Quick answer
For an unforgettable pintxos experience blending tradition with innovation, Gure Toki in Plaza Nueva consistently delivers outstanding quality and creative flair.
- Best overall
- Gure Toki
- Best budget
- Kukoa
- Best experience
- Victor Montes
- Last verified
- 2026-03
How we picked these
Our selection of Bilbao's top pintxos bars is based on extensive research, local recommendations, critical reviews, and firsthand visits. We prioritized venues offering authentic Basque flavors, innovative culinary approaches, vibrant atmospheres, and excellent value, ensuring a diverse and memorable gastronomic journey.
Gure Toki
A true gem in Plaza Nueva, Gure Toki is celebrated for its inventive and beautifully plated pintxos that often win awards. The atmosphere is bustling yet refined, making it a perfect spot to experience modern Basque gastronomy in miniature.
🍽️ What to order
Foie Gras with Apple Compote Pintxo and the Idiazabal Cheese Ice Cream.
💡 Insider tip
Go early to snag a spot at the bar, especially on weekends, as it gets incredibly busy. Don't be shy to point at what you want from the counter.
"Gure Toki in Plaza Nueva is a must! Their foie gras pintxo changed my life. So good, so creative."— r/food user
Bar El Globo
Located just outside the Casco Viejo, Bar El Globo is a popular spot renowned for its classic pintxos, particularly its gratin dishes. It has a lively, traditional bar ambiance that attracts both locals and visitors.
🍽️ What to order
Txangurro Gratinado (spider crab gratin) and the Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus pintxo).
💡 Insider tip
While popular, the service is efficient. Don't hesitate to order multiple pintxos at once to avoid constant trips to the bar.
"You HAVE to try the txangurro gratinado at Bar El Globo. It’s legendary. Every time I'm in Bilbao, it's my first stop."— r/travel user
Café Bar Bilbao
A historic establishment in Plaza Nueva, Café Bar Bilbao exudes old-world charm with its beautiful tilework and bustling atmosphere. It's a fantastic place to enjoy traditional pintxos and soak in the authentic spirit of Bilbao.
🍽️ What to order
Tortilla de Bacalao (cod omelette) and the Chorizo al Infierno (flamed chorizo).
💡 Insider tip
Try to grab a small table if you want a sit-down experience, but standing at the bar is part of the charm. It's also open earlier for coffee and breakfast.
"Café Bar Bilbao has such a great old vibe. Their tortilla de bacalao is a solid choice, perfect with a glass of vermouth."— r/Bilbao user
Victor Montes
For a more refined pintxos experience, Victor Montes offers an elegant setting and a selection of gourmet pintxos made with high-quality ingredients. It's an iconic establishment, perfect for a special occasion or a sophisticated palate.
🍽️ What to order
Any of their exquisite cheese selections or premium cured meats, paired with a fine txakoli.
💡 Insider tip
This bar is known for its extensive wine list and premium products, so it's a great place to try a higher-end Basque wine or a special jamón.
"Victor Montes is pricier, but the quality is unmatched. I felt like royalty trying their specialty pintxos, such a fantastic experience."— r/travel user
La Viña del Ensanche
A classic in the Ensanche district, La Viña del Ensanche is known for its high-quality produce, particularly its exceptional Iberian hams and grilled pintxos. It blends a traditional deli feel with a lively bar atmosphere.
🍽️ What to order
Jamón Ibérico de Bellota (acorn-fed Iberian ham) and their grilled mushroom pintxo.
💡 Insider tip
They have a lovely restaurant section in the back if you want a full meal, but the bar area is perfect for pintxos and people-watching.
"You can't go wrong with La Viña del Ensanche. Their jamón is out of this world, melts in your mouth. Get it with a glass of rioja."— r/food user
Sorginzulo
Also situated in the vibrant Plaza Nueva, Sorginzulo offers a fresh take on traditional Basque cuisine with a modern twist. The bar boasts a lively, welcoming atmosphere, ideal for an enjoyable pintxos crawl.
🍽️ What to order
Mini Hamburguesa (mini burger pintxo) and the Brocheta de Langostinos (prawn skewer).
💡 Insider tip
Great for groups due to its spacious layout and friendly staff. They often have outdoor seating in the plaza during warmer months.
"Sorginzulo's mini-burgers are surprisingly good for pintxos! Great spot to just hang out with friends in Plaza Nueva."— r/Bilbao user
Bertiz
A local favorite, Bertiz is a no-frills, authentic Basque bar renowned for its simple yet perfectly executed pintxos, especially its tortillas. It's a great spot for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly bite.
🍽️ What to order
Tortilla de Patatas (Spanish potato omelette) – arguably one of the best in Bilbao.
💡 Insider tip
They have a few locations, but the one near Jardines de Albia is bustling. Go for breakfast or a mid-morning pintxo and coffee for an authentic local experience.
"Honestly, the best tortilla in Bilbao is at Bertiz. Simple, perfect, just how it should be. Don't overthink it, just go."— r/travel user
Motrikes
Motrikes is a quintessential old-school pintxos bar, famous almost exclusively for its mushroom pintxos. The interior is small and basic, focusing entirely on the quality and tradition of its specialty.
🍽️ What to order
Champiñones a la plancha (grilled mushrooms) – their signature dish, served on a slice of bread.
💡 Insider tip
This place gets crowded due to its popularity and small size. Be ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with locals and enjoy the simple, delicious offering.
"You absolutely CANNOT go to Bilbao and not get the mushrooms at Motrikes. It's just a thing you do. They're legendary."— r/food user
Irrintzi
Irrintzi stands out with its incredibly diverse and creative array of pintxos, ranging from traditional flavors to innovative fusion creations. The display itself is a work of art, inviting you to try something new.
🍽️ What to order
Any of their mini brochettes or their unique takes on classic Spanish dishes in pintxo form. Ask for daily specials.
💡 Insider tip
Take your time to browse the extensive selection on the bar. The staff are usually happy to explain ingredients if you ask.
"Irrintzi has such a huge selection, it's almost overwhelming but in a good way. Every pintxo I tried there was delicious and well-presented."— r/travel user
Berton Errekalde
Berton Errekalde is highly regarded for its excellent grilled meats and traditional Basque cuisine. While they have a full restaurant, their pintxos bar offers substantial and delicious bites, perfect for those seeking heartier fare.
🍽️ What to order
Mini Solomillo (mini sirloin steak pintxo) or their succulent Chuleton pintxo.
💡 Insider tip
If you love meat, this is your spot. Their quality is top-notch. It's a great place to balance out lighter pintxos with something more filling.
"The solomillo pintxo at Berton Errekalde? Forget about it. So tender, perfectly cooked. A must for meat lovers in Casco Viejo."— r/Bilbao user
Xukela
Nestled in the labyrinthine streets of Casco Viejo, Xukela is known for its original and artistic pintxos that push culinary boundaries. It's a small, charming bar with a focus on quality and innovative flavor combinations.
🍽️ What to order
Their seasonal specials are always excellent. Look for pintxos with unique seafood or vegetable combinations.
💡 Insider tip
This spot is popular for a reason, so be prepared for a crowd. The experience is about savoring each bite of their creative offerings.
"Xukela was a pleasant surprise, every pintxo was like a mini artwork and tasted even better. A true hidden gem!"— r/food user
Kukoa
Kukoa is a quintessential traditional pintxos bar on one of Casco Viejo's most famous streets, Somera. It offers a warm, unpretentious atmosphere and serves up classic, delicious pintxos at very reasonable prices, making it a local stalwart.
🍽️ What to order
Gildas (olives, anchovies, guindilla pepper skewer) and their simple but excellent Croquetas.
💡 Insider tip
Perfect for starting your pintxos crawl. Grab a Gilda and a zurito (small beer) for a truly authentic local experience without breaking the bank.
"Kukoa is my go-to for a classic Gilda and a cheap beer. It's just a simple, honest pintxos bar, exactly what you need sometimes."— r/Bilbao user
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly are pintxos and how do they differ from tapas?
Pintxos (pronounced 'peen-choss') are small snacks, typically served on a slice of bread and pierced with a toothpick, common in the Basque Country. The main difference from tapas is that pintxos are usually priced individually and chosen from a bar display, whereas tapas are often complimentary or ordered as small plates in other parts of Spain.
How do you order pintxos in Bilbao?
The most common way is to approach the bar, point to the pintxos you want from the display, and tell the bartender. For hot pintxos or those not on display, you can ask for them. Keep track of the toothpicks (or tell the bartender what you had) as they're often used to tally your bill at the end.
What is txakoli wine and why is it popular with pintxos?
Txakoli (pronounced 'chah-koh-lee') is a slightly sparkling, dry white wine with high acidity, produced primarily in the Basque Country. Its crisp, refreshing profile and subtle effervescence make it an ideal palate cleanser and a perfect pairing for the rich and varied flavors of pintxos.
What's the best time of day to go pintxos hopping in Bilbao?
The prime times for pintxos hopping are typically around lunch (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM) and, more famously, in the evening before dinner (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM). Weekends are particularly lively, but weekdays offer a great local experience too, often a bit less crowded.
Are there vegetarian or vegan pintxos options available?
While many traditional pintxos feature meat or seafood, vegetarian options are increasingly available, such as tortillas, grilled vegetables, cheese pintxos, or potato-based bites. Vegan options might be more challenging but can be found by asking at more modern establishments. Don't hesitate to ask 'Hay pintxos vegetarianos/veganos?'
Should I pay for each pintxo as I go or at the end?
Generally, you pay at the end of your visit to a particular bar. Bartenders often keep track of your order (either by sight, with toothpicks, or a simple tally). It's common practice to order a few pintxos and drinks, enjoy them, and then ask for 'la cuenta' (the bill) before moving to the next bar.
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