Bilbao Restaurants

The Asador Sidrería Arriaga
A traditional cider house and carvery, this is a typical Basque eating place offering grilled meat, fish and traditional cuisine. Situated at the heart of Bilbao's old quarter in a historical building, the ambience and the décor (stonework and large windows) make it the ideal spot for any type of celebration.

Santa María 13
Tel: (94) 416 5670.
Price: $$

Casa Vasca Restaurant
The Casa Vasca Restaurant, located in the Deusto district, specialises in traditional and classical Basque cuisine. The interior is decorated in typical Basque style, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Among the specialities are salt cod dishes such as Pil Pil. The wine cellar is impressive.

Avenida Lehendakari Aguirre 13-15
Tel: (94) 448 3980.
Website: www.casavasca.com  
Price: $$

El Perro Chico
It might be situated in a residential area of Bilbao, but that hasn't stopped El Perro Chico from becoming widely known for its top-notch food. The cuisine here is both modern and innovative, but has a very honest and authentic feel to it at the same time. The house speciality is roast duck in orange sauce served with seasonal vegetables. The dining area offers great views of the river and the Old Town.

Aretxaga 2
Tel: (94) 415 0519.
Price: $$

Etxanobe
This restaurant is located on the top floor of the Euskalduna Palace, overlooking the most modern part of town. The dining area is voluptuously decorated, with the ceiling draped in billowy fabric. The dishes are rich, flavoursome and highly innovative creations that are at the same time respectful of the region's culinary traditions. The service is excellent.

Palacio Euskalduna, Avenida de Abandoibarra 4
Tel: (94) 442 1071.
Website: www.etxanobe.com  
Price: $$$$

Victor Montes Restaurant
This is a popular favourite on the Plaza Nueva. Particularly busy during lunchtime when punters drop by the lower-floor bar to sample the excellent tapas, it also offers more quiet dining tables on the ground floor where generous portions of traditional Basque-style roasts, grilled seafood, fresh vegetables, soups and salads can be enjoyed.

Plaza Nueva 8
Tel: (94) 415 5603 or 7067.
Website: www.victormontesbilbao.com
Price: $

Zortziko
Zortziko is a gastronomic institution in Bilbao. Located in a late 19th-century mansion not far from the Guggenheim Museum, it offers contemporary haute cuisine with local roots. There are three dining rooms, each with its own individual style. The menu is seasonal and the innovative Basque creations by acclaimed chef Daniel Garcia are sublime and among the very best in the region.

Calle Alameda Mazarredo 17
Tel: (94) 423 9743.
Website: www.zortziko.es  
Price: $$$$