Nestled in the heart of Orio’s charming Herriko Plaza, Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari stands out as a true gem for grill enthusiasts and lovers of authentic Basque cuisine. This renowned grill restaurant is not just a place to eat but a culinary destination where the art of grilling seafood and meat reaches sublime heights.
The moment you step into Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari, you sense the warm, inviting atmosphere that is both intimate and vibrant. Many diners cherish the option to sit outdoors, where you can watch the masterful chef at work, skillfully grilling fresh fish over open flames—a spectacle as captivating as the flavors coming off the grill.
The menu is a celebration of the Basque Country’s rich maritime bounty and grilling traditions. Guests rave about the perfectly grilled sea bass, notable for its meaty texture and clean, delicious flavor. The monkfish, a challenging fish to grill, emerges here as an absolute triumph—succulent and beautifully charred. The restaurant’s signature besugo (sea bream) epitomizes the flawless balance of smoky grill notes and natural sweetness of the fish, heightened by their expertly crafted, simple yet incredible sauces.
Complementing the seafood, the txistorra offers a burst of savory, spicy, and smoky flavors that awaken the palate. Delightful starters such as the piquillo peppers and white asparagus with mayo are praised not only for their freshness but also their ability to perfectly set the tone for the main courses. For dessert, the cheesecake is nothing short of legendary—creamy, rich, and often described as the best ever tasted.
But what truly elevates dining here is the heartfelt hospitality and authenticity. Diners repeatedly highlight the chef’s warmth and genuine passion, creating an experience that goes beyond just food: it’s like sharing an intimate meal with a local family. This sense of belonging lingers long after the last bite.
Though the restaurant is somewhat on the pricier side, connoisseurs agree it’s worth every penny for the unforgettable flavors and the soulful culinary craftsmanship. Reservations are strongly recommended as demand is high, driven by both locals and visitors who discover Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari from shows like Somebody Feed Phil or simply through word of mouth.
Whether you are a seasoned foodie or simply in search of an authentic Basque dining adventure, Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari promises a profound and joyous celebration of grilled perfection, delivered with charm and a deep respect for tradition.
Contact: +34 943 83 00 32
Location: Herriko Plaza, s/n, 20810 Orio, Gipuzkoa, Spain
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Troy Nikolao
08/12/2025
My girlfriend and I recently saw this restaurant on an episode of Somebody please feed Phil. After seeing how the fish was prepared we knew we would have to come here during our trip to Spain. We didn’t have reservations but the Chef and staff were very gracious and accommodating to get us in. RESERVATIONS are highly recommended. We were seated outdoors where we were able to watch the Chef grill all the meals. The aroma emanating from the grill was amazing. Coupled with the ambiance of the location made this meal quite memorable. We started with the grilled octopus, which was one of the best tasting dishes I’ve ever had. Simple seasoning and the slight char from the grill let the dish shine! Our main course was the whole grilled Sea Bream. Just when I didn’t think the experience couldn’t get better it did! The artistry and pure perfection with which the fish was prepared and presented was out of this world. This meal was TRULY one of the best if not the best I’ve ever had! Having a meal at Bodegon Joxe Mari is life changing! After the meal we met the Chef and he took a photo with us. The day couldn’t have been any better:)
Audrey L
03/12/2025
I say this after a few days in San Sebastian eating our hearts out at some of the most incredible restaurants: this fish was the best I’ve ever had ANYWHERE in the world. The fish was meaty, and delicious… perfectly sweet and that simple, yet incredible sauce that they have down to a science. We also had the peppers, and the cheesecake - both an absolutely MUST order! But beyond the food, the service was extraordinary - every single person was welcoming, and friendly. Absolutely worth the visit if you’re in the area!
Dušan Klisarić
26/10/2025
Just perfect sea bass. (quite large portion and expensive) Best octopus ever. Absolutely best cake ever (cheesecake) One of the best food experiences. Thank you
Katrina Rickert
11/10/2025
Wow, wow, wow!!!! If you are coming to the Basque Country, make sure you visit. Simply the best steak and fish we’ve ever eaten, a beautiful dining room and ambiance and an incredible team. We hope to be back again and again. Book early and enjoy!
Igor Escobar
24/09/2025
This was just an impromptu visit after watching the latest season of Somebody feed feel… so no much research or recommendations but boy, it delivered a punch! It has been a while since I have felt so overwhelmed by a plate of food. We had two nice pieces of grilled fish, just amazing, in particular the monkfish which is not easy to grill and was just perfect. Then, it came along a small plate with roasted and caramelized peppers, one might say the usual ones pairing a nice chuleton, only this time with a layer of some sort of secret magic sauce. It brought childhood memories of baked plantain with fresh cheese, sweet and savory, a combination made in heaven… the sauce is a secret recipe and we could not figure out what it was other than something just brilliant! I would come back just for the peppers! I liked it so much that ended up having a final portions as ‘desert’. Do yourself a favor and drop by if around. The service was excellent and friendly, from the grill masters to Marieanne (hope it is spelled like that) who looked after us in the table… a big thanks to you all.
Fabian
11/09/2025
Had an excellent meal here. It is pricier than another excellent restaurant Casa Camara I had the day before. In terms of atmosphere and ambience of restaurant Casa Camara is definitely better. However in terms of food, Joxe Mari has real soul to it. I had the Txistorra which was perfect. Savory, spicy and smoky. The Piquillo peppers were also awesome and both were great appetizers to start the meal. Freshly grilled peppers and sausages are unbeatable. The Sea Bream was well executed and fork tender. The beef was nicely charred and cooked correctly medium rare. I found out they used Marabu wood from Cuba for the grill. A very hard and dense wood great for grilling. I would visit again.
Christie Clements
10/09/2025
Dining at Bodegón Joxe Mari was one of the highlights of our trip. The chef was incredibly warm and personable, making us feel right at home. The fish was the best we’ve ever had — fresh, perfectly cooked, and bursting with clean, vibrant flavor. The setting is intimate and authentic, like you’ve stumbled into a well-kept local secret. If you’re traveling through the region, don’t miss this spot. It’s a true culinary treasure.
Jack Reed
20/08/2025
Had such an incredible meal here, probably the best i’ve had in Spain. Everything was so perfectly balanced. The white asparagus with mayo was a great starter before the house special Besugo. Wish i went with more people so I could have tried more but i guess i’ll just have to go back. The bread was super fresh and came in handy for soaking up all the extra sauce. Washed it all down with some excellent Basque white wine, nothing to complain about, the staff was very friendly.