Víctor Montes

Víctor Montes occupies a prominent position on Plaza Nueva in Bilbao’s Casco Viejo, within the Ibaiondo district. The restaurant continues the character of the speciality grocery shop that once stood on the site, with an interest in carefully sourced foods from the Basque Country and further afield. That background gives the venue a distinctive blend of restaurant, wine collection and traditional city meeting place.

The cooking centres on Basque traditions while allowing room for contemporary techniques and presentation. The menu brings together cold and hot starters, fish from the Cantabrian coast, locally sourced meats and handmade desserts. Classic regional flavours remain the foundation, with modern touches used to shape a broad, polished menu rather than a narrowly focused dining concept.

Víctor Montes is also known for its pintxos bar, where a wide selection of small, carefully prepared bites is available. The bar offers a more informal way to experience the restaurant, while the dining room provides a settled setting for a full meal. A terrace overlooking Plaza Nueva adds another option for food and drinks in the old town.

The drinks side has a strong presence. The venue’s collection includes wines from older vintages alongside whisky and cognac, making it relevant to diners interested in regional food as well as to those looking for a considered drink selection. The atmosphere combines the visual character of a long established gourmet business with the service formats of a contemporary restaurant.

Menus for groups are available, and the range of settings makes Víctor Montes suitable for different kinds of visits, from pintxos at the counter to a longer meal in the dining room. Its focus on Basque cuisine makes it a natural stop for visitors exploring Bilbao, including travellers arriving from San Sebastian who want a taste of the region in the historic centre.