Seemor
Bilbao › Indautxu › Livan Nicaragua Bar Restaurante
Livan Nicaragua Bar RestauranteB+Worth Trying
Basurtu Kastrexana Errepidea, 9, Basurtu-Zorrotza, 48002 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
· Bar & grill, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (595 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Nicaraguan spot with big flavors, generous plates, and warm service; prices run mid-to-high for Bilbao but many diners find it worth it.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Livan Nicaragua Bar Restaurante delivers excellent food quality with hearty, authentic Nicaraguan plates and genuinely warm service that makes newcomers feel welcome. However, inconsistent execution—occasional dry meat and timing issues—combined with tight quarters that crowd at peak times and slower service pacing prevent it from reaching higher territory. It's a solid neighborhood favorite with loyal following, competitive with respected local spots, but lacks the polish or distinction of premier dining destinations.
Restaurant Summary
The downstairs hums like a neighborhood bar while an upstairs room fills with groups, songs, and shared plates; service is warm and easygoing. One diner summed it up: "Big plates, bold flavors, and genuinely kind staff." Expect a lively atmosphere and a friendly team that will happily guide you through the menu. The cooking sticks to Nicaragua’s comfort canon: gallopinto, tostones, grilled meats, and nacatamales. It is hearty, traditional fare rather than chefly theatrics, with nachos and mixed grills drawing the biggest smiles. Pricing is mid-to-high for Bilbao, but many feel the generous portions justify it; plan for occasional waits at peak times. For families, the menu is naturally kid-leaning: rice and beans, fried plantain with cheese, grilled chicken or pork, and mild salsas work for younger palates. There is no real dessert program, so sweet tooths should adjust expectations. Overall, it is a good pick with kids if you are after simple, tasty plates over frills.
At a Glance
- Big, satisfying plates of classic Nicaraguan comfort food
- Friendly staff who explain dishes and make newcomers feel welcome
- Prices on the higher side for Bilbao, especially share platters
- Service pacing can be slow and courses may arrive staggered
- Group-friendly with an upstairs dining room
What Sets It Apart
- authentic_nicaraguan_flavors
- generous_portion_plates
- neighborhood_latin_vibe
What People Love
- Warm, welcoming service that helps decode the menu
- Hearty portions that feel celebratory
- Distinct Nicaraguan flavors rarely found in Bilbao
- Refreshing juices and Nicaraguan beers
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely higher than menus del dia norms (mains often €14-20, platters €20-25)
- Service timing can lag at peak hours; appetizers sometimes arrive after mains
- Portion size perceptions vary, with a few noting smaller servings than in past years
- Limited or no desserts; sweet options may disappoint
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost€32-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Vegetarians can build a meal from repochetas, tostones con queso, maduros con queso, and gallopinto
- Seafood fans: choose Pescado frito with extra tostones
Perfect For
- A casual group dinner with shareable plates
- Travelers seeking Central American comfort food
- Families wanting simple rice-beans-plantain meals
- Pre- or post-stadium neighborhood meal
Location Insights
Area: Working-to-middle class urban district near San Mames, everyday bars and shops, mixed residential and local businesses.
Safety: Generally safe with regular foot traffic; standard city awareness at night.
Nearby: Close to stadium zone and transit corridors; neighborhood bar-restaurant mix rather than tourist center.
Basurtu-ZorrotzaBasurtu-Zorrotza is a traditionally industrial and residential neighborhood in Bilbao, characterized by a mix of older housing and some newer developments. The dining scene is modest, with local eateries serving Basque and Spanish cuisine, reflecting the working-class roots and community-oriented atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday12:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–22:30
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →