Best Restaurants in Ensanche Bilbao 2026
Where Bilbao goes upscale - elegant pintxos and fine wine
Updated weekly
About Ensanche
Ensanche ("Expansion") was Bilbao's answer to 19th-century growth. When the medieval Casco Viejo became too cramped, the city burst outward in a grid of elegant boulevards and grand buildings. Gran Vía, the main artery, was modelled on the great European avenues of the era.
Today, Ensanche represents Bilbao's sophisticated side. The architecture is stunning - ornate facades, wide pavements with cafe terraces, and the beautiful Plaza Moyúa at its heart. This is where Bilbaínos come for special occasions, business lunches, and evening aperitivos.
The food scene reflects this elegance: contemporary Basque cuisine with international influences, wine bars with sommelier service, and pintxos that are works of art. Think deconstructed classics, innovative pairings, and impeccable presentation.
Old Money, New Food
Ensanche has always been Bilbao's bourgeois quarter - this isn't gentrification but heritage. The neighbourhood maintains its upscale character while embracing modern culinary trends. Expect a well-dressed crowd and prices to match.
Business & Gastronomy
Many of Bilbao's most celebrated chefs have opened restaurants here, drawn by the sophisticated clientele. The area attracts food critics, wine journalists, and visiting chefs. It's where the Basque culinary establishment comes to dine.
How to Get There
From Bilbao Abando station:
- Walking:5 mins - you're already in Ensanche
- Metro:Abando, Moyúa, or Indautxu stations
- Tram:Abando or Guggenheim stops
Barik Ticket Info
Barik card works on metro, tram, and buses. Buy at metro stations.
Local tip: Gran Vía is best explored on foot. Start at Plaza Circular near Abando and walk towards Plaza Moyúa, stopping at wine bars along the way.
Ensanche Venue Map
TLDR: Ensanche Quick Picks
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The Ensanche Hot List
Week of 22 February 2026
This Week
Welcome back to the Ensanche Hot List, your essential guide to the best eats and drinks in Bilbao! And at NUMBER ONE, for the first time ever, it’s El Salon de Mi Casa! That’s right, this incredible restaurant climbs one spot to take the crown! Can they hold onto it? Elsewhere, UDON Bilbao Abando is cooking up a storm, leaping three places to a brand new peak position at number two! Amaren holds steady at number three, while Restaurante Markina makes a HUGE jump of seven places, landing at number four! Incredible. Rongorri Restaurante also hits a new high, climbing to number five.
We've got some exciting new entries this week! Straight in at number six is Restaurante Bikandi Etxea – a debut that’s sure to turn heads! And let's hear it for La Gavilla, soaring three spots to number seven. BOCAO BAR is also on the rise, reaching a new peak at number eight. Further down the chart, LA ATOMICA cervecería mexicana is making moves, up two to number ten, and Txoko Piperrak comidas de grupos joins the party as a new entry. Singular climbs to a new peak position! Peso Neto taberna-jatetxea is up! And Ardibeltz taberna is on the rise.
AMA 94, Bacaicoa taberna, La Viña de San Francisco taberna jatetxea, and Yandiola Jatetxea all join the chart for the very first time! So much deliciousness! What will next week bring? Will El Salon de Mi Casa remain at the top? Will our new entries keep climbing? Tune in next week to find out!
Fresh Arrivals
6
new entries this week
Rankings updated weekly based on composite scoring methodology · Only positive movements shown — every venue here is winning
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Ensanche FAQs
Ensanche is Bilbao's elegant 19th-century expansion district, characterised by wide boulevards, beautiful architecture, and upscale dining. Gran Vía is the main artery, lined with fine restaurants and sophisticated pintxos bars.
Generally yes - Ensanche attracts a more upmarket crowd with higher-end restaurants and wine bars. Expect to pay €5-12 per pintxo at premium spots. However, there are still excellent mid-range options throughout the area.
Gran Vía and the streets around Plaza Moyúa have the highest concentration of quality restaurants. Calle Ercilla and Calle Rodríguez Arias are also excellent for dining, with a mix of traditional and contemporary options.
Absolutely. Ensanche has Bilbao's best wine bars, specialising in Rioja Alavesa and txakoli from the Basque Country. Many restaurants offer impressive wine lists with rare vintages and natural wines.
The Bizkaibus A3247 runs directly from Bilbao Airport to Plaza Moyúa in the heart of Ensanche. Journey time is 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis cost around €25-30.
Still have questions? The best answers come from locals at the venue.
Rankings recalculated weekly from live Google review data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity, recency, rating trend, and baseline rating — no editorial picks, no paid placements. We prioritise venues that balance sophistication with authentic Basque hospitality.