Bilbao-born Michelin-starred Spanish chef Nieves Barragán shares with U her favourite spots in the Basque Country's capital.

Cafe Iruña

One of the oldest bars in Bilbao, Cafe Iruña, is situated in front of Los Jardines de Albia, making it the perfect place to people watch whilst enjoying breakfast, lunch, dinner, or an evening drink with pintxos. The walls and floors are adorned with colourful and vibrant tiles and the real must-eat is their Pincho Moruños (lamb skewers).

Kate Zaharra

Hands down the best view in Bilbao, the original farmhouse is located above the city. The restaurant has two large dining rooms and a very traditional menu, with specialities of grilled fish and meat, chickpeas with lobster, fresh shrimp or sirloin meatballs. Order the roasted green peppers, stuffed with txangurro (crab).

La Casita De Sabino

Located in the city centre, La Casita de Sabino is the best place in Bilbao for sea food and whole fish. Their simple and traditional menu offers a vast range of seafood from razor clams to octopus, all with handwritten prices, as well as a selection of cheeses and other dishes that offer something a bit different.

Eneko Bilbao

Eneko Bilbao is the new restaurant from three Michelin-starred chef, Eneko Atxa. Located in the Euskalduna Conference Centre and Concert Hall, Atxa creates elegant and innovative Biscayan (Basque) cuisine.

Baserri Maitea 

Baserri Maitea is found in the village of Forua, approximately 40km from Bilbao. Set in an 18th-century caserío (Basque farmhouse), the restaurant is famous for its traditional wood-fired grilled meat and fish dishes, a favourite being an incredibly good rib of beef.

Nieves Barragán Mohacho is a Spanish chef who held a Michelin star while executive head chef at Barrafina in London. She has since opened her own restaurant, Sabor, also in London. 

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