Tucked into the heart of Bilbao, Casa Rufo is a beloved institution that has been serving traditional Basque fare since 1955. Combining the charm of an old-fashioned grocery store with a warm, welcoming dining room, this family-run restaurant offers a genuine taste of local life, where quality ingredients and time-honoured techniques take centre stage.

The kitchen's pride and joy is its legendary txuletón, a thick-cut beef chop grilled over hot coals until perfectly charred and juicy, sourced from prime Galician or local cattle and served simply with crisp fried potatoes. Alongside this signature dish, the concise menu showcases the best seasonal produce, prepared with skill by a team devoted to keeping the restaurant's authentic character alive across generations.

With decades of experience and a loyal following among Bilbao locals and visitors alike, Casa Rufo delivers an atmosphere that feels genuine from the moment you walk through the door. Whether you're stopping by the attached deli for fine provisions or settling in for a leisurely lunch, this is a place where tradition, hospitality and honest cooking come together beautifully.