Had your fill of pintxos, bacalao pil pil and txuleton? The food scene in Bilbao isn’t only about Basque cuisine, some of the coolest restaurants in the city draw inspiration from other parts of the globe.
In no particular order, here’s our list of recommendations if you’re in Bilbao and looking to take a culinary trip around the world.
Misska (Asian food)
A top-quality pan-Asian restaurant serving up a variety of dishes from across the far-east. Inspired by Asia’s street food scene, Misska offers fantastic, authentic Asian cuisine at affordable prices.
Some of the highlights on the menu include the chicken yakisoba, vietnamese nem rolls and their pad thai (probably the best in Bilbao).
TIP: Misska have a three course set-menu (menu del día), which costs €11.95 plus a bit more if you order one of the imported Asian beers.
Location: Colón de Larreátegui Kalea, 35 (next to Plaza Jado)
Website: misskabilbao.com
Instagram: misska_bilbao
Jazminos (Lebanese food)
Easily the best MENA style restaurant in Bilbao, Jazminos is a Lebanese restaurant which opened in 2019.
A minimalist setting with a reduced menu, but some of most delicious middle-eastern food you’ll ever try. Start off by sharing some baba ghanoush and pittas and then get stuck into one of their shawarmas for seconds. We recommend ‘El cordero de dios” (the lamb of god).
The spot is extremely popular, so you’ll have to book a table in advance. But it’s well worth it.
Location: Fernández del Campo Kalea, 17
Website: jazminos.com/carta
Instagram: jazmino.s
Grecocina (Greek food)
The only place to go to in Bilbao if you’re looking for authentic Greek food. The souvlaki and lemon tart cake are a must if you find yourself at Grecocina.
Their menu includes other Greek classics like moussaka, soutzoukakia, dolmades and much more. All this comes in a friendly environment with great service.
Location: Henao Kalea, 30
Website: grecocina.com/en
Instagram: restaurantegrecocina
Samaia (Georgian food)
A recent edition to Bilbao’s global food panorama, Samaia is a Georgian run restaurant serving up the best the Caucasus country has to offer.
The menu is reduced but contains all the classics: khachapuri, badrijani, mtsvadi and much more. All their dishes are perfect for sharing with a group.
Location: Rodríguez Arias Kalea, 58
Website: samaia.es/en
Instagram: samaiafood
Demaio (Pizza/Italian food)
Looking for world-class Neopolitan pizzas? Look no further. Demaio is the top pizza restaurant in Bilbao (definitely the most delicious pizza we’ve ever eaten) and up there with the best in Europe. The establishment, run by three brothers from Calabria, currently ranks 17th on Top 50 Pizza’s best pizzerias in Europe.
Demaio has two restaurants in Bilbao. Their original spot is in Bilbao La Vieja and you’ll need to book a table in advance. The new place is in Jardines de Albia and they only accept walk-ins. But make sure you get there early to avoid ending up on the waiting list.
Locations: San Francisco Kalea, 10 & San Vicente Kalea, 1
Website: demaio.es
Instagram: demaio_bilbao
Surfin’ Tacos (Mexican food)
Over recent years, tacos have become all the rage in Bilbao. But no place does them better than Surfin’ Tacos. Located in the heart of Casco Viejo, it’s the perfect place to get a bite to eat after you’ve finished sinking kañas (beers).
Al pastor, cochinita pibil, carnitas… Surfin’ are delivering all the classics. And they taste great. It’s a busy late-night spot, so go in prepared to share a table with others.
The owners of Surfin’ recently opened a burrito spot in Bilbao too. It’s called Flyin’ Burritos. Also delicious!
Location: Barrenkale Barrena, 12
Website: surfintacos.mx
Instagram: surfintacos
Bausk (Healthy/gluten free food)
A healthy food restaurant taking inspiration from its owners’ roots (Australia and the UK) and the flavours of the world.
Although they have a varied menu, Bausk’s speciality is their fantastic bowls (we recommend getting the Peri Peri bowl).
What’s more everything is gluten free, 100% homemade and if you order to takeaway, your food will come in sustainable packaging. So, if you’re looking for some clean, wholesome food with an international twist, Bausk is the place to go.
Location: García Rivero Maisuaren Kalea, 8
Website: bausk.es/en/home
Instagram: bausk_kitchen
