Víctor Montes is a basque restaurant in Casco Viejo, Bilbao. Rated 4.4 stars from 4918 Google reviews. Known for authentic basque pintxos and cuisine and exceptional, attentive service. Best for pintxos hopping and groups and families. Price range: $$.
Víctor Montes is rated 4.4★ on Google (4,918 reviews) and 3.9★ on TripAdvisor (2,139 reviews) — a consistent rating across both platforms.
Rankings updated June 2026
Víctor Montes
Across 4,824 rated reviews, 86% gave four or five stars.
| Rating | 4.4★ |
| Reviews | 4,918 |
| 1-star share | 4.3% |
| Best for | Lunch |
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google — shown in English, with the original beneath
“Really good tapas, friendly staff and the restaurant is lovely”
“Muy buenos pinchos, camareros majos y el restaurante es muy bonito”
“Octopus, baby squid, anchovies, croquettes and absolutely delicious French toast.”
“Pulpo, chipirones, anchoas, croquetas y torrijas buenísimo.”
“Dry sirloin steak, cold mashed potatoes, and an excessive amount of salad.”
“Solomillo seco, pure de patata frio, y cantidad de ensalada excesiva.”
Consistently rated across Google and TripAdvisor
7,057 reviews across two platforms
Quick Verdict
Víctor Montes is the Casco Viejo standard-bearer for authentic Basque cuisine, counter-service pintxos, and attentive hospitality in a 175-year-old space that feels both informal and iconic.
You want to experience Bilbao's culinary heritage in a legendary setting with staff who remember your name.
About Víctor Montes
Víctor Montes has anchored Casco Viejo since 1849, when it operated as a refined grocers before becoming the dining room where Frank Gehry and the Guggenheim Foundation sketched Bilbao's future. The space radiates informal warmth—exposed stone, creative details, and a bar lined with photos of everyone from Oliver Stone to Bono—yet the kitchen executes with precision. Diners praise the alcachofas confitadas, presa ibérica, and cochinillo, but the true signature is the pintxos counter: pulpo, chipirones, anchoas, and croquetas ordered standing or taken away. Service is the venue's quiet superpower—staff like Andoni, Begoña, and Antonio are noted across reviews for remembering faces, offering recommendations without pressure, and attending to tables with genuine attentiveness. The wine and beer lists anchor the experience, with excellent selections that pair naturally with Basque small plates. Accessible to wheelchair users, family-friendly with high chairs, and welcoming dogs on the terrace, it operates as both a casual pintxos stop and a proper dinner destination, with reservations strongly advised for lunch and evening service.
Víctor Montes 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, Víctor Montes has drawn 49 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
Authentic Basque pintxos and cuisine
Reviews highlight pulpo, chipirones, anchoas, croquetas, and signature dishes like alcachofas confitadas and cochinillo; one reviewer called it 'de los mejores restaurantes de pintxos.'
Exceptional, attentive service
Multiple reviews name staff members (Andoni, Begoña, Antonio) for going above and beyond—from remembering guests by name to preparing off-menu items and offering thoughtful recommendations.
Historic atmosphere and cultural significance
Established 1849; witnessed the Guggenheim Museum's founding negotiation; walls display photos of celebrity guests; reviews describe it as 'un lugar en el que tomar unos pintxos...con un servicio magnífico' in a space full of creative details and life.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Pl. Berria, 8, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, España
+34 944 15 70 67Visit WebsiteView MenuInstagramFrequently Asked Questions about Víctor Montes
Yes—it's popular for solo dining. The bar counter is ideal for standing with pintxos, and table service is equally attentive. Staff are known for making solo diners feel welcome and offering personalized recommendations.
Reservations are strongly recommended for lunch and dinner. The space fills quickly, especially during peak hours. Google reservations are accepted and processed promptly.
Start at the counter with pintxos and a drink, then move to a table for a full meal if desired. The bar area showcases the kitchen's daily offerings; staff will guide you through options.
Yes. The entrance and dining space are accessible for wheelchair users, with restroom facilities available.
Dogs are permitted on the outdoor terrace (Se permiten perros afuera).
The venue offers excellent selections of both wine and beer, with reviews consistently praising the quality and variety of options.
Also in Casco Viejo
View all22 venues changed rank in Casco Viejo this week → See full zone ranking
How We Rank Venues
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.
How our monthly rankings work