Bilbao and the Basque Country Restaurants

Foodies may never want to leave the Basque Country, where the avant-garde and home cooking mingle seamlessly. Though top restaurants are expensive in Bilbao, some of what is undoubtedly Europe's finest cuisine is served here in settings that range from the traditional hewn beams and stone walls to sleekly contemporary international restaurants all the way up to the Guggenheim itself, where superstar chef Martín Berasategui runs a dining room as superb as its habitat. San Sebastián is another enclave of delicious food, where sampling from pintxos bars is an art form.

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  • 1. Gaucho

    $

    This legendary tavern (est. 1968), which remains surprisingly calm even during San Fermín, serves some of the city's best tapas. Choose between classics like garlicky mushroom brochettes and jamón-filled croquetas, or spring for more modern creations such as seared goose liver toasts or almond-encrusted morcilla. It opens at 9 am. 

    Calle Espoz y Mina 7, Pamplona, Navarre, 31001, Spain
    94-822--5073

    Known For

    • Delectable foie gras
    • Delicious tapas for all budgets
    • Old-timey atmosphere
  • 2. La Mañueta

    $

    In 2022, Spain's oldest churrería—perhaps Pamplona's top culinary attraction—rang in 150 years. In this hole-in-the-wall resembling a medieval foundry, hypnotic whorls of dough fry to crackly perfection in vats of Navarran extra-virgin olive oil set over beechwood flame. La Mañueta keeps bizarre hours: 7–11 am on Sundays in October, 8–11:30 am on the two Saturdays prior to San Fermín, and 6–11 am during San Fermín week.

    Calle Mañueta 8, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
    94-822--7627

    Known For

    • Churros with over a century of history
    • Limited hours
    • San Fermín rite of passage

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Aug.–Sept., Nov.–June
  • 3. Café Iruña

    $

    Pamplona's gentry have been flocking to this ornate, French-style café since 1888, but in 1926 Ernest Hemingway made it part of world literary lore in The Sun Also Rises. You can have a drink with a bronze version of the author in his favorite perch at the far end of the bar, or enjoy views of the plaza from a table on the terrace. Service is spotty; grab a beverage and a tapa here, but skip the food.

    Pl. del Castillo 44, Pamplona, Navarre, 31001, Spain
    94-822–2064

    Known For

    • Major tourist attraction
    • Chocolate con churros
    • Grand, ornate dining area
  • 4. Errejota

    $$$

    This warm, family-run restaurant in a stately mansion with a classically elegant interior is one of Pamplona's foremost addresses for refined cuisine. There's something for everyone on the diverse, internationally inflected menu, whose highlights include baby artichokes with langoustine tails and stewed Tolosa red beans.

    Pl. Príncipe de Viana 1, Pamplona, Navarre, 31002, Spain
    94-822--2097

    Known For

    • Modern Navarrese cuisine
    • White-tablecloth dining room
    • Standout artichokes

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. (except during San Fermín). No dinner Sun.–Wed.
  • 5. Europa Restaurante

    $$$$

    Pamplona's poshest restaurant, in the hotel of the same name, the Europa offers refined, Michelin-starred Navarrese cooking with reasonably priced à la carte dishes as well as excellent tasting menus. The small and bright first-floor dining room is the perfect backdrop to dishes like slow-cooked lamb and pork—and what might be the best bacalao al pil pil you'll ever taste.

    Calle Espoz y Mina 11, Pamplona, Navarre, 31002, Spain
    94-822--1800

    Known For

    • Seasonal vegetable dishes
    • Nicest restaurant in town
    • Affordable tasting menus

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun., No dinner Mon. and Tues.
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