Martxo Bgc is a bar & grill in Abando, Bilbao. Rated 4.7 stars from 528 Google reviews. Known for fish and txuleta and desserts and cheesecake. Best for groups 4+ and lunch or dinner. Price range: $$.
Rankings updated May 2026
MARTXO BGC
Across 522 Google reviews, 93% gave four or five stars.
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.
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.
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“Para rematar, tarta de queso y torrija… inigualable…”
“Luego hemos elegido otro de jamón, queso y huevo, que estaba buenísimo.”
“Merece la pena Comimos cecina, sashimi de atún rojo, lenguado y postre más vino.”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Common Questions
How consistently good is MARTXO BGC?
Across 522 Google reviews, 93% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing MARTXO BGC among Abando's most reliably rated bar & grills.
Do you need to book MARTXO BGC in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for lunch and dinner — MARTXO BGC is a popular choice in Abando and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
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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