They can tell you about it, butit is not the same. You have to live it! The atmosphere around San Mames before a match is incredible, amazing, spectacular… Thousands of people fill the bars and restaurants in the streets surrounding the stadium, especially in the area known as ‘Pozas’.
It is difficult to make a list of recommended places to eat and drink near San Mames before a Champions League match, because any bar or restaurant will fascinate you with its pintxos and gastronomy.
But for those who are looking for original restaurants in Bilbao, with a special menu and location… in La Catedral itself you will find three restaurants with menus for all tastes, palates and ages.
1. San Mames Jatetxea: the most original restaurant in Bilbao.
A restaurant in Bilbao with a Michelin star and views of La Catedral? Yes, we have it: located in the heart of the stadium (gate 14), San Mames Jatetxea is run by the chef Fernando Canales and pays homage to traditional Basque cuisine with a contemporary twist and impeccable service.
Etxanobe- style Russian salad, txistorra croquettes, sea scallop pie with Kimtxi mayonnaise, lamb sweetbreads with truffled mashed potato or bay scallops with smoked bacon juice… are some of the dishes on its extensive menu, which also includes the best fish and meat dishes.
San Mames Jatetxea also offers different menus so that you don’t have to think: special menu, Basque gastronomy menu and tasting menu.
Due to the high demand of diners, we recommend that you book a table in advance.
2. La Campa de los Ingleses: original restaurant for its history in Bilbao.
Right next to the official Athletic Club shop is La Campa de los Ingleses, a bar-restaurant that evokes the history of football in Bilbao, inspired by the English sailors who brought the sport to Bilbao in the 19th century. An ideal place for a quick lunch or a “third half” with friends.
A daily set menu is available from Tuesday to Friday with a first and second course and a choice of dessert.
In addition, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, the menu offers up to three starters to share, meat, fish and a dessert. And importantly, La Campa de los Ingleses has a children’s menu.
3. Geuria!: a sports-bar.
Geuria! is the sports-bar in San Mames, which will make your mouth water thanks to its freshly baked bread in sandwiches and hamburgers.
On their extensive menu you can find bacon fries, chicken fingers, croquettes, Caesar salad, hot wings, nachos… and a wide variety of snacks, sandwiches and burgers, as well as the delicious Thate’s Hot-Dog.
By the way! They only accept reservations for dinner time.
Soak up the atmosphere before a Champions League match at San Mames and discover why Bilbao is one of the world’s gastronomic cities!
