Ermua offers a delightful taste of Basque cuisine, characterized by its reliance on fresh, local ingredients. Pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, are a popular choice at local bars and cafes, offering visitors a range of small, bite-sized delicacies that include seafood, cured meats, and vegetables. Traditional Basque dishes such as bacalao a la vizcaína (salt cod in Vizcaya sauce) and marmitako (a hearty tuna and potato stew) can be found at many local restaurants.
Meat lovers will enjoy txuleton, a large grilled beef ribeye steak often served rare, which is a specialty of the region. Local wines and ciders are also integral to the dining experience, with txakoli, a slightly sparkling white wine, being a popular accompaniment to meals.
Ermua’s culinary scene, though small, is vibrant, with numerous family-owned restaurants and cafes offering both traditional and modern takes on Basque cuisine. Annual food festivals and weekly markets allow visitors to sample the freshest ingredients, from locally sourced fish to artisan cheeses and baked goods.