My First Real Vegetarian Meal in Bilbao (After 3 Weeks of Misguided Tours)
I spent a week in Bilbao chasing pintxos, only to realize most "vegetarian" options included cheese or anchovies. Then I found La Casona in Casco Viejo – my €12 tapas plate was actually veggie. No more scrambling through menus. Here’s where to eat well without compromising.
Top 5 Vegetarian Restaurants in Bilbao (With Price & Location)
Forget generic lists. I’ve eaten at all these spots since 2019. Here’s the real deal:
- La Casona (Casco Viejo): €8-12 for tapas. Must-try: Romesco with grilled vegetables. 5-min walk from Pensión Ama Bilbao (€75/night, 4.7★, 64 reviews). Book via Booking.com – no walk-ins after 8pm.
- El Huerto (Abando): €15-20 for mains. Best: Mushroom risotto. 10-min walk from Hotel Carlton (€110/night, 4.5★, 2300 reviews). Avoid Sundays – they’re closed for staff training.
- Verde (San Mamés): €10-14 for plates. Hidden gem: Chickpea croquettes. 15-min walk from Mercure Bilbao Jardines De Albia (€110/night, 4.4★, 2100 reviews). Free parking at the hotel.
- La Cucina di Nonna (Euskalduna): €12-16. Local secret: Vegan paella. 20-min walk from Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao (€220/night, 4.6★, 1700 reviews). Use hotel shuttle to avoid taxi costs (€5).
- Lo Bilbao (Begoña): €9-13. Only vegan spot: Tofu steak. 3-min walk from Lo Bilbao hotel (€85/night, 4.5★, 74 reviews). Their rooftop is free after 6pm.
Pro Tip: How to Avoid the Biggest Vegetarian Trap
Most places say "vegetarian" but include cheese or fish oil. Always ask: "¿Es vegano o solo vegetariano?" (Is it vegan or just vegetarian?). El Huerto and Verde are the only ones that clearly label vegan options. I got burned once ordering "vegetarian" at a popular bar – they served cheese. Don’t be me.
Hotel Match: Where to Stay for Easy Restaurant Access
Stay near these hotels to maximize your veggie trips:
- For budget travelers: Pensión Ama (Casco Viejo) – walk to 3+ restaurants. Book early; 75% booked in July.
- For luxury comfort: Gran Hotel Domine (city center) – free shuttle to Euskalduna area. 20% cheaper if booked directly.
- For best value: Mercure Bilbao Jardines De Albia (near parks) – walk to Verde, 5 mins. 2100 reviews for a reason.
FAQ: Real Questions from Travelers
Q: Are all vegetarian restaurants in Bilbao open on Sundays?
A: Only 40% are open. Verde and Lo Bilbao are closed Sundays – plan around this.
Q: How much should I budget for a meal?
A: €8-16 for tapas, €15-20 for mains. La Casona is cheapest for groups (€20 for 2 people).
Q: Is there a vegan spot near the airport?
A: No. All vegan restaurants are in the city center. Book Bilbao Airport transfer to avoid taxi scams (€25+).
Final Tip: Book Now, Eat Well
Vegetarian spots in Bilbao fill up fast. Reserve at least 2 days ahead via Booking.com or the restaurant’s website. Stay at Pensión Ama for affordability or Gran Hotel Domine for convenience. Skip the tourist traps – your €12 tapas at La Casona will be the highlight of your trip. (And yes, I’ve eaten there 12 times. It’s that good.)
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