We visited Bar El Globo in Bilbao to try their award-winning Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado and ended up loving their Foie a la plancha.
They have 2 locations in Bilbao, and we went to both of them. While the location in Plaza Nueva is beautifully decorated, it is also packed with locals and tourists. We wanted some breathing room, so we went to the terrace of the Diputación location.
The first thing you notice about El Globo in Bilbao is the huge variety of pintxos (small bites) they carefully arrange on the bar. A lot of them are gratinated, making the bar look like a collection of golden-brown domes. We just had to try as many Pintxos as possible!
About Bar El Globo
- Location:
- El Globo Diputación: Diputazio Kalea, 8, Bilbao (link to Google maps)
- El Globo Plaza Nueva: Pl. Berria, 1, Bilbao (link to Google maps)
- Phone: 944 313 858
- Website: https://www.barelglobo.es
- Instagram: @elglobo.bilbao
- Awards:
- Founded: 1997
- Chef: Manuel Gómez
- Group: La Olla Hostelería
- Style: Pintxo Bar
- Best for: traditional Basque ingredients showcased in a Pintxo format and using modern cooking techniques
- One-line verdict: people who want to try a wide variety of pintxos in Bilbao will love this bar. El Globo in Bilbao is a great stop for innovative Basque food, especially if you want gratinated pintxos and want to order the award-winning Txangurro gratinado (Crab gratin).
What to order
While there are a lot of options at Bar El Globo in Bilbao, and we did try most of them, our top picks are the Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado, the Pintxo de foie a la plancha, and the Pintxo de hongos con jamón.
1. Txangurro gratinado – Crab gratin
- Txangurro gratinado is made with crab, usually baked and served hot, known for its creamy texture.
- This is for those who want to try a key Basque ingredient in a small format, that won awards.
Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado
A dome of spider crab gratinated until the top is golden brown, and it’s a must-try.
Read more2. Foie a la plancha – Seared fresh foie gras
- Foie a la plancha is made with fresh foie gras, usually seared, served hot, and known for its rich flavor.
- This is a must-try for people who want to experience an established top ingredient in the Basque Country, which is very well prepared.
Pintxo de foie a la plancha
Seared fresh foie gras on a slice of baguette – probably the best version we had so far.
Read more3. Hongos con jamón – Mushrooms with ham
- Hongos con jamón is made with mushrooms and jamón, usually confit, served at room temperature and known for its creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- Ordering Pintxo de Hongos con jamón is a great way to experience one of the typical Basque Country ingredients: Boletus mushrooms.
Pintxo de hongos con jamón
Confit mushrooms, surrounded by a mushroom cream, topped with Spanish ham.
Read moreWhat makes Bar EL Globo worth visiting
We’ve heard a lot about the award-winning Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado, so that made Bar El Globo a must-visit for us, while in Bilbao.
But after having that pintxo, we wanted to try more. They have so many options, which look amazing, that we didn’t even attempt to choose; we just pointed to the most interesting pintxos and ate them one by one. No research, no planning, just letting the ingredients and the technique speak for themselves.
Since we are big fans of variety, this was so fun to do. We’ll be back to Bar El Globo in Bilbao to see what new pintxos they will add to their menu!
How to order here
When you go to El Globo, you can just sit at any free table. You don’t need to wait to be seated.
You go to the bar and look at the Pintxo selection: they all have labels in Spanish and English. Once you know what you want, you go to the waiter or signal them by making eye contact or saying hello and they will ask what you want.
You should also ask for something to drink. They will ask you to pay on the spot and you can pay by card. Know that you don’t need to buy all your selection at once. You can get a couple that look good and then buy another round. You don’t want them to get cold.
Besides what you see laid out, they also have a menu with bigger portions and stuff you order from the kitchen. For those, you pick up the menu and tell the waiter at the bar what you want, and then pay. They will call you when they are ready.
Bar El Globo — watch our visit
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Frequently asked questions
While the Pintxo de Txangurro gratinado has the most awards, you should try others like:
– Pintxo de foie a la plancha (seared foie gras)
– Pintxo de hongos con jamón (mushrooms with Spanish ham)
– Pintxo de Gratinado de vaca (aged beef gratin)
You can’t book a table at the Diputación but they take table reservations at El Globo Plaza Nueva: Pl. Berria, 1, Bilbao (link to Google maps), Phone: 944 313 858
