Bilbao's Best Pintxos Route: An Authentic Culinary Experience

Lovers of good food and curious to taste the specialties of the Basque Country, head quickly to the best Pintxos route that the Basque Country Guide offers you in Bilbao. Capital of the province of Biscay, this charming village offers you an unforgettable tasting in the heart of the old town, the opportunity to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the bars and restaurants of northern Spain. To your forks, it's time to feast!

Pintxos, a delicacy to be savored with your eyes closed

Have you heard of pintxos? These delicious savory bites that are eaten with your fingers for the greatest pleasure of your palate? More than a specialty, they are true culinary institutions for the south of the Basque Country, and the north of Spain. Presented on small slices of bread, sometimes toasted, they are filled with carefully selected local products to offer you an explosion of flavors. Pintxos comes from the verb pinchar meaning to prick, a name that perfectly suits these little delights often served on a sharing board to nibble on the best of the region around a glass of wine or homemade sangria. Ready to take the best pintxos route in Bilbao, you are going to enjoy yourself…

The Olla of the New Plaza

Here is the first step of this unforgettable culinary experience, a 100% gourmet stop in one of the most creative and award-winning bars in the Basque Country. Recognized as one of the most creative bars in Bizkaia, it reveals a spectacular counter on which to lean to taste pintxos, as well as barrels and high chairs to accentuate the spirit of conviviality. Let's start with the presentation of the dishes which is absolutely fantastic with thematic sculptures according to each recipe. Giant crab, whale or sheep brandishing an Idiazabal cheese, you will be amazed before treating your taste buds to quality products:

• The hams are chosen from the best of the serranías of Extremadura and Salamanca
• Delicious albacore tuna comes from the north, as do anchovies
• The cheeses are delicious and fragrant as desired...

Varied croquettes, ham and cheese fondues, rations... each recipe is a unique creation that has won numerous pintxo competitions.

The Globe of the Plaza Nueva

Save room for the next stop! Less than a minute from the previous address,El Globo is a true institution established in the historic heart of Bilbao since 1997. Suffice it to say that the recipes are refines, passed down from generation to generation to offer you a unique gastronomic experience. Their specialty? The grilled crab pintxo, a sumptuous mix of seafood and fresh bread beautifully presented on the bar counter among a selection of El Globo's best pintxos :

• Potato and truffle gratin
• Karraspio Scallop Shell
• Grilled foie gras, orange jam and red fruits
• Salmon roll
• Peanut ball…

So many delicacies to enjoy that you'll want to stay all day, savoring a full menu of grilled pintxos made with fresh produce. The bar's festive atmosphere, full of encounters, exchanges, sharing, good humor, and conviviality, perfectly complements the bar's culinary offerings, providing an opportunity to share a good time and toast with a glass of wine, a craft beer, or a cocktail.

The Victor Montes in the heart of Bilbao

Last but not least: the discovery of the famous Victor Monte s establishment, a former grocery store renowned for its quality products which has now become one of the gastronomic references of the historic center of Bilbao. Push open the doors of an iconic restaurant which invites you to taste carefully selected unique products, small culinary treasures which reflect the richness of the terroir and promote flavors from all over the world. Upstairs, the magnificent room with tablecloths is surprising, surrounded by an incredible collection of whiskies, brandies and cognacs carefully preserved since 1846. For your last tasting on the best pintxos route in Bilbao, you will have the privilege of sitting at the bar supported by small barrels like illustrious figures such as Prince Albert of Monaco or Oliver Stone. Norwegian salmon with gold dust and Piamonte truffle, foie gras marinated for 45 hours or butterfly anchovy fillets from the Cantabrian Sea with Arbequina caviar, not forgetting the sublime Iberian products from Bellota DO Extremadura, this last stop is the perfect end to your gastronomic experience. Close your eyes and savor the traditional recipes with an innovative and contemporary touch.

Once you've completed your pintxo route in Bilbao, all you have to do is select your favorite pintxo and head back to your favorite bar to enjoy it.

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