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Looking for the best pintxos San Sebastian has to offer? You’ve come to the right place!

San Sebastian is without a doubt one of the best places to experience nice pintxo places, simply because of the great variety you can find there. But when choosing where to go the options can be overwhelming, and you’ll want to avoid the tourist traps. You can start by taking a tour of my personal favorites. I’ve been in search of San Sebastian best pintxos for almost three decades and this is my selection.

If you would like to discover the city with me, choose the option “Private tour” and I will take you around the city you choose.

In the centre:

ZAZPI – Oxtail ravioli

ANTONIO – The Gilda

MESÓN MARTÍN – They have a pintxo called TRAINERA, made with baby squid, shrimp and jamón.

In the Old Town:

GOIZ ARGI – Shrimp brochettes with vinagrette.

GANDARIAS – Rib eye meat pintxo.

TXEPETXA – Anchovie filled with crab creme.

BORDA BERRI – Idiazabal cheese risotto.

ZERUKO – Hoguera de bacalao.

 

I am often asked by clients for recommendations to eat in some special place in Bilbao in order to taste the modernized basque cuisine. Bilbao Berria is in my opinion a perfect dinner option for that occasion.

The decoration is the first striking element of this beautiful restaurant followed by very warm welcoming staff. The best thing is that behind the pretty facade you can find a very good standard of cuisine.

This place is divided in two ambiences: one informal bar where you can try their pintxos, tapas and some rations, and a elegant room that works as a restaurant. If we talk about their pintxos, you can’t miss the prawn skewer covered with green rice. It is undoubtedly one of the most surprising bites you will try in the city.

 

 

Another thing that I like about Bilbao Berria is that they have premium products difficult to get in any other restaurant in the area, such as the cecina. I’m sure that when you come to Bilbao you will try iberic ham every half hour, but what about the cecina (cured beaf)? Would you like to taste such a special and exclusive product like this?

 

These are my three favorite dishes:

Marinated cod, kimchi & black garlic.

The cod is a fish that it is highly valued in Basque gastronomy and I love how they use it in this Basque-oriental fusion.

Grilled octopus & plankton pil-pil.

Again, pil-pil is a very traditional Basque sauce whose main ingredient is olive oil. It is surprising that here they prepare it with plankton. Incredible bite.

Crunchy duck cannelloni with coffe and foie sauce + Idiazabal sauce.

Idiazabal is a sheep milk cheese, usually smoked and very appreciated in the Basque Country: you should try it if you visit our region and buy a piece to continue enjoying our flavors once you return home.

 

They also have an extensive wine bar with several national references and a very appetizing cocktail menu.

PRICE: 35-50€ per person

BOOKINGS: +34 944 24 92 73

ADRESS: Ledesma 26, Bilbao.

 

Before developing the article I respond quickly to the title: Ribera Market is an essential visit in Bilbao and not a tourist trap.

Located in front of the estuary, this Art Decó market supplies mainly to the neighbors of Casco Viejo and Bilbao la Vieja, although there are many people from Bilbao who come from any neighborhood to buy groceries. In the year 1990 the book Guiness recognizes the Market as the most complete market of supplies of the world and nowadays is also the largest covered market in Europe, with 10,000 square meters.

Comparing it perhaps with other more famous tourist markets like the Market of San Miguel in Madrid or the one of the Boquería in Barcelona, I would say Ribera Market is more authentic than the others. The percentage of locals doing their own shopping is infinitely higher than tourists admiring it and that in my opinion adds an extra romanticism difficult to find in the markets of other cities.

Here you can see the origin of the fame of Basque gastronomy where the producers expose their vegetables and fresh fruits, mushrooms, cheeses, meat, honey, seeds, fish … that then arrive at our tables in the form of pintxos.

To finish, I told you how it would be my perfect visit to the Ribera Market in 3 essential tips:

1-. I think the most beautiful views of the market are from the bridge called also Ribera, from where it looks like a little boat anchored on the banks of the estuary. You will see 🙂

2-. Have a drink in one of its many bars and enjoy the beautiful terrace.

3-. Lose yourself among the more than 50 stalls, buy what you want and go to get lunch at the neighboring Etxebarria Park.

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW BETTER RIBERA MARKET? Join our classic walking tour during the morning and I will give you a guided tour among many other tastings and surprises. You have more information here.

Discover the best things to do in Bilbao with this list full of insider information that I have gathered for you about the classics of the city, its shops, markets, restaurants, bars and original activities. Lots of tips to get you going and just enjoy.

CLASSICS

1-. Lose yourself by the Old Town, colloquially called “The Seven Streets”

2-. Visit the Guggenheim or at least admire it from the outside.

3-. Choose your favorite column from the Alhóndiga (now Azkuna Zentroa).

4-. Breathe some fresh air in the park called Casilda Iturrizar, one of the most beautiful green lungs of the city.

5-. Come to one of the exhibitions of the Fine Arts Museum. Free entrance is on Wednesdays in the mornings and on Sundays in the evenings.

6-. Know the history of a port city like Bilbao in its maritime museum.

7-. Very near there is the crane of La Carola, take a photo, it refers to the industrial past of the city. Do you know it was called in honor of a very pretty woman who used to pass by while the workpeople were working?

8-. If you have the opportunity to see some theater or concert in the Teatro Arriaga, go!

9-. Cross the Zubizuri bridge and look at the Isozaki towers.

10-. Take a boat trip to see the city from another perspective.

11-. Cross Gran Vía at the giant roundabout of Moyua and just sit and watch: it is one of the favorite meeting places in Bilbao.

12-. Admire the Iberdrola tower, the highest skyscraper of the Basque Country with 165 meters.

13-. Stroll through the Ribera Market stalls, which appeared in the Guiness book as the most complete market of supplies in the 1990s.

14-. If you are a footballer you can not miss a visit to the new stadium of San Mames, the temple of Athletic Bilbao.

15-. The square of Miguel de Unamuno is another nerve center that you should not miss.

16-. Drink water from the historic dog fountain of the Casco Viejo (Old Town).

17-. Get into the Bidebarrieta Library and discover the architectural jewel that is hidden inside.

18-. Get into one of the best subways in the world. Its design, cleanliness and simplicity have been praised in countless occasions.

19-. Salute Don Diego Lope de Haro, founder of the town of Bilbao, in the circular square.

20-. Explore the interior of Santiago Cathedral until you find your little (and beautiful!) gothic cloister.

21-. Go up to Pagasarri mountain and feel like an authentic “bilbaino”.

 

MY FAVORITES

22-. Go to Artxanda and take picture of one of the most beautiful views of the city.

23-. Come on a Sunday morning to the Arenal and enjoy its Sundays flower market.

24-. My favorite area of ​​the city is in Bilbao La Vieja: there you will find the most fashionable places.

25-. If you are approaching to Bilbao on sunday, go to Coppola and enjoy one of their Sunday afternoon concerts while you eat one of the best pizzas in town.

26-. Rent a bicycle and walk bordering the river from side to side.

27-. If you are going to stay for a couple of days and you want to move by bike, the city council rents them for € 25 per year!

28-. Stroll through the colorful houses of Irala and feel yourself in San Francisco (California): our own Painted Ladies!

29-. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and take a break in the Chill Out of Zorrozaurre.

30-. Rent a paddle surf board, put on the swimsuit (or the neoprene!) and dive into the estuary.

31-. Take an idyllic photo-postcard of Bilbao on the San Antón bridge. It seems that time has not passed.

32-. Be aware of what is cooked through the San Francisco neighborhood thanks to Sarean’s agenda. And by the way, try its kitchen! One of my favorite restaurants without a doubt.

33-. Treat yourself and have a nice drink on the terrace of the Yandiolas terrace.

34-. Bilbao or Norway? Take a walk in Olabeaga and you will feel in the Nordic country for a few minutes.

35-. Grab a book and go clear your mind to the Europa Park.

36-. Recharge the batteries in the “Mediateka» of Alhóndiga cultural centre.

37-. Meet the beauty of Casa Montero, our own Casa Gaudí.

38-. The mural art has a super strong presence in Bilbao: choose your favorite graffiti 🙂

39-. Prepare a picnic and eat it admiring the views Etxebarria Park has to offer.

40-. Let yourself be pampered in S’Thai, an oriental massage center in the center of Bilbao which is wonderful.

41-. Enjoy with some alternative cinema in the “multis» cinema.

42-. One of my favorite spots in the whole city is the Alhondigas pool. Go and see why. And don’t worry for the swimwear, it is a passive activity you will only enjoy it with the view 🙂

 

ORIGINAL

43-. Get in and then try to get out of one of the many escape rooms out there.

44-. Discover the smallest pharmacy museum in the world.

45-. Admire the modernism of an old laundry in the Castaños Center.

46-. Find the star that marks the only point of the Old Town from where you can see the church of Begoña.

47-. Pursue the 25 Space invaders that are distributed by all the emblematic points of Bilbao.

48-. Greet the mysterious winged creatures of the Merced Bridge.

49-. See how the oldest house in Bilbao remains standing and be surprised at its rejuvenated appearance.

 

EAT AND DRINK

50-. Drink all the bottles of txakoli D.O Bizkaia you can.

51-. Get warm with a good “alubiada” stew, El Arandia de Julen is my favorite place to try it.

52-. Take some drinks in Pozas, whether there is a football match or not.

53-. How are you going to leave Bilbao without taking a butter cake? Inexcusable.

54-. Discover the best pintxos in the city and try all you can.

55-. Make a food-tour to taste the whole sample of pintxos, wines, cheeses, preserves and sweets that make Bilbao one of the best gastronomic capitals in the world.

56-. If your are wine-lover, make a tasting or buy some bottles of Rioja Alavesa and Txakoli as souvenir.

57-. If you prefer beer, we also have a good sample.

58-. In fact, you have to try La Salve, the beer of the city.

59-. Take a basque cooking class and learn how to make pintxos at home. Write us for more info.

60-. Try EME sandwich.

61-. Treat yourself and book in one of the Michelin starred restaurants.

62-. Accept the challenge of  «La Tapa” bar: if you eat 1 pintxo of each variety in the bar, the bill comes free. But beware, there are over 50!

63-. Do you know that Bilbao has its own nougat? The Sokonusko, you have to try it without fail.

64-. Take a hot chocolate with churros in the Cafe del Arenal.

65-. In Bilbao the prepared vermouths are called Marianitos. And yes, you also have to try one.

66-. Try one of Baobab’s thousands of ecological teas.

67-. Eat some good rabas in the Plaza Nueva, there is no better plan for the weekend in the morning.

68-. If you are passionate about fresh oysters, go to Puertito bar and let yourself be advised.

69-. If your stomach has not exploded yet, surely you have time for a Sunday brunch. You’ll find my favorite one at the Brass27.

70-. And if your liver still allows it, get a good cocktail of Mind Shakers.

 

SHOPS AND MARKETS

71-. Bring an original souvenir of the city in Orriak.

72-. Buy and wear the Athletic shirt.

73-. Visit the Gure Lurreko Merkatua, the local farmer’s market on the Saturday mornings in El Arenal.

74-. Lose yourself among the many stalls at the Open Your Ganbara alternative market on Sunday mornings.

75-. If it coincides that it is the first Saturday of the month, you have an appointment with the flea market “2 de mayo” in Bilbao La Vieja.

76-. Another must-see vintage market is the Sunday Market. Find out here about the dates it is celebrated.

77-. Buy a second hand book in the Plaza Nueva on the Sunday morning market.

78-. Visit the best vinyl store in the city on Power Records.

 

NIGHTLIFE

79-. Book the third-fourth week of August because the Aste Nagusi is celebrated and you will want to live it to the fullest.

80-. Also note the 21 of December and join the fair of Santo Tomás dressed with the traditional basque suit.

81-. Join the Ahopeko Kontzertuak newsletter in case they celebrate any of their clandestine concerts coinciding with your stay. Until a few hours before, you will only know the day and the hour.

82-. Art after dark. One Friday a month the Guggenheim Museum opens its doors so you can see its expos while you enjoy good drinks and the best international DJ’s.

83-. Between the first and second week of July you have an appointment in Kobetamendi to attend the most cool festival in the world, BBK Live.

84-. Churchill Bilbao is full of leather chester sofas, an infinite cocktail menu and super nice waiters. You need to go and have a long drink.

85-. You can not miss the Abadía del GinTonic, a place of reference whether you are a lover of gin and tonic or not. If you like mojitos you should also mark it on the map.

 

BY SUBWAY

86-. Stop at Las Arenas (Getxo) or Portugalete to admire the world’s first suspension bridge, the Bizkaia Bridge, a historic heritage.

87-. Walk along the cliff walk between Getxo and Sopelana along the coast. I hope you do not have vertigo 😉

88-. Plentzia is the last stop on the right bank and if you get off you will discover a beautiful seafaring village anchored in time. Perfect for a morning walk and a few rabas.

89-. Stopping also in Plentzia you can walk to the next village, Gorliz, and climb up to its lighthouse for a small walk with breathtaking views.

90-. Discover the most special Basque drink, an underwater wine treasured at the bottom of the sea.

91-. Visit the neighborhood of Puerto Viejo de Algorta (Getxo) and get lost in the picturesque little houses of fishermen.

92-. You can also go by metro to the beach from Bilbao. My favorite is La Salvaje in Sopelana: you will have to get off at Larrabasterra.

93-. Admire the coast near Bilbao from the heights in paragliding. Several companies offer it here and it is something unique to experience.

94-. And of course ENJOY SO MUCH! And even if the options are infinite don’t get overwhelmed if you do not see / do everything. Complete the outstanding visits is the best excuse to return. We will always welcome you with open arms 🙂

«Potear» is a Basque word referring to the action of going from one bar to another taking some drinks. In the Basque Contry this «poteo» is a religion, so if you come to visit us choose the local options and ask for a good cold txakoli to my health.

WHAT IS THE TXAKOLI?

The txakoli is a generally white sparkling wine that formerly was produced artisanally in the Basque farm houses with the hondarribi-zuri grape. There are red and pink txakolis but they are very little spread: white represents more than 95% of the total production and is the one you will find in most of the bars and shops.

It is a very traditional wine, fresh, citric and with a little acidity. Even being Euskadi such a small land the txakoli has three different designations of origin: Getaria, Bizkaia and Araba.

My recommendation is that if you go in group to a bar you better ask for an entire bottle: you’ll make sure that you open the bottle and you don’t loose that slight bubble that is so characteristic.

If you just want to bring a souvenir bottle or gift, there are plenty of deli shops scattered throughout the city. Bodega Urbana in the center and Vinoteka Belostikale in Casco Viejo are my TOP options.

DO YOU WANT TO VISIT A TXAKOLÍ WINERY?

Do you want to know the process of making the txakolí, walk through the vineyards and taste the wines between barrels? We will love to recomend you the experience that fits you the best.

In our food tours we will also explain everything about this wine and we will try different options.