€€Basque
In this modern restaurant that stands out for its terrace (on the 7th floor of the Radisson Collection Hotel), chef Eneko Atxa conjures up cuisine that combines traditional Basque cooking and the occasional contemporary touch. The concise à la carte is well complemented by three tasting menus: Bilbao, Bizkaia, and Vegetariano (a children’s menu is also available). If you’re keen to try one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, make sure you order the egg yolk with “estofado de trigo”.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.0/5 · 80 reviews
Eneko Basque in Bilbao offers Basque cuisine with an average rating of 3.0/5 from 80 reviews. Food quality is polarized: while some praise the exquisite presentation and traditional flavors of set menus like Bizkaia, others report inconsistent temperatures and mediocre dishes. Service is generally described as attentive and accommodating by staff, though severe complaints cite slow responses and poor communication. Ambiance varies; some find the dining room cozy, but negative reviews highlight cramped tables, lack of tablecloths, and a noisy, casual atmosphere resembling a bar rather than a fine dining establishment. Value is frequently questioned due to the mismatch between cost and the perceived quality of food, service, and environment, compounded by a limited wine list.
Suitable for fans of the Eneko brand willing to tolerate inconsistent service and a casual, noisy atmosphere; verify menu details in advance.
€€€Basque
A restaurant with a classic-contemporary feel, situated next to the Hotel Abando with Bilbao’s Palacio de Justicia on the opposite side of the street. Here, the chef and his team conjure up traditional Basque cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and dishes showcased on an à la carte and a tasting menu. Highlights include daily specials and delicious signature stews, with a different stew featuring every day (these are referred to as “La Cuchara de Aitor”).
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Bilbao, Aitor Rauleaga offers modern Basque cuisine praised for high-quality ingredients and skilled preparation, featuring dishes like low-temp eggs and traditional stews. The atmosphere is described as modern and classy. While many guests highlight impeccable service and excellent flavor profiles, others criticize the value for money and occasional lapses in attentiveness. A significant concern arises from multiple reports of the restaurant closing for renovations without notifying pre-booked parties, indicating serious reliability issues for group dining and advance reservations.
Suitable for individuals or small groups seeking high-quality modern Basque cuisine, but verify opening status and avoid large advance bookings due to past communication failures.
€€fine_dining, local, regional, spanish
Lasai takes its name from the Basque word for “calm” or “tranquillity”. This discreet restaurant in a narrow street in the centre of the city, just a few metres from the river, invites guests to discover its modern take on traditional cuisine via a simple daily set menu entitled 'Hiria' (lunchtime only, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) and two more extensive tasting menus ('Lasai' and 'Crystal') that showcase dishes with their roots in the region as well as time-honoured flavours. Make your reservation well in advance, as it is a very popular restaurant and tends to be quite busy!
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Located in downtown Bilbao, Lasai offers modern Basque and regional cuisine. Reviews highlight high food quality, creative presentations, and a comfortable, contemporary atmosphere. Service is generally professional and attentive, with staff capable of resolving issues like wine pairings effectively. However, some guests experienced slow pacing due to understaffing or encountered rude behavior. While many find the experience worthwhile, opinions on value vary; some consider it excellent, while others feel the dishes lack surprise or justify the cost. Negative feedback also mentions poor seating near the kitchen and noise issues.
Suitable for diners seeking modern Basque cuisine who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.
€€€japanese
A restaurant with a refined decor in which you can enjoy a culinary dining experience to the full thanks to chef Daniel Lomana’s frequent visits to Japan to train and to develop his technique further, skills that can you enjoy at close quarters by taking a seat at the bar or at one of its adjoining tables. His focus is on Japanese fusion cuisine that includes interesting à la carte dishes (hamachi sashimi, amberjack with KUMA ceviche, sea bass nigiri, fried aubergines with a white sesame vinaigrette etc), plus a recommended tasting menu. Don’t leave without trying their deconstructed cheesecak
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located in central Bilbao, KUMA offers high-quality Japanese cuisine, primarily via tasting menus. Food reviews are mixed; while many praise the freshness and flavor of items like wagyu, sea urchin, and carabinero shrimp, others report bland dishes and disorganized service. Staff are generally professional and friendly, though some guests felt pressured to choose the tasting menu over à la carte options. The ambiance is elegant and quiet, featuring an open kitchen. Value perceptions vary; while some find the reasonable prices justified by quality, others criticize the child pricing policy based on height rather than age, and note inconsistencies in recent visits.
Suitable for diners seeking refined Japanese cuisine who accept fixed menus; verify child pricing policy beforehand.
€€€regional, fine_dining, spanish, tapas
Yandiola is located inside the Askuna Zentroa civic and cultural centre, where the interior design and meticulous lighting come as a pleasant surprise. The updated take on traditional cuisine on offer here includes the à la carte with headings such as “Yandiola’s classic dishes”, “An Ode to Cod”, “Tradition”, and “The Grill”) plus two tasting menus: Seasonal (available for lunch midweek only) and the eponymous Yandiola.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Bilbao’s Alhondiga, Yandiola offers regional Spanish cuisine and tapas. Reviews highlight fresh ingredients, refined dishes like cod and artichokes, and professional service, with the terrace being a standout feature. However, some guests express disappointment regarding value, citing small portions, heavy sauces masking raw quality, or inconsistent service professionalism. While the elegant atmosphere is generally praised, experiences vary significantly depending on specific dishes and staff interactions. Diners should be aware that while many find it excellent, others feel the cost does not always justify the quantity or execution.
Suitable for diners seeking a unique architectural setting and refined Spanish cuisine, though verifying portion sizes and service consistency is advised.
€€€Traditional Cuisine
Situated next to the Etxanobe Atelier, with which it shares its kitchen facilities, this restaurant is much more informal in style, with exposed brick walls and an original iron structure that helps to distribute light. The cuisine here is traditional with a modern touch and is showcased on an à la carte plus three tasting menus: Bilbao, Gastronómico, and Arraigo País Vasco (the latter can be enhanced by choosing the Maridaje Plus wine-pairing option). We recommend asking for one of the dishes off the menu – if it’s available, don’t miss the delicious cod cheeks in a traditional Basque fish st
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
La Despensa del Etxanobe offers traditional Basque cuisine in Bilbao, holding an average rating of 4.3/5. Positive reviews highlight high food quality, attentive service, and a pleasant atmosphere, particularly praising the set menus and wine pairings. Some guests find the value reasonable. Conversely, negative feedback cites issues with value for money, slow meal pacing, inconsistent service (including language barriers), and bland dishes. Isolated complaints mention menu availability disputes and unsatisfactory portion sizes or quality. While many enjoy the culinary experience, others feel it fails to meet expectations. The restaurant presents a mixed reputation, suitable for those seeking authentic local flavors but requiring awareness of potential service inconsistencies.
Suitable for travelers seeking authentic Basque cuisine who can tolerate potential service inconsistencies.
€€€€Creative
A restaurant with an unusual setting in a former glass factory in the centre of Bilbao which has managed to retain a few vestiges from its past.Bilbao-born chef Fernando Canales is at the helm of this culinary project featuring an elegant and intimate gastronomic dining room in which he is keen, first and foremost, to impress his guests with creative cooking based around two tasting menus (Chef Atelier and Chef Atelier Plus) where you can discover intriguing dishes such as cold anchovy lasagne in a fresh tomato sauce, or hake with seaweed, mussel juice and saffron. They rely on the latest tech
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Etxanobe Atelier in Bilbao offers creative cuisine with high-quality ingredients and subtle flavors, particularly noted for fresh seafood and innovative presentation. Guests frequently praise the flexible, professional service, including accommodations for vegetarians, and the cozy, understated atmosphere ideal for special occasions. However, some reviews highlight inconsistencies in meal pacing, small portion sizes, and poor communication regarding reservations for families or allergies. While a minority find the value questionable or service lacking in detail, the overall consensus remains highly positive, positioning the restaurant as a sophisticated, hidden gem for discerning diners.
Suitable for special occasions seeking refined creative cuisine, with prior communication of dietary needs recommended.
€€Traditional Cuisine
Tucked away in the lively and bustling city of Bilbao, this gastro-bar is the perfect setting in which to enjoy the true culinary flavour of the Basque Country. Take your pick between an extensive array of tapas and “raciones” and a small menu, but whatever you choose, make sure you try the flavoursome crab-filled scallops, and the entrecôte of aged Frisona Gallega beef. There’s an extensive choice of local wines that the friendly staff will be happy to serve by the glass.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 66 reviews
Las Lías Bilbao offers traditional Basque cuisine with an average rating of 3.8/5. Positive reviews highlight fresh ingredients, well-executed meats, and an interesting wine list, with some praising the thoughtful tasting menu. Conversely, negative feedback frequently cites poor service, including rude staff, slow responses, and chaotic meal pacing. Specific complaints include limited vegetarian options, lack of culinary innovation, and instances where kitchen hours restricted ordering. While some find the quality justifies the cost, others view it as overpriced with substandard service, resulting in a polarized dining experience.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional flavors who prioritize food over service, with advance confirmation of hours recommended.
€€€Traditional Cuisine, Seafood
A restaurant with a long history that has finally arrived in Bilbao after half a century and more in Lekeitio! Here, high-quality traditional cuisine is to the fore, specialising in fish and seafood in particular, which the team prepares with as little fuss as possible in order to respect its true essence (we thoroughly enjoyed the grilled white prawns, clams in green sauce and the hake “kokotxas”). Meat does feature, however, including a mouthwatering T-bone steak. For dessert, the home-made tarts are a must!
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Zapirain specializes in traditional seafood, with many guests praising the fresh ingredients and exquisite dishes, particularly the crab and turbot. The ambiance is generally described as elegant, cozy, and well-lit. However, service reviews are polarized; while some experienced warm and professional hospitality, others reported rude behavior and even physical aggression. Additionally, one review noted an unpleasant drain odor near the restrooms. Although the food quality is consistently highlighted as a strength, inconsistencies in service attitude and environmental details significantly impact the overall dining experience, resulting in mixed feedback.
Suitable for diners seeking high-quality traditional seafood who can tolerate potential service inconsistencies.
€€local, regional, spanish
A restaurant located just a few steps from the Guggenheim Bilbao with a meticulous contemporary ambience and a menu where the pig takes centre stage – there’s even a fun image of a pig (with the name of the restaurant tattooed on it) drinking at a bar! The cooking here, an updated take on Galician cuisine, is fully focused around pork and pork-based dishes with two full-table tasting menus: Txerri (à la carte menu where the starters are proposed by txerri-txef, Igor Aguirre, while the main course and dessert are chosen by the diner) and Odoloste (more complete, with 11 courses).
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Odoloste in Bilbao specializes in local and regional Spanish cuisine. Most reviews highlight high food quality, creativity, and elegant presentation, with bold combinations like pork and octopus receiving praise. Service is generally described as professional, friendly, and attentive. The atmosphere is cozy, though some guests noted insufficient lighting. While overall ratings are positive, a minority of reviews criticize bland flavors, pre-prepared elements, or pacing issues. Disputes regarding menu flexibility and booking policies also appear occasionally. Despite these mixed points, the kitchen's skill and service standards remain widely appreciated by diners.
Suitable for diners seeking creative local cuisine and professional service.
€€regional
The name of this restaurant, which comes from a term specific to Bilbao that describes a person who is something of a joker, is one of those places that locals like to keep to themselves! It is home to a busy “pintxos” bar, hidden behind which is a meticulous, contemporary dining room offering an extensive array of traditional-style cuisine. At Txirene, they are proud to boast that their food is 100% from Bilbao and that what they serve is dictated by the time of year. Despite this, you’ll always find superb seasonal fish dishes on the menu (don't miss the Kokotxas of cod with pilpil or their
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 73 reviews
Txirene in Bilbao specializes in regional cuisine, generally praised for high food quality and generous portions, particularly seafood like langoustines and mushroom dishes. The wine list is also well-regarded. Service is typically professional and friendly, with specific staff members often commended. The ambiance features intimate private dining rooms dedicated to local figures, offering a quiet setting. However, criticisms highlight inconsistent meal pacing, occasional blandness in fish dishes, and deteriorating seat upholstery. While isolated complaints mention hygiene and kitchen stress, the majority of reviews indicate a solid dining experience with balanced flavors and attentive service.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic regional flavors and a private atmosphere who can tolerate occasional pacing inconsistencies.
🕐 Mo-Su 11:30-23:00
€€€fine_dining, local, regional
A restaurant with a unique location inside the Los Leones football stadium, which makes it the perfect way to end a visit to the Tour San Mamés and its beautiful museum as you can enjoy your meal overlooking the pitch. The cuisine focuses on traditional Basque recipes, with some dishes to share and three tempting set menus (Especial, Gastronomía Vasca, and Degustación). On match days, the restaurant also serves guests in the VIP section of the stadium.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
San Mamés Jatetxea offers a unique dining experience within the Athletic Club stadium, praised for its elegant atmosphere and views of the pitch. Most reviewers highlight high food quality, friendly service, and a comfortable setting suitable for families or couples. However, negative feedback points to inconsistent service, pacing issues, cold dishes, and limited menu availability. Some guests reported billing delays and insufficient knowledge regarding allergies. While the ambiance is a strong asset, operational reliability varies. Visitors should verify menu items in advance and manage expectations regarding service consistency.
Suitable for diners seeking unique stadium views and refined cuisine, though service consistency may vary.
€€€Peruvian
Peruvian cooking and Basque ingredients are to the fore in this restaurant located very close to the university campus in the relaxed Deusto district of the city. Here, brothers Gabriel and Renzo Huamán (both with experience in top restaurants) showcase plenty of personality and highly refined textures in dishes that honour their roots.At this restaurant with a meticulous contemporary decor, they like to say that the cuisine will take you on a journey from the peaks of the Andes to the water of the Bay of Biscay without leaving your table. By placing some Amazonian products in the limelight, t
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Waman in Bilbao offers Peruvian cuisine with generally high ratings. Food is frequently praised for exquisite presentation, rich flavors, and balanced menus like the Pachamama, though some guests found portions small or dishes underwhelming. Service is typically friendly and professional, yet occasional reports cite awkward reception or slow pacing. The spacious, attractive ambiance suits those seeking new culinary experiences. While some reviewers note concerns regarding value for money and portion sizes, the restaurant remains a notable destination for authentic Peruvian dining.
Ideal for diners seeking refined Peruvian flavors and a distinctive atmosphere.