The best brunches in Bilbao

Perhaps because we used to call it haimaketako (the 11am meal), brunching is such a big hit in Bilbao and Bizkaia. People meet for brunch. A few decades ago, only one place in the whole city served anything similar, at weekends: an English breakfast.

The hamaiketako was quite a different thing, and was a common meal in rural and seaside areas.

Brunch, with its urban character, can be enjoyed at Sua San from Monday to Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Mazarredo, 79).

Other nearby options include Arvo, Cockoon Café and Café Originale.

Brunch at Balicana (Henao) is also very popular.

Taula, located at Gregorio de la Revilla 25, offers brunch and drunch, an evening version of brunch. They are open every day and they do not take reservations.

Onda Açaí, located on Manuel Allende, brings you the latest trends in ingredients and coffees.

In Bilbao’s Old Town, we can visit Dupla Specialty Coffee in Viuda de Epalza or La Sinsorga in Askao, which is much more than just a breakfast spot.

Happy River, located on Muelle de la Merced, offers an extensive brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.

These are just a few places, all of which are interesting. There are many more great places to have brunch, including hotels.

For those on a quest for the perfect brunch, Goxo Break is a must-visit. Located very close to Larrabasterra beach in Sopelana, this bakery and pastry shop is renowned for its ‘special breakfasts’. The original hamaiketako.