The Old Town and Arenal
To combine food with Arriaga, Plaza Nueva, Ribera and the heart of the festival.
Food and festival
Where to eat during Aste Nagusia
Choose by area, opening hours, booking and dietary needs. During the festival, a famous address is not always the practical choice for linking up with your next activity.
Abando and Gran Vía
Handy between Plaza Circular, Abando station and the routes towards the Arenal.
Indautxu and Doña Casilda
The practical option for Txikigune, the bandstand and family activities.
Deusto and Abandoibarra
Useful before the Abandoibarra concerts or those at Muelle Evaristo Churruca.
Bilbao La Vieja and San Francisco
Close to Bilborock and a short walk from the Ribera market.
What to eat in Bilbao
Pintxos let you try small dishes and move between several bars, but they are not the only option. Among the classics highlighted by Bilbao's tourism information are cod pil-pil, cod a la bizkaina, Club Ranero, pisto a la bilbaína, marmitako and Gernika beans.
Recipes vary from kitchen to kitchen. If you have allergies, coeliac disease or any other requirement, ask for the allergen information and check the risk of cross-contamination with the venue.
Before you sit down
- Check the special festival opening hours on the day itself.
- Book where the venue allows it, especially for groups.
- Ask about the price and size of the dishes before ordering.
- Leave time to walk or take transport to your next event.
- Do not rely on an old menu to confirm vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Official directory
Bilbao Turismo lets you filter restaurants by area and category. Availability, menus and bookings should be checked through each venue's own channel.
Browse restaurants on Bilbao Turismo · Discover the classics of local cuisine
Combine food and programme
Check the areas guide first, then the day-by-day programme. That way you can eat near your next venue without crossing Bilbao on a tight schedule.