One of Bilbao’s hidden treasures, the bars in Diputación are serving up some of the best pintxos in the city.
Where is Diputación?
A small square off Bilbao’s Gran Via, behind the Palacio de la Diputación (the main building for Bizkaia’s provincial government, Diputación (as locals call the area) is a favourite spot for a post-work pintxo and beer.
It’s location in the middle of the city, and the space for children to play under supervision, also make it a preferred place for parents looking to get a relaxed beer on a Friday or Saturday evening.
The easiest way to get to Diputación is by metro. The Moyua metro station has a specific exit that drops you right into the middle of the square. If you’re walking, head down Gran Via towards Casco Viejo and turn off when you see the bust of former US president John Adams.
Where to eat pintxos in Diputacón?
There are a few bars in the areas, all of which serve fantastic food, but two places stand out for the quality of their pintxos.
El Globo
One of the first places that comes to mind when recommending a pintxo spot, El Globo is an award-winning eatery with an incredible range of delicious pintxos.
Their signature pintxo is the ‘gratinado de txangurro’ (grated crab with a layer of brûléed cheese on top). Other popular bites are the ‘morcilla en cacahuete’ (a ball of black pudding covered in peanuts) and the ‘gratinado de patata y trufa’ (grated potato and truffle).
This is an extremely popular place, both among tourist and locals. It will be busy when you go, especially in the summer. But the staff are efficient and hard working.
Remember, this is Bilbao’s version of street food – it’s about knowing what you want, ordering quickly and taking it away to eat in a quiet corner. Don’t be afraid to take a good look around what’s on the counter before you order your pintxos.
Check out El Globo’s website here.
La Viña del Ensanche
Another Bilbao classic, La Viña del Ensanche is split into two parts, a pintxo bar and a restaurant.
The bar is a delight. A traditional spot, decked out in tiles and mahogany wood panelling, they specialise in pork products, such as jamón serrano, chorizo and salchichón. Truly one of the most unique and authentic places to eat in Bilbao.
In addition to the bar, La Viña del Ensanche has a top-class restaurant. They dish up a range of Spanish and Basque delicacies, with a tasting menu and a la carte options. The space is also renowned for its impressive wine collection, offering a wide variety of vinos from all over Spain and the Basque Country.
Just like El Globo, La Viña del Ensanche will be busy. Don’t be afraid to hustle your way to the bar, grab the bartender’s attention and politely point out what you’d like to order.
Take a look at La Viña del Ensanche’s website to find out more.
LOCAL TIP – If there’s no space inside either places or their covered terraces, you can take your food and drinks to the small wall running along the edge of the Bizkaia Provincial Library.
