10 Best Pintxos in Bilbao

Exploring Bilbao through its bars, taverns and restaurants is one of the best things to do in Bilbao. And if there is one star of the show, it is pintxos, an icon of Basque cuisine that you will find in both traditional establishments and more innovative venues.

In this guide, you will discover some of the best bars to enjoy them, from historic classics to gourmet offerings that combine tradition and creativity.

Baste is a traditional Basque tavern in the heart of the Old Quarter. It is a must on some of the best gastronomic tours of Bilbao and its speciality is stuffed mussels or mojojones, with béchamel sauce, peppers and tomato, battered and fried.

The atmosphere is informal, always lively, with tables and a bar where the service is friendly and the food is carefully prepared. It is one of those bars where you can feel the tradition of Bilbao in every bite, accompanied by a good local white wine or a txakoli. Here, it is not the décor that matters, but the flavour and authenticity.

Details of interest:

• Address: Muñoz María Kalea, 6, 48005 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–1:00.

In the heart of the Old Quarter, Bodega Joserra is famous for its bocadillos: small sandwiches with tuna or classic fillings such as pork loin, ham or chorizo. A century-old, unpretentious establishment, much loved by the locals.

** Its charm lies in its simplicity**: a modest bar, loyal customers and the aroma of freshly baked bread and cured meats that transports you to another era. Eating here is like travelling back to the Bilbao of yesteryear, when gastronomy was above all a social event and sharing the bar with strangers was the norm.

Interesting details:

• Address: Cantón Alejandro de la Sota, 3, 48005 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:00–23:00.

El Eme has been serving its famous triangles of bread with ham, lettuce and an irresistible secret sauce for over half a century.

Although it sounds simple, this sandwich is an emblem of the city, with a soft texture and addictive flavour. The ritual of ordering several triangles to share — or to challenge each other to see who can eat the most — is part of the experience. The place has kept its traditional bar spirit, with fast service and a constant flow of customers.

Details of interest:

• Address: General Concha Kalea, 5, 48008 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00–21:00.

In Plaza Nueva, Gure Toki combines haute cuisine and Basque tradition in pintxo format. Among its specialities, the soft-boiled eggs with mushrooms, potatoes and Idiazábal cheese cream are a must.

Here, the bar is always full, not only because of its privileged location but also because of a menu that surprises with every bite. The presentation is meticulous and each pintxo looks like a small culinary work of art, making it a must for foodies and visitors looking for innovation without losing their roots.

Details of interest:

• Address: Plaza Nueva, 12, 48005 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 10:00–23:00 (Sundays until 16:00).

On the outskirts of the Old Town, this bar specialises in tortillas, but its star attraction is the Moorish lamb pintxo, a recipe that has remained unchanged for over 50 years.

The bar has a relaxed, neighbourhood atmosphere, where regulars mingle with curious visitors in search of its fame. In addition to the morunos, the menu offers options such as cod and sirloin steak, always served generously and with a homemade flavour.

Interesting details:

• Address: Iturribide Kalea, 8, 48006 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 12:00–15:00 and 18:00–23:00; Friday and Saturday until 01:00; closed on Mondays.

On Calle Diputación, El Globo bar is famous for its txangurro gratinado: spider crab meat served as a pintxo, ideal for seafood lovers.

Its extensive and varied bar includes other local specialities that complete a very Bilbao experience. The atmosphere is lively, with locals and tourists sharing space while enjoying fresh produce and carefully prepared recipes.

Details of interest:

• Address: Diputación Kalea, 8, 48008 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00–23:00; Friday and Saturday, 9:00–00:00.

Taberna Basaras is a temple for lovers of fresh anchovies, prepared simply but with exceptional quality.

The small, cosy establishment retains the essence of classic taverns, where the friendly staff and family atmosphere make a visit as enjoyable as the pintxos they serve. A perfect place to start or end a bar crawl through the Old Quarter.

Details of interest:

• Address: Andra Maria Kalea, 16, 48005 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 12:00–23:00; Sunday until 16:00.

Bar Berton stands out for its refined atmosphere and its sirloin pintxos, such as txapelas with quail eggs or medallions with foie gras.

This is an elegant establishment with a traditional touch, where the product is the star of the show. Every detail is taken care of, from the presentation to the combination of flavours, and it is usually full of people at both lunch and dinner.

Details of interest:

• Address: Jardines Kalea, 11, 48005 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: every day, 9:00–00:00.

Founded in 1903, Café Iruña is a true symbol of Bilbao and a must-see for any pintxo lover. Located next to the Albia Gardens, this establishment stands out for its impressive Mudejar-inspired décor and the history that permeates each of its rooms. It is an ideal place to take a break during a tour of the city centre.

Although its pintxo bar offers a wide variety of high-quality pintxos, the jewel in the crown is its famous pintxos morunos: skewers of tender meat with spices, grilled to order on a plancha in full view of the customer. Add to this a lively yet elegant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying both breakfast and an informal dinner.

Details of interest:

• Address: Colón de Larreátegui Kalea, 13, 48001 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Open every day from 8:00 to 23:00.

Located in the heart of Plaza Nueva, Víctor Montes combines tradition and sophistication in one of Bilbao's best-known venues for sampling pintxos. This elegant restaurant and bar has been offering Basque cuisine for over a century and is now famous for attracting both locals and visitors from all over the world.

Its bar stands out for its high-quality pintxos that combine seafood and garden produce with impeccable presentation. Among the favourites are grilled foie gras with caramelised apple, Cantabrian anchovies and Iberian ham montaditos. All accompanied by an excellent wine and champagne list.

Details of interest:

• Address: Plaza Nueva, 8, 48005 Bilbao.
• Opening hours: Open every day from 11:00 to 23:00.