The 1849-built Victor Montes attracts numerous luminaries but locals also appreciate its exquisite gilding, marble and frescoes, 1000-strong wine list and superb food. Pintxos span foie gras with cider jelly to lomo (cured pork sausage) with prawns and rum-soaked raisins. If you’re planning a full meal, book in advance and savour the house special, txuleta (seven-year-old dairy cow T-bone steak for two; €48).
Past patrons include film director Oliver Stone, U2's Bono and architect Frank Gehry, who signed off on Bilbao's Museo Guggenheim here.