Martxo Bgc is a bar & grill in Abando, Bilbao. Rated 4.7 stars from 560 Google reviews. Known for fish and txuleta and desserts and cheesecake. Best for groups 4+ and lunch or dinner. Price range: $$.
Rankings updated July 2026
MARTXO BGC
Across 522 rated reviews, 93% gave four or five stars.
| Rating | 4.7★ |
| Reviews | 560 |
| 1-star share | 3.3% |
| Best for | Lunch |
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google — shown in English, with the original beneath
“To top it all off, cheesecake and French toast… simply unbeatable…”
“Para rematar, tarta de queso y torrija… inigualable…”
“Then we chose another one with ham, cheese and egg, which was absolutely delicious.”
“Luego hemos elegido otro de jamón, queso y huevo, que estaba buenísimo.”
“It's well worth it. We had cecina, bluefin tuna sashimi, sole and dessert, plus wine.”
“Merece la pena Comimos cecina, sashimi de atún rojo, lenguado y postre más vino.”
609 reviews across two platforms
Quick Verdict
MARTXO BGC is a top-3 Abando destination where traditional Basque grilling meets refined bar culture—fish and beef are exceptional, service is genuinely attentive, and the cheesecake is unforgettable.
You want impeccable fish and txuleta in a warm, informal setting where staff remember your preferences and desserts are worth the trip.
About MARTXO BGC
MARTXO BGC sits at the intersection of Bilbao's pintxo culture and serious dining. The split personality works: order at the bar for fresh, made-to-order tapas (carrillera, foie, torreznos), or settle into the dining room for txuleta, fish, and cecina that reviewers describe as "insuperable" and "perfectly cooked." The cheesecake and torrija are legendary enough to warrant a return visit alone. Service is the quiet standout—staff anticipate needs (one pregnant diner noted they quietly removed raw items without being asked), remember names, and pace courses so you're never waiting. The wine list earns consistent praise. Atmosphere balances the casual energy of a proper bar with the warmth of a neighbourhood restaurant; it fills quickly, especially at lunch and dinner, but never feels cramped. Wheelchair accessible, accepts reservations (essential at peak times), and sits steps from Sagrado Corazón in a privileged pocket of Abando.
MARTXO BGC is one of those places where the dessert menu is not an afterthought — a detail regulars tend to mention first.
In the last 90 days, MARTXO BGC has drawn 32 substantial written reviews (50+ characters of genuine feedback) — recent momentum that is one of the signals behind its place on the hot list.
What Stands Out
Fish and txuleta
Multiple reviewers single out 'insuperable' fish, 'perfectly cooked' lubina al pil pil, and txuleta as standout dishes; one noted 'Los pescados insuperables' and another praised 'El Txuletón estaba buenísimo.'
Desserts and cheesecake
Cheesecake and torrija are mentioned repeatedly as exceptional; one reviewer was so impressed they 'forgot to take photos' and another called it 'one of the best I've ever eaten.'
Attentive, professional service
Staff are consistently praised for being 'super amable,' remembering names, pacing courses perfectly (one reviewer noted '3 minutes between plates'), and showing genuine care—including anticipating dietary needs without being asked.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Frequently Asked Questions about MARTXO BGC
Yes—groups of 4+ are popular and the space accommodates them well. One party of 6 noted everyone left 'enchanted,' and the menu works for shared plates (txuleta, fish) or individual dining. Reservations are recommended, especially at lunch and dinner.
Both. The bar serves fresh, made-to-order pintxos (carrillera, foie, torreznos) and is popular for solo diners. The dining room offers a full menu. You can also order from the hot and cold pintxo display in the vitrina.
Txuleta (Basque beef), fresh fish (especially lubina al pil pil), cecina, and the cheesecake or torrija for dessert. Pintxos like carrillera and foie are also highly praised. The homemade patatas that come with txuleta are exceptional.
Yes, reservations are recommended for both lunch and dinner. The restaurant fills quickly and the dining room is intimate. Walk-ins may face waits during peak hours.
Yes—the wine selection is consistently praised in reviews as 'muy buena selección de vinos.' Staff can guide pairings.
Yes, the space is wheelchair accessible. Contact ahead if you have specific access needs.
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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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