Nestled in Cape Otoño and surrounded by cliffs, the coastal town of Elantxobe is found in the province of Biscay. Aside from leading to the town’s beautiful fishing port, the narrow streets of Elanchove also bring us to restaurants and pinchos bars where you can eat authentic Basque cuisine.
The small seaside town of Elantxobe offers visitors a delightful fare whose main pillar is seafood from the coast. The town’s fishing port is the main source of hake, turbots, anchovies, tuna, and other fish that can be grilled or roasted. Classic stews like marmitako are also very common dishes in Elantxobe. The most popular meat in the area is grilled veal, usually served with potatoes and other local products like Guernica peppers.
To complete your meal in Elantxobe, you can try a traditional Basque dessert such as mamiya (junket made from sheep’s milk) or Idiazabal cheese with quince and nuts. Some of the region’s most popular beverages are locally-produced cider and Txakoli de Vizcaya. A visit to Urdaibai Reserve or the Fiesta de las Magdalenas provides the perfect opportunity to discover for yourself all that there is to eat in Elantxobe. Be sure to try a stew made with Pardina lentils of Tierra de Campos. Accompany these dishes with some traditional pan candeal (a kind of white bread), which originated in the province, and wash down your meal with a nice glass of wine like Rueda, Tierra de León, Toro, or Cigales. If you have a sweet tooth, you can’t leave without trying some delicious amarguillos, monos y callados, hojaldres, canelos, and ice milk as well as the products made by the nuns of Santa Clara Convent.
Of the few options for places to eat in Elantxobe, we’ll highlight a few that are a safe bet. Santi is a typical Basque bar where you can find amazing pinchos. They also have an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy a view of the port. Another place with a view is Méntrame, where you can get cheap and delicious pinchos. The most notable item on their menu is the tortilla de patatas.
Although there aren’t many places to eat in Elantxobe, you can eat in some of the town’s hotels, including the Itsasmin hotel. Their restaurant serves traditional Basque fare and offers a menu rich in locally-sourced fish and meat options. They have several prix fixe menus and the facilities can accommodate wedding receptions, communions, and other special events.
In the Akorda neighborhood of the nearby town of Ibarrangelu, you’ll find the restaurant Akora, a classic joint in the area. This charming restaurant, located in a beautiful natural environment, serves classic cuisine using locally-sourced products, including ones obtained from the nearby Cantabrian coast.
On the shore of Laida Beach, the restaurant Atxarre is a first-rate option in the Elantxobe area. Their cuisine puts contemporary touches on traditional recipes. Some of the restaurant’s other draws are a good offering of pinchos, a full rum menu, and celebrations for certain special events such as Perretxiko Eguna (Mushroom Day), celebrated every November.
