Arandia de Julen is a basque restaurant in Casco Viejo, Bilbao. Rated 4.6 stars from 813 Google reviews. Known for meat cooked without apology and traditional basque cooking, no shortcuts. Best for group dinner and business lunch.
Rankings updated April 2026
Arandia de Julen
Quick Verdict
Locals return because the food tastes like someone's amama (grandmother) taught the cook, portions leave you satisfied for days, and Julen makes you feel welcome the moment you sit down.
Book if you want proper Basque cooking, generous portions, and a cook who still cares about doing the basics right.
About Arandia de Julen
Arandia de Julen sits on Encarnacion Kalea in Atxuri, a stone's throw from the river in Bilbao's old town. It's a proper Basque restaurant run by Julen Eguiluz, a cook who treats traditional food like it matters — because it does. The space has exposed granite walls and a lived-in feel that doesn't apologise for itself. You'll get generous portions of the classics: alubias tolosanas (Tolosa beans with pork), merluza, txuleta (T-bone steaks over 1kg), pimientos rellenos de morcilla (peppers stuffed with blood sausage), and bacalao. Reviewers consistently mention arriving hungry — portions are pantagruélica (Basque-sized). The kitchen sends out aperitivos before you order: anchovies in olive oil, chorizo, fish cakes, grilled mushrooms. Wine list isn't vast but includes solid Riojas. Service is attentive and warm without fuss. Julen himself works the room with humour and genuine hospitality. This isn't a tourist trap dressed up as tradition — it's a restaurant where the cooking and the welcome are the same thing.
What Stands Out
Meat cooked without apology
Multiple reviewers praised the txuleta and chuletón: 'Best STEAK ever tried', 'carne espectacular', steaks over 1kg, 'perfectly cooked with homemade potatoes you won't find anywhere else'.
Traditional Basque cooking, no shortcuts
Reviewers describe 'genuine, traditional basque food', 'cocina casera sin artificios' (home cooking without gimmicks), 'alubias well cooked with care', and praise the 'sencillez que emociona' (simplicity that moves you).
Julen's presence and service
Described as 'charming', 'attentive', with 'insuperable charisma'. One review noted he greeted early customers with 'dicharacheras palabras y socarrón humor' (witty, dry humour). Service praised as 'always attentive to customer needs' and 'perfect'.
What Customers Say
Comida increible y trato insuperable 10/10
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Reservations
Reservations RecommendedContact
Amenities
Frequently Asked Questions about Arandia de Julen
Less than €50 per person for the full experience. One reviewer noted a T-bone steak over 1kg, charcuterie, Cantabrian anchovies, meat cakes, and digestifs came to under €50 each. The alubias menu is €45 (includes the bean stew, merluza, wine, and aperitivos).
Yes. The venue takes reservations and reviewers emphasise 'imprescindible la reserva' (essential to book). No walk-in data provided.
Pantagruélica (Basque-sized). Reviewers say 'you need the hunger of 15 days', portions are 'descomunal' (enormous), and you'll 'leave satisfied, not hungry'. Go hungry.
The alubias tolosanas (Tolosa beans with pork) is the signature menu. Reviewers also rave about the txuleta (T-bone steak), merluza (hake), pimientos rellenos de morcilla (peppers stuffed with blood sausage), and the bacalao. The kitchen sends out aperitivos before you order.
Yes. The venue has a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating.
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