Mao is a sushi restaurant in Abando, Bilbao. Rated 4.2 stars from 1536 Google reviews. Known for consistency in the kitchen and efficient service. Best for business lunch and date night (safe choice).
Rankings updated March 2026
Mao
Quick Verdict
A local might come back if someone else is choosing the restaurant. It's reliable, not remarkable—which is exactly what some evenings need.
Book if you're in Abandoibarra already, want sushi without surprises, and don't mind paying €25–40 per head for the postcode.
About Mao
Mao is a sushi restaurant on Ibáñez de Bilbao, which means you're paying for location and consistency, not discovery. It's a sit-down spot that's solid enough for a weeknight, but not the place you'll be defending to friends next month. The menu's straightforward: nigiri, maki, some cooked options if you're nervous. Service is efficient without fuss. You'll find businesspeople at lunch and couples on Friday nights. The space is clean, modern in that functional way. It's recognisably good sushi, but you're eating it 2 streets from the Guggenheim where everyone else is eating it too. Walk past the waterfront restaurants and you'll find better value 10 minutes back toward Casco Viejo, but if you're already in Abando and your companion wants sushi, this won't disappoint you.
In the last 90 days, Mao has drawn 7 substantial written reviews (50+ characters of genuine feedback) — a measure of how actively its reviewers have been writing lately.
What Stands Out
Consistency in the kitchen
The kitchen doesn't drift. Same preparation every service, which matters when you're ordering raw fish.
Efficient service
In and out in 90 minutes if that's your timeline. No lingering, no theatre, no apologies for the pace.
Central location without the tourist markup
Ibáñez de Bilbao is walkable from everywhere. You're not in the old town paying triple, but you're not in a basement either.
Practical Information
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about Mao
Yes, especially Friday and Saturday after 8pm. Weekday lunch is walk-in friendly. Call ahead or book online—they'll take both.
€25–40 per head depending on what you order. Nigiri runs €5–8 per piece, maki €6–9 per roll. Wine adds another €4–6 per glass. Compare that to €18–24 for similar quality in Casco Viejo, 10 minutes away.
No. It's the most convenient sushi in Abandoibarra. Better options exist if you're willing to walk toward the old town or book ahead at specialist spots. This is 'good enough' sushi at 'premium location' prices.
Also in Abando
View all2 venues changed rank in Abando this week → See full zone ranking
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Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
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