El Portalón
Step into history at El Portalón, Vitoria-Gasteiz's oldest restaurant, serving regional fish & meat in a medieval setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
El Portalón
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at El Portalón, Vitoria-Gasteiz's oldest restaurant, serving regional fish & meat in a medieval setting.
"The place is amazing and full of history. The food is outstanding!!"
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Service can be slow; embrace the relaxed pace and enjoy the historic atmosphere .
:calendar: Book Tasting Menu Ahead
Reserve the full tasting menu at least two days in advance for the complete culinary experience .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Medieval Ambiance
Step back in time in rustic brick rooms with exposed wood beams, offering a unique historical dining setting.
Regional Fish & Meat
Savor expertly prepared dishes featuring the freshest local fish and high-quality meats, a true taste of the region.
Homemade Bread
Don't miss the incredible bread, baked fresh on-site, a simple yet unforgettable part of the dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Pace
Book Ahead for the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Service can be slow; embrace the relaxed pace and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
:calendar: Book Tasting Menu Ahead
Reserve the full tasting menu at least two days in advance for the complete culinary experience.
:fork_and_knife: Ask About Daily Specials
Inquire about daily specials for potentially unique and seasonal dishes.
:wine_glass: Pair with Local Wines
Complement your meal with a selection of regional wines, enhancing the authentic taste of the Basque Country.
Tips
from all over the internet
⏳ Allow Plenty of Time
Service can be slow; embrace the relaxed pace and enjoy the historic atmosphere.
:calendar: Book Tasting Menu Ahead
Reserve the full tasting menu at least two days in advance for the complete culinary experience.
:fork_and_knife: Ask About Daily Specials
Inquire about daily specials for potentially unique and seasonal dishes.
:wine_glass: Pair with Local Wines
Complement your meal with a selection of regional wines, enhancing the authentic taste of the Basque Country.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Portalón offers a unique dining experience with its stunning medieval ambiance and focus on traditional regional cuisine. While many praise the quality of the fish and meat dishes, and the delicious homemade bread, some diners note that the service can be slow. Advance booking is recommended, especially for the tasting menu, to fully enjoy this historic Vitoria-Gasteiz gem.
"I really liked the medieval style of the restaurant, the staff was friendly but very slow. I ordered the octopus dish and it was good, nothing special though. As a main we opted for the turbot (rodaballo), and this is where things started going wrong. Firstly, the waiter was confused about the dish and wasn’t able to answer my questions. Personally, I believe that waiters should have a good understanding of the menu. I wanted to order the whole fish, I was told it would be a fillet which isn’t an issue. We receive our octopus, and a while after that one of the waiters informs me that in the end they’d be able to do the whole fish, meaning that all this time they haven’t even started with cooking the fish. We had to wait for AT LEAST an hour, waiters were very politely kept telling me that it’s a “complicated” dish and that there were some issues in the kitchen. Eventually after having already lost my appetite, we are given the fish. Was it horrible? No. But was it worth 80€ and an hour of my time? Absolutely not. Our lovely day trip in Vitoria unfortunately ended with us being annoyed and feeling robbed."
D
"We had an amazing dinner during our stay in Vitoria. We got some hammon as starter and it was delicious. Later followed by two massive steaks with potatoes and peppers. The meat was cooked really well and the quality was honestly great.
Desserts were good, not amazing but typical so just not really our taste.
Only “bad thing” (our fault for not looking at the website) is the fact that if you want the full menu you have to book it at least two days in advance so just be prepared."
Riccardo Conci
"the place is amazing and full of history. the food is outstanding!! I think the service is a bit slow but it's such a nice place, come with time and it'll be good"
m torres
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Portalón is located in the heart of Vitoria-Gasteiz, making it easily accessible by foot if you're staying in the city center. Public transport options like buses and trams also serve the area. For those arriving from further afield, taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available from the train or bus station.
Street parking can be challenging in the city center. It's advisable to use public parking garages located a short walk from the restaurant. Some garages include Plaza de la Virgen Blanca or Mateo Moraza.
Absolutely! El Portalón is a fantastic culinary stop for day-trippers exploring Vitoria-Gasteiz. It's also mentioned as a great restaurant option when visiting nearby towns like Laguardia or Logroño.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, El Portalón is a restaurant, not an attraction requiring tickets. You simply make a reservation or walk in, though reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner or weekends.
Opening hours can vary, but generally, El Portalón is open for lunch and dinner. It's best to check their official website or call ahead to confirm the exact hours for the day you plan to visit.
Yes, booking a table is highly recommended, especially for the tasting menu which requires at least two days' notice. You can usually book by phone or through their website.
While El Portalón offers a historic and somewhat formal ambiance, it's generally considered smart casual. You'll see a mix of attire, but dressing a bit nicely will fit the atmosphere.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
El Portalón specializes in traditional regional cuisine, focusing on high-quality local fish and meat dishes. They are known for their tasting menus and dishes like turbot (rodaballo) and octopus.
Yes, El Portalón offers some vegetarian options and can accommodate dietary needs like gluten-free if informed in advance.
Many visitors rave about the fresh fish, particularly the turbot (rodaballo), and the tender octopus. The homemade bread is also a standout. The tasting menu offers a comprehensive selection of their best offerings.+1
For a full culinary experience showcasing the restaurant's specialties, the tasting menu is highly recommended. However, it requires advance booking (at least two days) and can be a significant time commitment.
The atmosphere is unique and special, characterized by its medieval style with rustic brick rooms and wood beams. It's a place full of history, offering a charming and memorable dining environment.
📸 📸 Photography
The interior itself is a photographer's dream, with its medieval architecture, exposed brickwork, and wooden beams. The different seating areas, including the porch with its garden views, offer charming backdrops.
Absolutely! The beautifully presented dishes are very photogenic. Capturing your culinary experience is encouraged, especially for sharing on social media.
Yes, discreet photography is generally acceptable. However, be mindful of other diners and avoid using flash excessively, especially during busy periods.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to call ahead to discuss menu options suitable for children and to inform them of any specific needs. While not explicitly a 'kid's restaurant,' the welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to experience a piece of Vitoria-Gasteiz's history can make it a memorable outing for families looking for something beyond the ordinary.
💰 Budget Travelers
Sharing appetizers like the ensaladillas
or ordering a main course to share can also help manage costs. The homemade bread is a delicious and relatively inexpensive accompaniment. While it might not be your go-to for a cheap eat, a well-planned visit can offer a taste of its quality and ambiance at a more accessible price point.❤️ Couples & Romantic Dinners
Opt for a table in a quieter corner and consider the tasting menu for a shared culinary journey. The focus on traditional, high-quality ingredients and the unhurried pace of service allow for conversation and connection. Enjoying a bottle of local wine while soaking in the historic atmosphere creates a truly intimate experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Taste of History: The El Portalón Experience
Travelers often highlight the unique and special atmosphere as a major reason for their visit.
Beyond the visual appeal, the restaurant aims to connect diners with tradition. The emphasis on regional fish and meat dishes, prepared with time-honored techniques, further solidifies its status as a culinary landmark. It’s a place where history is served on a plate.
Navigating the Menu: From Octopus to Turbot
For those wanting a comprehensive taste, the tasting menu is the way to go. It's designed to showcase the best of what El Portalón has to offer, from appetizers to desserts. However, it's crucial to remember that this menu requires booking at least two days in advance.
Don't overlook the simple pleasures, like the homemade bread, which is frequently cited as a delicious and memorable part of the meal.
Service and Expectations at El Portalón
Some diners have experienced confusion from waiters regarding menu details or dish preparation, particularly with more complex orders like whole fish.
To ensure a smooth experience, especially if you're opting for the tasting menu, booking well in advance is key.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit