(cc) Cassandra Gambill - AKA the superstar that is Gee Cassandra
This is a guest post by one of my favourite bloggers Liz who runs another great Spanish travel blog (yes there are more than one!) at Liz en España. Liz has just recently had a redesign of her site so I urge you all to head there now and check out the prettiness. Make sure you read all her fantastic recommendations on what to see in Bilbao too!
As far as food in the Basque Country goes, San Sebastián tends to be the star of the show. World-famous chefs and exotic pintxos have put San Sebastián on the culinary map. However, after living in Bilbao for almost 2 years, I’ve discovered that when it comes to quality food in Bilbao, you just have to know where to look. I am not claiming to be a foodie of any kind, so please forgive my lack of technical food terminology (ED: at least you’re giving it a go! I wouldn’t…).So if you’re not familiar with Basque Country and it’s cuisine, you probably want to know what a pintxo (peeeeen-cho) is. Aside from being one of the key things on your list of what to see in Bilbao, you’ll want to stick one in your mouth too.
Bilbao riverfront (cc) maltman23
It’s similar to a tapa, but usually a little more elaborate. Sometimes they are on a small piece of bread, with a little toothpick to hold all the elements together. It’s very common for people to go out for pintxos and wine from 7-9, before dinner.
There are two main places where I like to go for pintxos: the Casco Viejo (Old Town) and Indautxu, the newer area on the other side of the river. Let’s start with Casco Viejo.
Bertón, Calle Jardínes
Bertón is my favorite pintxo place in Bilbao, hands down. Pintxo making is an art, and the chefs at Bertón are up for the challenge of making you want to try every pintxo in the place. And I´m definitely trying to. Pintxos intrigue me when I have no idea what they are, or they are made with things that I would never put together. My favorite pintxo I have ever tried there was the fois gras with mango and a raspberry sauce. Not only are the pintxos here divine, but every Thursday night you can get their pintxo of the day and a glass of red wine for only 1.50. No need to search any further for what to see in Bilbao!
Bar Charly, Plaza Nueva
If you want to try the most pintxos in the least amount of time, head to Plaza Nueva. Nestled in the corner is Bar Charly, proprieted by a nice old Basque man who I presume is called Charly. Remember when I said I’m no foodie? Well, this is the time to remember that. I’m sure there is a name for this pintxo, but I have no idea what it is. It consists of a croqueta and fried shrimp on a skewer. Being from Wisconsin, I can definitely appreciate fried food, and this pintxo seriously blows my mind.
Alright, time to head continue our tour on what to see in Bilbao and head over the river to Indautxu.
(cc) Cassandra Gambill
Gatztangedi, 8 Calle Garcia Rivero
There are about a million pintxo bars on this short street, and they are all fantastic. However, the first time I went there and tried their pintxo de puerro, I was in love. I didn´t think I would like it, but my friend ordered it and let me have a nibble. First of all, how could I think that something stuffed with melted cheese would NOT be good? After trying that delightful pintxo, I want to go back there every night. And since it is right around the corner from my flat, I usually do.
Bitoque, Calle Particular Estraunza
If you are looking for an update on the traditional pintxo, try Bitoque. It is a hip little place that takes pintxos to the next level. The menu changes frequently, but some of the most delicious things I have had there include the huge croquetas, roast beef sushi, and curry chicken. They also serve a wide selection of txakoli, Basque white wine.
And that comprises my recommendations of the top pinxto places to take pride and place on any what to see in Bilbao list. I hope you don’t get too stuffed!
Thanks for the cracking guest post Liz! I’m definitely going to give these a whirl. Interested in guest posting and what to see your words on My Spanish Adventure? Contact my little cherubic self here.
Pintxos are definitely lacking on the Madrid scene. My mouth is watering thinking of that one little street we went to our first night in Bilbao. I don’t think we made it to more than 3 places. I second pintxos de puerro!
Pintxos are amazing, like teeny, tiny perfectly formed little meals. I was in Bilbao a couple of weeks ago and loved everything about the city but I think the food was definitely the highlight.
@Monica Glad that the post came in handy! Think I should run up to the north sometime soon to see for myself too.