Restaurante Pentxo
A beloved traditional spot in Bilbao's Old Town, known for its incredible value lunch menu and authentic pintxos.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Restaurante Pentxo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved traditional spot in Bilbao's Old Town, known for its incredible value lunch menu and authentic pintxos.
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for lunch, as the restaurant is very popular.
Lunch Menu Value
The €19 three-course lunch menu with wine offers exceptional value for money.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+34 944 16 94 72
Address
C. Belosticalle, 20, Ibaiondo, 48005 Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
Website
restaurante-pentxo.site/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Incredible Value Daily Lunch Menu
Enjoy a generous 3-course meal with wine for an unbeatable price, perfect for a hearty midday feast.
Authentic Pintxos Bar
Savor traditional pintxos, Basque tapas, at the bar, a perfect spot for a quick and delicious bite.
Decadent Desserts
Indulge in homemade desserts, with the Tiramisu being a show-stopping, must-try delight.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for lunch, as the restaurant is very popular.
Lunch Menu Value
The €19 three-course lunch menu with wine offers exceptional value for money.
Weekday Visits Recommended
Consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed dining experience compared to weekend crowds.
Bar for Quick Bites
Opt for the bar area for a quick bite of specialty pintxos if you're looking for a snack.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead!
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for lunch, as the restaurant is very popular.
Lunch Menu Value
The €19 three-course lunch menu with wine offers exceptional value for money.
Weekday Visits Recommended
Consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed dining experience compared to weekend crowds.
Bar for Quick Bites
Opt for the bar area for a quick bite of specialty pintxos if you're looking for a snack.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Restaurante Pentxo offers a traditional dining experience with a highly praised and affordable lunch menu that draws locals and tourists alike. While many rave about the value and generous portions, some diners have experienced issues with rudeness from staff, perceived overpricing for certain items, and inconsistent food quality. The cozy atmosphere and standout desserts are often highlighted as positives.
"Amazing restaurant gem in the streets of Bilbao city center, I need to say that it was one of my favourites in Bilbao center. I went twice with my family to have lunch. They only served lunch no dinner. Set a menu of 19€ per 3 courses, good quality food and big portions, the waitresses are really friendly. Suggest to book before. A mix between locals and tourists, I would definitely come back again!"
Maria Jess Zamora
"Australian here 🇦🇺 – this place is an absolute disgrace.
The big bloke who appears to run the show clearly hates both his job and the customers. From the moment we walked in, the attitude was appalling. We asked politely for pintxos – which is what basque country is famous for – and instead were pushed, almost forced, into ordering a ridiculous £32 set menu. When we said no thanks, the rudeness and disinterest only got worse.
The service was arrogant, cold, and completely unwelcoming. Not once did they make us feel like we were valued customers – it honestly felt like we were an inconvenience just for walking in. There are plenty of fantastic, authentic pintxo bars in this city where the staff actually care about their food and the people they serve. This, however, is the opposite: a tourist trap with staff who couldn’t care less if you stayed or left.
If you want to waste money, be treated with contempt, and leave in a worse mood than you arrived, then sure – give it a go. Otherwise, do yourself a favour and walk straight past. This place has no business pretending to represent the incredible food culture of Bilbao"
Fraser Shellie
"Exquisite experience of traditional pintxos in the heart of the original Bilbao city. Wonderful and warm atmosphere with delicious food and friendly staff. Salute!"
Aaron Servant
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, booking a table in advance is highly recommended, especially for lunch, as the restaurant is very popular and tends to get busy.
The daily lunch menu typically costs around €19-€22 and includes three courses, often with a bottle of wine or water.
Based on available information, the restaurant primarily serves lunch and may not offer dinner service.
Customers frequently praise the mushroom risotto, shrimp skewers, medallions, and particularly the Tiramisu for dessert. Pintxos at the bar are also a highlight.
While the menu offers various options, specific vegetarian dishes are not explicitly detailed. It's advisable to inquire about vegetarian choices upon booking or arrival.
The restaurant is described as having a cozy, warm, and traditional atmosphere, often frequented by locals.
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Restaurants in Bilbao and the Basque Country
Consistently delicious, shockingly affordable, and unapologetically old-school, Pentxo is the sort of restaurant bilbaínos like to keep to themselves. Whether you pop in for a pintxo at the bar (the flash-fried antxoas rellenas, or stuffed anchovies, are a must) or come for breakfast or a €20 prix-fixe lunch (with standout seafood), you'll leave wishing you could be a regular.
Where to eat in Bilbao: a gastronomic guide to the Basque city | Blog
After a tiring day when you want to eat well and at a reasonable price, the Pentxo Restaurant, in the heart of the old town, is highly recommended. Its dining room is decorated in a traditional, cosy way, and the menu offers more than ten first and second choices to choose from, as well as a variety of desserts. Another exciting proposal is Labocatorio, in General Concha 16, where they specialise in Greek cuisine and sandwiches, hamburgers, and empanadas.
Cheapest restaurants in Bilbao: delicious food at affordable prices
Located in the Old Town of Bilbao, it offers an excellent option for those looking for a place to stop during their walk. In the cafeteria on the ground floor, you can find a wide variety of pintxos, mixed dishes and homemade hamburgers, among others. On the first floor is the restaurant, which offers a daily menu with a wide variety of dishes, well prepared and in generous quantities.
Restaurants in Bilbao Where Locals Also Eat: From Pintxos Bars To Fine Cuisine
Locals are reading the newspaper, or catching up with friends. The main attraction is the 3-courses daily lunch menu, with 9 starters and mains to choose from. Pentxo’s wife Loli and his daughter Henar are preparing the food, while Pentxo and his son take care of the guests.
Cheap Eats in Bilbao | Europe Famous Hostels
Pintxo is the perfect example of an authentic Basque restaurant. It’s got a wide and varied assortment of pintxos, sandwiches, burgers, and pastries. Another tempting item on the menu is the daily special, which is about 14 euros.
Bilbao - Cafes
In the centre of Bilbao's Old Town, Pentxo specialises in traditional dishes. Here you'll find an assortment of pintxos, hot sandwiches, homemade burgers and pastries, plus classic local fare and a set-price menu.
Best fine dining restaurants in Bilbao
Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Sunday: Closed
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