Bilbao is a paradise for anyone who loves authentic traditional Basque cuisine. And while a good daily set menu which offers flavour, variety and value for money is always a great choice, it’s also good to know where to choose wisely.
The following restaurants, recommended by Bilbao locals, offer unbeatable options and prove that eating well and affordably in an exceptional location is possible in the city’s very own “Gastronomic Cathedral”. Let’s dive in!
La Campa de los Ingleses: a full daily menu in the centre of Bilbao
Right next to the iconic San Mamés Stadium sits the well-known bar-restaurant La Campa de los Ingleses, whose name honours the English sailors who brought football to Bilbao in the late 19th century.
From Tuesday to Friday, it offers a generous daily menu (starter, main course and dessert). Expect dishes such as tomato and tuna salad with anchovy-yoghurt dressing, stewed chickpeas with black pudding, Mahon-cheese broccoli gratin, squid-ink fideuà with alioli, confit cod on black olive ratatouille, or a traditional beef sukalki.
At weekends and on public holidays, the menu brings an upgraded version: three starters to share, a meat or fish main course, and a dessert. There is also a kid’s menu, making it perfect for families, too.
Advance bookings are recommended.
Geuria!: a delicious and affordable option in Bilbao
If you’re short on time, visiting the city, or simply looking for a hassle-free spot near San Mamés, Geuria! is one of the top recommendations for great good at affordable prices in Bilbao. Ideal before a match for a quick stop or during a busy sightseeing day.
At Geuria! they focus on quality fast food, a perfect choice for anyone looking for tasty dishes with excellent value for money.
Sandwiches and hamburgers made with freshly baked bread, a real game changer, bacon fries, chicken fingers, spicy wings, nachos and the legendary Thate Hot Dog are some of their top hits.
Note: reservations are only accepted for dinner.
San Mames Jatetxea: traditional Basque cuisine
Located at Gate 14 of the stadium, San Mames Jatetxea, run by the renowned Michelin-starred chef Fernando Canales, offers the best of Basque cuisine paired with direct views of the pitch.
The menu includes dishes such as Etxanobe-style Russian salad, txistorra (pork Basque sauage) croquettes, scallop pie with kimchi mayonnaise, lamb sweetbreads with truffled mashed potatoes, or scallops and smoked bacon jus, all of them combining Basque tradition with modern creativity.
Choose from three set menus (special, Basque gastronomy and tasting menu) and, given its high demand, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Without a doubt, Bilbao is a fantastic gastronomic tourist destination for food lovers: whether you are looking for a great daily menu or some of the best restaurants in this Basque city.
If you are still planning your trip, check out our travel guides on what to see in Bilbao and its surroundings in 4 days, where we suggest several destinations for the most complete experience in the city and nearby areas. If you only have one day, this is the perfect itinerary to make sure you don’t miss Bilbao’s essential sights in just a day or a weekend.
