Cuisine has always been an important part of Basque culture, pintxos and seafood have become world famous. However, where brunch is concerned, this British tradition has become increasingly popular in the Basque country over recent years. With so many cafés, restaurants and fashionable bakery-cafés offering breakfast and brunch menus, we make it a bit easier for you with a list of the best spots in the Basque Country to start your day.
Bilbao is home to Brass 27, a welcoming restaurant which offers a mouth-watering brunch menu and buffets, so choosing what to have can prove to be quite a challenge. Whether you go for the sweet or the savory, the hot beverages or cool smoothies, you will not be disappointed. The cosmopolitan ambiance in this café makes it a brilliant place to start a Sunday morning with their ‘Long Brunch’ either alone or with friends, or pop in on Saturday for their ‘Baby Brunch’.
La Ribera is a celebrated café theater, which offers the chance to enjoy a delicious menu alongside a live music event. A cool interior of emerald-green brick walls and wooden tables adds to the relaxed vibe which fills the restaurant. A splendid view of the river Ría de Bilbao completes the image. La Ribera boasts the largest larder in the entire city and its varied menu reflects this. Ingredients are bought fresh at the nearby Mercado de la Ribera, which ensures freshness and flavor in each item on brunch menu, which guarantees the perfect start to the day.
Price: Mid-range
What to look out for: Black truffle capuccino and vanilla foam
Opening times: Mon – Wed 11 am-11 pm; Thurs 11 am-2 am; Fri 11 am – 2:30 am; Sat 12:30 pm-2:30 am; Sun 12:30 pm-23:00 pm
Wiché is a favorite brunch spot among the residents of Bilbao. It is a café bakery, a phenomenon rapidly increasing in popularity in the city, which offers a delectable breakfast menu. A simple and light internal décor brightens the morning, alongside the wonderful flavors of their dishes, which are all prepared with the utmost care to ensure freshness and elegant presentation. For a morning filled with happiness in the form of breads, crêpes, omelettes, salads, coffees and more, don’t miss Wiché Café Bakery.
Since 2011, Panko has worked hard to reach perfection in their menus, altering and improving recipes or creating new ones. The smell of freshly and traditionally made artisan bread wafts out on to the street, making a stop at this bread boutique simply irresistible. Offering several breakfast menus and an attractive brunch menu, there is always something waiting to be tasted at this excellent place. Step into this friendly bread boutique to start your day with the most heavenly smells and flavors.
El Café de Baluarte is a spacious and luminous restaurant which invites its customers to try a superb late brunch every Sunday. The chef aims to create innovative dishes, each one made using only seasonal ingredients to optimize freshness. Aside from enjoying the unique flavors of both the sweet and savory items on the brunch menu, feel entertained by jazz bands performing in El Café de Baluarte. Authentic and individual, this café in Pamplona has become one of the best locations to enjoy brunch.
Just opposite Pamplona’s main cathedral stands Bistrot Catedral, a cozy cafe with an outdoor terrace which offers a splendid view of the cathedral. A Parisian-style interior welcomes customers to try a traditional brunch every Sunday. A carefully composed menu offers delights including eggs, breads, a sweet dessert, juices, hot beverages and more. Don’t miss out on a visit to Bistrot Catedral, an excellently located brunch spot offering good food with a spectacular view.
San Sebastian-Donostia is the home of La Madame, a highly praised restaurant which offers some of the city’s best cuisine. Attention to detail is evident in La Madame, whether it is in the modern interior decoration, the melange of flavors or in the preparation of the dishes. La Madame proposes an attractive brunch deal, including a healthy option for those who are counting calories. If you’re in San Sebastian-Donostia and are in want of a good and satisfying brunch, make sure to make a trip to La Madame.
Ambigú Estación is new gem in San Sebastian-Donostia. A friendly atmosphere makes guests feel at home from the moment they step through the door and into the tastefully decorated dining room. Here you can find an excellent brunch, made with only the freshest ingredients. Brunch at this café is also made special by another factor. Ambigu Estacion hosts live bands who bring the place to life on a relaxed Sunday morning, so that customers can enjoy listening to music and tasting delicious brunch dishes.
Euromar is a café which focuses on making a visit an unforgettable experience. The chefs pride themselves on using only seasonal ingredients which have been carefully and meticulously selected to ensure that they are the freshest and most natural ingredients for their original and creative dishes. Brunch is served here at weekends, offering a plentiful menu of sweet and savory items to start the day with an explosion of flavor. Don’t miss out on Euromar’s brunch and enjoy a lazy morning at this charming café.
Fresa y Chocolate is a wonderful little café in the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz. Here you can find everything from fresh pastries, homemade desserts, savory tarts, a variety of teas and coffees and fantastic fruit juices. Fresa y Chocolate boasts a menu which has many organic options and therefore guarantees quality in their flavorful dishes. The chefs prepare their creations with love and it shows in the beautiful presentation of the food and the delicious flavors in just one bite. Add to this a bit of live music and Fresa y Chocolate immediately becomes a cool place to relax in Vitoria-Gasteiz.
