Pintxos in Vitoria-Gasteiz Old Town

The cobbled streets of the Old Town in Vitoria-Gasteiz are packed with bars serving dozens of miniature specialities. However, before continuing your expedition in the old town, try the Gilda (a cocktail stick with a chilli pepper, an olive and an anchovy) at the Toloño (Calle San Francisco, 3); this is obligatory as legend tells that it's the best in the city. Their mushroom risotto is also a veritable institution, however. The pintxos at La Virgen Blanca (Plaza Virgen Blanca, 2) in the square of the same name also add to the city's fame. Don't miss them. When you visit the old quarter of Vitoria-Gasteiz and lose yourself in its winding streets, you can feel the magic that fills its old stones; since its foundation by Sancho VI in 1181, it has been the setting for historic events and has bewitched both artists and travellers. A visit to delight the eyes as well as the palate, your outing simply must include stopping at the Bar Erkiaga (C/ Herrería-Errementari, 38), which represents the exquisite dual character of the city, serving award-winning, innovative pintxos in a historic setting. Highlights among its creations include: Silencio (Silence), toast with a surprisingly delicious mixture of rocket, spring onion, strawberry, tomato, scallop, octopus and smoked hake; and La Vieira del Peregrino (The Pilgrim's Scallop), a scallop confited at low temperature with a reduction of Albariño wine, seaweed vinaigrette and mussel foam on a decorative dry ice base. Moreover, La Malquerida (Calle Correria, 10) and El Siete (Cuchillería, 3) are bars serving high-quality pintxos which, together with the setting, leave an indelible mark on both the palate and the memory.