The Best Late-Night Eats in Bilbao

If you’re craving something from across the pond, then Hot Dog’s House is sure to satisfy. As the name suggests, it specialises in authentic hot dogs, as well as hamburgers. There’s everything here from German bratwurst to curry hot dogs, and even tofu hot dogs and seitan burgers for vegetarians and vegans.

The classic Bilbao late-night eat is the pintxo. Pintxos are the Basque answer to tapas, but are smaller and consist of various toppings on a piece of bread. One of the best and most atmospheric spots for pintxos in the city is the historic Café Bar Bilbao, on Plaza Nueva. Lined with old-fashioned colourful tiles the pintxos are lined up along the bar, and include things such as goat’s cheese covered in walnuts and berries or ham with wild mushrooms.

Another great spot for late-night burgers is Taberna Astuy, located in the Santutxu neighbourhood. Founded in 1981, it’s become one of the most popular hamburger spots in the city. Burgers are topped with interesting ingredients, such as the Guggenheim burger that’s sprinkled with pineapple and cheese. If burgers aren’t your thing, there’s also filled baguettes, sandwiches, salads and various snacks.

Pizzas are always a great night-time eat to share with friends, and Circolo Pizza is one of the best in the city. A simple takeaway place, it’s perfect for getting a pizza to take back to your hostel or hotel. They may be slightly on the pricey side, but the classic toppings are delicious. Think four cheese, capricciosa and marinera seafood. There’s even a dessert pizza with Nutella and coconut.

Kebabs are of course the ultimate late-night bite, eaten across Europe, after crazy nights in pubs or clubs. There are a couple of Kebab Euskadi places in the city, but the most convenient is the one in the Casco Viejo (Old Town). As well as classic kebabs in pitta breads, they offer kebabs in durum wraps and tasty herby falafels.

MIO Bar Bilbao is a lively pub, located very close to the centre of the city. It’s great for a late night drink, paired with some tasty pintxos, burgers or plates of crispy, fried tempura.

If you’re looking for something a little more filling at the end of the night, then Pasta & Pizza Grossi is the spot to go. A small takeaway place, they specialise in delicious pizzas and homemade pastas, paired with a variety of sauces. How about a pesto fettuccine or penne with a thick meat ragu?