Spring brings with it an explosion of colours, aromas and flavours that make their way into Bilbao’s markets and kitchens. It’s the perfect time of year for food lovers: fresh produce, reinvented traditional recipes, and a city that pays tribute to its culinary culture with every bite. If you’re someone who travels with your taste buds leading the way, this springtime foodie route through Bilbao is just for you.
Ingredients that Taste Like Spring
With the arrival of warmer days, dishes fill with freshness and subtle flavours. Among the seasonal stars are white asparagus, tender and delicate; the prized tear peas (known as “green caviar” for their sweetness and texture); Cantabrian anchovies, at their best during this season; and of course, cod, featured in countless traditional Basque recipes. For something sweet, there’s nothing like fresh spring strawberries, often served with cream or transformed into irresistible homemade desserts.
Dishes that Awaken the Appetite
Basque cuisine adapts beautifully to spring while keeping its bold character. On the menus of bars and restaurants in the Casco Viejo, or Old Town, you’ll find delights such as tear pea scramble with Iberian ham, a simple yet sublime dish. Warm asparagus with old-style mustard vinaigrette offers pure seasonal flavour. Marinated anchovies with roasted peppers capture the essence of the north in every bite, while cod al pil-pil or a la vizcaína remains a timeless favourite, enhanced by the freshness of seasonal ingredients. To end a spring meal, few things beat a light and aromatic homemade strawberry tart.
Where to Taste Them Near Hotel Sirimiri
Just a short stroll from Hotel Sirimiri, right in the heart of the Casco Viejo, you’ll find some culinary gems where you can sample these spring flavours.
Café Bar Bilbao, located in Plaza Nueva, is ideal for enjoying seasonal pintxos in a lively and classic setting. Nearby, Gure Toki, also in Plaza Nueva, is known for its creativity and use of fresh, local ingredients. Zaharra offers traditional Basque cuisine with menus that adapt to what the season brings. La Olla stands out with its comforting dishes, market-sourced ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.
La Ribera Market: A Feast for the Senses
If you’d rather explore and take a little taste of Bilbao home with you, don’t miss the La Ribera Market. With stalls brimming with fruit, vegetables, meats and fish, it’s the perfect place to discover what’s in season, chat with local producers, and soak in the city’s culinary soul. The market also houses a food hall where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes on the spot.
Taste It for Yourself
Spring tastes better when experienced up close. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than by staying at Hotel Sirimiri, the perfect starting point to explore the Casco Viejo and dive into Bilbao’s rich food culture.
Book your stay, awaken your senses, and get ready for a flavour-filled journey. Because Bilbao, in spring, is more delicious than ever.