Pintxos in Bilbao
One of the main attractions in Bilbao are the typical pintxos (or "pinchos"), miniature works of art that will most definitely win over your taste buds. Almost all the bars in the city’s taverns are full of these little snacks. So, what better way of adjusting to the local customs than visiting the taverns there to try out some of the pintxos and have a nice wine?
Pinchos traditionally consist of a small slice of bread with a portion of food on top held together with a cocktail stick. However, over time, pinchos have become increasingly more complicated creations thanks to the abundance of young chefs in the Basque Country and the influence of Schools of Haute Cuisine. You can currently find traditional to more elaborate, experimental pinchos, which are prepared with such great care and come so beautifully presented that it’ll be a shame to eat them (well, maybe not so much….).
The best places to go for pinchos in Bilbao are in the Old Town, the Abando and Indautxu districts. Here are some bars that we recommend so that you can choose what you want, as when you go for pinchos you don’t have to stay in just one!
PINTXOS IN THE OLD TOWN
Bar Irrintzi (8, Calle Santa María) – One of the most popular with a relaxed atmosphere and a large variety of “haute cuisine” pinchos. Their speciality consists of mushroom filled with foie gras and baby squid croquettes.
Gure Toki (12, Plaza Nueva) – Rich, tasty pinchos with personality. Their Idiazabal cheese soup served with egg and wild mushrooms won the first prize in the Bilbao-Bizkaia Pinchos Championships this year.
Xukela (2, Calle del Perro) – An unusual bar where you can try pinchos, portions and a selection of cheeses and meat.
Café Bilbao (6, Plaza Nueva) – Offering a high quality and wide selection of cheeses and patés, this pincho establishment is one of the most popular in the city.
Río Oja (4, Calle Perro) – An old bar serving casseroles and typical pinchos, with baby squid and anchovy casserole featuring amongst the most popular.
Melilla y Fez (7, Calle Iturribide) – The first bar to serve Morrocan skewer pinchos in Bilbao. They continue to be their best dish, but they also offer other delicious things to eat.
PINTXOS IN THE ABANDO AND INDAUTXU DISCTRICT, AS WELL AS OTHER AREAS
El Huevo Frito (1, Calle García Ribero) – A classic offering a variety of traditional pinchos. “Huevoheim”, consisting of ham, pepper stew and quail egg is one of the most popular dishes.
Baden Baden (75, Gran vía) – They offer a large variety of modern pinchos with the more popular dishes consisting of croutons with courgette and oven-baked aubergine with bacon and home-made foie gras.
Bar Izaro (66, Calle Alameda Urkijo) – A small bar offering high-quality pinchos, famous for its tasty Spanish Championship-winning potato omelette.
El Globo (8, Calle Diputación) – A very popular bar amongst the locals with classic, as well as original pinchos on offer.
La Viña del Ensanche (10, Calle Diputación) – A bar that has been serving pinchos and snacks for over 80 years.
Oriotarra (30, Calle Blas de Otero) – Another one of the best bars offering a wide selection of pinchos with diverse prizes in their wake.
The truth is that there is a large variety of bars where you can try pinchos of all kinds… So, go on and try a few, as well as discover some new bars and taverns. And if you want some more, or if you fancy buying some, here are a few places where you can try pinchos in San Sebastian! Enjoy!
Laura – Marketing Team
