The small town in Vizcaya where you can eat at the second-best restaurant in the world

Once again this year, The World's 50 Best Restaurants has named fifty restaurants from around the world that stand out for their quality. At the gala held in the Italian city of Turin, the restaurant Maida, located in Lima (Peru), took over from Disfrutar, in Barcelona, ​​but that doesn't mean there are no Spanish representatives: second place remains (as in 2024) for the renowned Asador Etxebarri, which in turn has become the best in Spain and all of Europe.

This celebrated and extraordinary restaurant, run by Bittor Arginzoniz, has been renowned worldwide for years, both for the quality of its cuisine and for its setting, located in the heart of the Basque Country. Specifically, it is located in the village of Axpe Achondo, an idyllic town in the province of Vizcaya that has become a pilgrimage destination for the most discerning palates across the country.

Axpe Achondo, the home of Asador Etxebarri

More than a village, Axpe Achondo seems like something out of a movie. This town is reminiscent of picturesque Alpine landscapes thanks to the combination of traditional architecture and a magnificent natural setting characterized by the peaks of the Basque Mountains. It is certainly a rural paradise that surprises all who come to dine at the famous grill restaurant.

Its street layout is made up of traditional stone houses that give the place a bucolic feel, while the Church of San Juan Bautista, which rises above the rest of the town's buildings, adds even more charm. The municipality of Achondo is made up of three ancient parishes united administratively: Axpe itself, Apatamonasterio, and Arrazola, but it is in the former where the true essence of Biscay is most evident.

After tasting the exquisite food at Asador Etxebarri, it's almost a must to explore the streets of Axpe Achondo and discover the charming corners that make the town a true wonder. Plus, you can always take the opportunity to explore the breathtaking nature surrounding the town to complete a dream weekend in the heart of the Basque Country.

This fascinating town is located just half an hour by road from the city of Bilbao. To get to the town from the capital of Biscay, simply take the AP-8 , then exit onto the N-636, and finally take the BI-3336 until you reach the historic center of this gastronomic, architectural, and natural treasure.