The mercado is the perfect place to try some pintxos – not the Vermuteka, though: Restaurant Vermuteka @ Mercado de la Ribera (9. May 2026)
When you’re in Bilbao you definitely have to try pintxos as they are really like the local tapas everyone is going for. And there is no more ideal place than the Mercado de la Ribera as it offers a bunch of different food stalls, which allow you to pick and chose. We ended up in the Vermuteka and went for the “morcilla”, “ham croquette”, “cod” and “langouste” pintxo. All of them were absolutely fine, but none of it was mind-blowing.
The place is busy and buzzing, but, the staff is only limitedly attentive and could definitely improve their service.
So, if you’re looking for pintxos in Bilbao, you should definitely visit the Mercado de la Ribera, but I’m not sure if I would necessarily recommend you to go to the Vermuteka.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Vermuteka @ Mercado de la Ribera
Erribera Kalea 57
Ibaiondo
48005 Bilbao (E)
Tel.: +34 944 231 019
E-Mail: info@zbk.bilbao.eus
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
