
Bilbao - Restaurants - Malaysian
Bilbao - Restaurants - Mediterranean
Bilbao - Restaurants - Mexican
Bilbao - Restaurants - Middle Eastern
Bilbao - Restaurants - Pacific Rim
Bilbao - Restaurants - Portuguese
Bilbao - Restaurants - Scandinavian
Bilbao - Restaurants - South American
Bilbao - Restaurants - Spanish
Bilbao - Restaurants - Thai
Bilbao - Restaurants - Turkish
Bilbao - Restaurants - Vietnamese
Bilbao - Restaurants - Bistros & Brasseries
Bilbao - Restaurants - Breakfast & Brunch
Bilbao - Restaurants - Buffet
Bilbao - Cafés
Bilbao - Coffee Shops
Bilbao - Restaurants - Contemporary
Bilbao - Restaurants - Créperies
Bilbao - Restaurants - Delis & Diners
Bilbao - Restaurants - Fish & Seafood
Bilbao - Ice Cream Parlors
Bilbao - Juice Bars
Bilbao - Local Traditional Cuisine
Bilbao - Pizzeria
Bilbao - Soup Bars
Bilbao - Restaurants - Steak & Barbecue
Bilbao - Restaurants - Tapas
Bilbao - Tavernas
Bilbao - Tea Shops
Bilbao - Restaurants - Asian
Bilbao - Restaurants - Alfresco
Bilbao - Restaurants - Business
Bilbao - Restaurants - Dine with a View
Bilbao - Restaurants - Romantic
Bilbao - Restaurants - Child Friendly
Bilbao - Restaurants - Just for One
Bilbao - Restaurants - Kosher
Bilbao - Restaurants - Late/24-Hour
Bilbao - Restaurants - Organic
Bilbao - Restaurants - Theme
Bilbao - Restaurants - Vegetarian
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - Out & About
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - Deusto
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - Begoña
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - Uribarri
Bilbao - Bars & Clubs - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Bars & Clubs
Bilbao - Bars
Bilbao - Cocktail Bars
Bilbao - Wine Bars
Bilbao - Pubs
Bilbao - Beer Gardens
Bilbao - Bierkeller
Bilbao - Sports Bars
Bilbao - Theme Bars
Bilbao - Nightclubs
Bilbao - Gay & Lesbian
Bilbao - Extra Late
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - Out & About
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - Deusto
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - Begoña
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - Uribarri
Bilbao - Art & Entertainment - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Art & Entertainment
Bilbao - Art Galleries
Bilbao - Casinos & Arcades
Bilbao - Cinemas
Bilbao - Comedy & Cabaret
Bilbao - Theater
Bilbao - Dance
Bilbao - Live Music
Bilbao - Concerts
Bilbao - Opera
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - Out & About
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - Deusto
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - Begoña
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - Uribarri
Bilbao - Shopping & Services - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Shopping & Services
Bilbao - Antiques
Bilbao - Art Supplies
Bilbao - Bookshops
Bilbao - Clothing & Fashion
Bilbao - Computers & Software
Bilbao - Food & Wine
Bilbao - Jewelry & Accessories
Bilbao - Markets
Bilbao - Shoe Stores
Bilbao - Souvenirs & Local Goods
Bilbao - Specialty Stores
Bilbao - Sports & Outdoor Gear
Bilbao - Stores & Arcades
Bilbao - Toy Stores
Bilbao - Hairdressers & Barbers
Bilbao - Taxi Firms
Bilbao - Public Transport
Bilbao - Currency Exchange
Bilbao - Internet
Bilbao - Services - Business
Bilbao - Services - Local
Bilbao - Events - All Bilbao
Bilbao - Events - Out & About
Bilbao - Events - Deusto
Bilbao - Events - Gran Vía
Bilbao - Events - Casco Viejo
Bilbao - Events - Begoña
Bilbao - Events - Uribarri
Bilbao - Events - Zabálburu
Bilbao - All Events
Bilbao - Major Events
Bilbao - Sporting Events
Bilbao - Cultural Events
Bilbao - Festivals
Bilbao - Exhibitions
Bilbao - Carnivals & Processions
Bilbao - Street Parties
Bilbao - Trade Fairs
Bilbao - Top Attractions
Bilbao - Top Events
Bilbao - Top Hotels
Bilbao - Top Restaurants
Bilbao - Top Nightlife
Bilbao - Exploring the Casco Viejo
Bilbao - A Tour of the Ensanche

guide schmapplets for other cities:Adelaide
Albuquerque
Amsterdam
Anchorage
Antwerp
Atlanta
Auckland
Austin
Baltimore
Barcelona
Bath
Belfast
Berkeley
Berlin
Bilbao
Birmingham
Boise
Bologna
Bonn
Bordeaux
Boston
Boulder
Brighton
Brisbane
Bristol
Brussels
Budapest
Buffalo
Calgary
Cambridge
Canberra
Cannes
Cardiff
Chattanooga
Chicago
Christchurch
Cologne
Copenhagen
Cork
Dallas
Denver
Detroit
Dublin
Dusseldorf
Edinburgh
Florence
Florida Keys
Fort Lauderdale
Fort Myers
Fort Worth
Frankfurt
Galway
Genoa
Glasgow
Gothenburg
Hamburg
Hawaii
Helsinki
Hobart
Honolulu
Houston
Jacksonville
Kauai
Killarney
Lake Tahoe
Las Vegas
Leeds
Liverpool
London
Los Angeles
Lyon
Madrid
Manchester
Marseille
Maui and Molokai
Melbourne
Memphis
Miami
Milan
Minneapolis
Monterey and Carmel
Montpellier
Montreal
Munich
Napa Valley
Naples
Nashville
Newcastle upon Tyne
New Orleans
New York
Niagara Falls
Nice
Oklahoma City
Omaha
Orlando
Oslo
Ottawa
Oxford
Paris
Perth
Philadelphia
Phoenix
Plymouth
Portland
Prague
Reno
Richmond
Rome
Sacramento
Salamanca
Salt Lake City
Salzburg
San Antonio
San Diego
San Francisco
San Jose and Silicon Valley
Seattle
Seville
Sheffield
Southampton
St. Louis
Stockholm
Sydney
Tampa
Tampere
Toledo
Toronto
Trieste
Tucson
Turin
Valencia
Vancouver
Venice
Verona
Vienna
Washington DC
Wellington
York
Yosemite
Zaragoza

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.