(Spain) Bilbao’s Best Food in the World 2024 Michelin Guide from € to €€€€.
The “best food” is subjective, but Bilbao definitely has strong arguments for being a top contender!
Here's why it's highly praised around the world:
Basque Cuisine: Bilbao is located in the Basque Country, renowned for its unique and flavorful cuisine. Local, fresh ingredients are a cornerstone, with an emphasis on seafood, meats, and vegetables.
Pintxos: A highlight of Basque dining are pintxos, small and delicious bar snacks on bread with a variety of toppings. They're perfect for trying a bit of everything and enjoying a social atmosphere.
Pintxos de Bilbao
Quality and Tradition: The Basque region takes pride in its culinary heritage and high-quality ingredients. From Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional pintxo bars, an emphasis is placed on fresh, flavorful dishes.
Innovation and Evolution: While tradition is important, Basque cuisine isn't static. Chefs are constantly innovating and incorporating modern techniques while staying true to the region's essence.
Bilbao offers a unique and delicious food scene that combines tradition, quality ingredients, and innovation, making it a strong contender for any foodie's travel list.
Vida de noche en Bilbao
Here’s a list of the Michelin-rated restaurants from €-€€€€:
Las Lías Bilbao € - click here to visit
Al Margen €€
Los Fueros €€
Zintziri Errota €€
Lasai €€
Kimtxu €€
Odoloste €€
Txirene €€ - click here to visit
Waman €€
Iwasaki €€
Katxi €€
Islares €€€
La Bodega de Ola €€€
Zapirain €€€
Nko Eneko €€€
Aitor Rauleaga €€€
Kuma €€€ - click here to visit
Yandiola €€€
La Despensa del Etxanobe €€€
Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao €€€
Guggenheim Museum Bilbao
Zarate €€€
San Mames Jatetxea €€€
Andra Mari €€€
Eneko €€€
Jauregibarria €€€
Boroa €€€
Mendiondo €€€
Gotzon Jatetxea €€€ - click here to visit
IBKuba sales courses for bars, restaurants, hotels, and Pintxo (tapas) bars.
Arcos de Quejana €€€
Portuondo €€€
Zortziko €€€€
Mina €€€€
Ola Martin Berastegui €€€€ - Visit Tayko Hotel
Garena €€€€
Azurmendi €€€€
Etxanobe Atelier €€€€
These amazing food options are part of the Camino del Norte, and a great place to take a break and soak in rich land food history and culture.
Click here to see the full guide from Michelin for the 37 restaurants featured.
Bilbao: A Bite of History with Your Pintxo
Bilbao's delectable pintxos aren't the only thing that's bite-sized! Here's a taste of the city's rich history:
Medieval Foundations: Bilbao's official founding is credited to Diego López V de Haro in 1300, granting it a charter and self-government. This strategic location at the mouth of the Nervión River played a crucial role in its development.
Commercial Hub: Throughout the Middle Ages and beyond, Bilbao thrived as a major commercial center. Its port facilitated trade in wool and iron, boosting the city's wealth and influence.
Defensive Walls: To protect this valuable trade route, Bilbao was surrounded by defensive walls in the 14th and 15th centuries. Remnants of these walls can still be seen today.
Industrial Powerhouse: The 19th and early 20th centuries saw Bilbao become a center of Spain's industrial revolution. Steelmaking and shipbuilding thrived, shaping the city's landscape and economy.
Modern Transformation: In recent decades, Bilbao has undergone a remarkable transformation. Following economic decline, the city embraced urban renewal projects and cultural initiatives, becoming the vibrant destination it is today.
