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Bilbao › Abando › La Olla de la Plaza Nueva
La Olla de la Plaza NuevaA-Worth Trying
Pl. Berria, 2, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
· Bar & grill, Spanish restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (4551 reviews)
Reservations · Outdoor seating
Lively Plaza Nueva pintxos bar-restaurant with standout hot pintxos and set menus; great location and energy, but service consistency and value draw mixed reactions.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
La Olla de la Plaza Nueva delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality—particularly standout hot pintxos like tuna, secreto iberico, and chipirones—and an exceptional Plaza Nueva setting with both lively bar and characterful cellar spaces. However, variable execution on steaks and uneven service during peak times prevents grade A territory, and the tourist-heavy location means pricing expectations should align with plaza dining standards. A reliable choice for pintxos and Basque classics in an atmospheric Old Town location.
Restaurant Summary
In Plaza Nueva’s arcades, La Olla buzzes with clinking glasses, a gleaming pintxos bar, and a cellar room that feels both cozy and lively. Servers often guide visitors through the spread, and one diner said the team "explained dishes in English and offered tastes." Expect a bustling plaza vibe with quick bar energy upstairs and a calmer cellar below. Cooking leans Basque and pintxos-driven with hot items cooked to order: red tuna, secreto iberico, and chipirones show real care, while classics like pil‑pil divide opinions. Portions reflect the pintxos style, and set menus at €38–46 deliver a curated path through the greatest hits. It is more elevated traditional than avant‑garde—think well-executed staples with a few modern touches rather than theatrics. For families, the plaza terrace and bar selection make it easy to assemble a kid-friendly lineup—simple croquettes, burgers, and even plain rice when asked. There is no explicit kids menu, but friendly staff can steer you toward approachable choices if your crew prefers basics.
At a Glance
- Hot pintxos cooked to order stand out (tuna, secreto, chipirones)
- Prime Plaza Nueva setting with indoor cellar and terrace
- Service inconsistency outdoors and during busy times
- Mixed value perceptions on set menus and premium pintxos
- Tourist-heavy location; expectations should match plaza pricing
What Sets It Apart
- prime_plaza_location
- hot_pintxos_cooked_to_order
- award_labeled_torrija
- atmospheric_cellar_room
What People Love
- Cooked-to-order hot pintxos that feel special
- Friendly guidance with English explanations
- Atmospheric cellar away from plaza noise
- Wide bar display for easy grazing
- Solid wine suggestions to match seafood and pork
Points of Concern
- Service can be brusque or inattentive at the terrace; better inside or off-peak
- Classic dishes like pil‑pil and steaks show variability in texture and doneness
- Pricing is plaza-premium; some pintxos feel costly for size
- Group menus occasionally reported as sparse for the price
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€38-50 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose the €38 menu for a broad introduction; add torrija if you like caramelized, custardy desserts
- If sharing, pair secreto ibérico with a glass of Rioja and a seafood hot pintxo for balance
Perfect For
- A lively pintxos crawl stop in Old Town
- Casual date night with a seat in the cellar
- First-timers to Bilbao seeking Basque staples
- Small groups wanting shareable plates
Location Insights
Area: Historic arcaded square in Old Town; high foot traffic, mix of locals and visitors, lively terraces.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit tourist core with steady police presence; busiest at nights and weekends.
Nearby: Within Plaza Nueva near bars, boutiques, and sights; easy walk to Casco Viejo metro and tram.
IbaiondoIbaiondo is a historic and central neighborhood in Bilbao, featuring a mix of traditional Basque architecture and modern amenities. It offers a lively dining scene with many pintxos bars and restaurants, catering to both locals and visitors seeking authentic Basque cuisine in a convivial atmosphere.
Plaza NuevaPlaza Nueva is a well-known square in Bilbao famous for its concentration of pintxos bars and terraces, making it a popular spot for socializing and sampling Basque tapas in a lively, open-air setting.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:30
Tuesday11:00–22:30
Wednesday11:00–22:30
Thursday11:00–22:30
Friday11:00–23:30
Saturday11:00–23:30
Sunday11:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating
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