Best pintxos in Bilbao

Discover the essential spots to enjoy the best pintxos in Bilbao. This guide explores the city's vibrant gastronomic scene, from traditional bars in the Old Town to innovative offerings in Ensanche and Plaza Nueva. You'll find recommendations for an authentic pintxos crawl, including tips on how to order and local etiquette. Perfect for foodies and travelers seeking a genuine culinary experience in the Basque Country.

284100% verified
  1. 1

    Tortilla de Patatas Pintxo (Café Iruña)

    175 Global Votes
    • Best pintxo we had in Bilbao

      (+2)

    This pintxo stands out for its traditional preparation and the use of fresh ingredients, resulting in a juicy and flavorful Spanish omelette. Its popularity at the historic Café Iruña, an emblematic establishment in Bilbao, solidifies its reputation as a must-visit stop for authentic pintxo culture. The wedge of omelette with ham filling is unsurpassed, offering an exceptional culinary experience.

  2. 2

    Bacalao al Pil-Pil Pintxo (Víctor Montes Restaurant)

    65 Global Votes
    • Considered one of the best pintxos bars in Bilbao

      (+4)

    This pintxo is a benchmark of Basque cuisine, standing out for its traditional preparation of bacalao al pil-pil, a perfect emulsion of oil, garlic, and fish gelatin. Its presentation on red pepper and toasted bread in a historic Bilbao establishment offers an authentic and high-quality gastronomic experience.

  3. 3

    Gilda Pintxo (Bar Charly, Bilbao, Old Town)

    28 Global Votes
    • Small but perfectly formed

      (+4)

    Bar Charly's Gilda is a classic bite that encapsulates the essence of the traditional Basque pintxo, offering a balanced combination of sharp, savoury, and spicy flavours. This historic establishment in Bilbao's Old Town is renowned for its authenticity and for keeping the pintxo culture alive, serving a Gilda that stands out for the quality of its ingredients and its unmistakable taste.

  4. 4

    Mushroom Pintxo (Motrikes, Bilbao)

    10 Global Votes
    • Excellent mushroom pintxos

      (+4)

    This pintxo is a Bilbao institution, celebrated for its grilled mushrooms with a spicy kick and a unique marinade. Its distinctive flavor and preparation at the iconic Bar Motrikes make it an essential gastronomic experience in the Old Town.

  5. 5

    Stuffed Pepper Pintxo (Gaztandegui)

    6 Global Votes
    • Offers a wide variety of cheese pintxos

      (+4)

    This pintxo offers an exceptional combination of sweet piquillo peppers and a savory filling, often bonito del norte or crab, which delights the palate. Its preparation at Gaztandegui, a renowned establishment for its quality, ensures an authentic and memorable culinary experience in Bilbao.

  6. All the rankings you can imagine

    Thousands of verified votes to discover the best. Your vote here counts

  7. 6

    Txangurro Gratinado Pintxo

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered a masterpiece

      (+4)

    This pintxo is a culinary masterpiece, acclaimed for its unparalleled flavor and artistic presentation. Its legendary combination of gratinéed spider crab on toasted bread has made it a gastronomic benchmark in Bilbao, attracting both locals and tourists.

  8. 7

    Foie Gras Pintxo

    0 Global Votes
    • Luxurious bite-sized delicacy

      (+4)

    This pintxo offers a high-level culinary experience, standing out for its fresh grilled foie combined with apple and Pedro Ximénez. Its preparation exemplifies haute cuisine in miniature, solidifying Gure Toki's reputation as a gastronomic reference in Bilbao.

  9. 8

    Pintxo de Rabas

    0 Global Votes
    • A classic Bilbao appetizer on Sundays

    This pintxo stands out for the quality of its rabas, described as "very good" by diners, ensuring an exceptional culinary experience. La Viña del Ensanche, with over 90 years of history, is a Bilbao institution, renowned for its tradition and the excellence of its products, including its famous pintxos.

  10. 9

    Pintxo de Pulpo a la Gallega

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the city's best Pulpo a la Gallega

      (+4)

    This pintxo is a benchmark for its authentic Galician-style octopus flavor, expertly prepared and served in an ideal format for pintxo hopping. Its quality and the freshness of its ingredients make it a standout option for those seeking a traditional gastronomic experience in Bilbao.

  11. 10

    Croquetas Pintxo (Txiriboga)

    0 Global Votes
    • Excellent variety and quality of pintxos

      (+4)

    Txiriboga's croquettes are renowned for their freshness and exceptional flavor, with varieties changing daily. They are made on the spot, offering an authentic and high-quality culinary experience that attracts both locals and tourists.

  12. 11

    Pintxo de Carrilleras

    0 Global Votes
    • Brutal

    This pintxo stands out for the tenderness and deep flavor of its slow-cooked cheeks, prepared to perfection at Bar Roma Cafetería. Its traditional preparation and the quality of its ingredients make it a memorable culinary experience for lovers of Basque gastronomy.