If you find yourself in the enchanting city of San Sebastian (aka Donostia), Spain, you will undoubtedly be drawn to its stunning coastline, its vibrant culture, and, of course, its delectable cuisine. This charming Basque city is a culinary paradise, offering a diverse array of dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. From the classic pintxos to the more elaborate gastronomic experiences, there is something to satisfy every palate. I implore you prepare your appetite for a culinary journey unlike any other. As you explore the bustling streets and best restaurants of San Sebastian, you will discover a world of flavors that will leave you longing for more.
Best Restaurants in San Sebastian
If you wish to avoid leaving San Sebastian without having tasted the most delectable delicacies, I implore you to make sure to eat at Gandarias, and also Borda Berri, Betijai Berria, and Bar Txepetxa,
San Sebastian Local Specialties
Here are the traditional foods you should look forward to, seek out, and try when you visit San Sebastian.
Pintxos
Pintxos are small, savory snacks that are typically served in Basque Country, Spain. They are often skewered or placed on top of bread and are typically topped with various ingredients such as meat, seafood, vegetables, and cheese.
- Gilda is a popular and iconic Basque pintxo consisting of a skewer with a green olive, a pickled white anchovy, and a red chili pepper.
Where to find good pintxos restaurants in San Sebastian:
First, a note that Basque tapas culture is such that you often just help yourself, keep track of what you eat, and pay when you’re done based on the honor code.
- Haizea – Anthony Bourdain liked this bar for its delicious tapas and pintxos. Look for pickled peppers with anchovies.
- Ganbara – The bustling staff at this higher-end establishment has created a lively atmosphere, while the delectable pintxos have elevated the restaurant to new Michelin heights. The cozy and charming dining room in the cellar adds a touch of intimacy to the experience.
- Betijai Berria S.l – This Michelin-guide restaurant offers perfectly executed traditional Basque pintxos and gourmet tapas.
- Borda Berri – With its limited menu, Borda Berri ensures that every dish is a masterpiece. The two charming owners, passionate about their craft, prepare each dish with meticulous care. Be sure to try their signature beef cheeks, a tender and flavorful delight that melts on your tongue. Other highlights include the risotto, infused with the earthy aroma of wild mushrooms, and the foie gras, a decadent treat paired with a sweet apple jelly.
- Bar Txepetxa – Imagine a place where anchovies reign supreme. A display showcases a delightful variety of antxoas tapas, each one a treasure to choose from. These are not the cured, salty anchovies that many Americans find distasteful. Instead, they are a fresh, vibrant gift from the sea. This was one of my favourite restaurants in San Sebastian.
- El Tamboril – This Michelin-guide bar, nestled in the heart of old town, is a culinary treasure trove. Its traditional pintxos, especially the delectable mushrooms (txampis tamboril), are a must-try. Seafood lovers will rejoice in the fresh catch, while the anchovy tempura is a delightful surprise. And the best part? The prices won’t break the bank.
- La Cuchara de San Telmo – In this tiny spot, there are no shortcuts, no pre-prepared pintxos. Explore the ever-changing menu scrawled on the blackboard. Among the many culinary treasures, the foie gras with apple jelly stands as a beloved classic.
- Gandarias – The friendly staff here, ever eager to assist, will patiently guide you through the delectable menu. It’s a lively but easy-going place, making it the perfect spot to savor the moment. Be sure to try the perfectly cooked ibérico ham, a half-portion of which is more than enough to satisfy your cravings.
- Atari Gastroleku – This unassuming establishment offers a modest number of comfortable seats and expansive windows as well as nice outdoor tables facing the serene Santa María Church. The menu boasts a delightful array of pintxos and raciones, including the delectable Pulpo con piment Espelette (octopus with Espelette peppers) and the indulgent foie a la plancha (grilled duck liver).
- Cervecerías La Mejillonera – Though it may not be a place of grand elegance or refined taste, this establishment offers a unique charm. It is renowned for its generously poured, inexpensive beverages, its crispy and flavorful patatas bravas, and its succulent mussels, particularly the fiery “tigres.” Unlike many of its counterparts, this establishment adheres to the practice of paying when served. And let it be known that the custom here is to toss one’s empty mussel shells on the floor so don’t wear your best pants.
- La Viña – Stop here for reliably good pintxos. But the original Basque burnt cheesecake takes center stage, its rich, creamy texture and slightly caramelized exterior offering a truly satisfying conclusion to any meal.
Seafood
- Bacalao al pil-pil is a classic Spanish dish featuring salt cod (bacalao) cooked in its own oil, flavored with garlic, and emulsified with the cod’s gelatinous skin. The resulting sauce, “pil-pil,” is creamy and slightly tangy, with a subtle hint of garlic.
- Hake cheeks in green sauce is also popular. Hake cheeks are tender, flavorful parts of the hake fish and considered a delicacy in the Basque Country. The green sauce that accompanies them is typically made with a combination of herbs, vegetables, and sometimes a touch of white wine or vinegar.
- Txangurro (Spider Crab) has a delicate, sweet flavor, making it a popular ingredient for pintxos, salads, rice dishes, and stews.
- Antxoas (Anchovies) are delicious tiny fish transformed into culinary wonders in San Sebastian. These little treasures are cured and served in a variety of ways, often as pintxos. One can find them nestled on toast with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, or perhaps atop a crispy croquette.
Where to find good seafood restaurants in San Sebastian:
- Kofradia Jatetxea – Itsas Etxea – The lively bar area of this seafood-centric haven invites patrons to savor the traditional Basque pinxtos, while the elegant dining room promises a more refined affair.
- Bar Bergara – This curious Michelin-recognized establishment in the Gros district is renowned for its diminutive yet exquisite culinary creations. This vibrant and inviting bar offers a variety of fancy tapas and pintxos. From the savory warmth of the Txalupa, a gratin of mushrooms adorned with succulent prawns, to the delicate elegance of the Itxaso, monkfish nestled in a velvety seafood cream, and the verdant charm of the Udaberri, courgette embraced by a crayfish cream, each morsel promises a symphony of flavors that will dance upon your tongue.
Meat
- Txuleta is a Basque term for a grilled beef steak, typically from the rib eye or sirloin cut. It is often served with a Basque-style pepper sauce called “piperrada.”
Where to find good meat restaurants in San Sebastian:
- Parrilla Txuleta – While it may be a bit on the pricier side, the quality of the grilled meats here is rumored to be worth it. Don’t miss the kokotxas, a delectable dish of hake cheeks that are simply divine. And as a bonus, the restaurant features a lovely glass-enclosed terrace, offering plenty of seating for you to savor your meal.
Sweets
- Basque cheesecake is a dark and sinister dessert. Its exterior, a crust of scorched sugar, hints at the hidden dangers within. The interior, a creamy, custard-like filling, is rich and decadent.
Where to find good sweets in San Sebastian:
La Viña – Stop here for reliably good pintxos. But the original Basque burnt cheesecake takes center stage, its rich, creamy texture and slightly caramelized exterior offering a truly satisfying conclusion to any meal.
Mundukuona – Mundukuona, a charming establishment, offers the most delectable Basque cheesecake that can be savored at outdoor tables, perfect for observing the lively scene in the plaza across the street.
Drinks
- Txakoli, a sparkling white wine from the Basque Country, is a bubbly beverage that offers a refreshing and effervescent experience. Its light and crisp character, often with a touch of citrus or green apple, makes it a perfect companion for a variety of dishes. It is often poured from a height to create extra fizz.
- Sidra (cider) hails from Asturias, but is also popular in Basque Country. It has a gentle effervescence that dances on the tongue. Crafted from the finest apples, it perfectly balances sweet and tart, and is often poured from a lofty height to create a cascade of bubbles on the surface of you drink.
- Kalimotxo is a bold blend of red wine and cola.
Where to find good drinks in San Sebastian:
You’ll have no trouble finding any of these drinks at almost any restaurant or bar in San Sebastian.
Fine Dining
- Arzak – Arzak is a renowned Michelin-starred restaurant celebrated for its innovative and groundbreaking approach to Basque cuisine. Known for its exquisite tasting menus, Arzak offers a culinary journey that once delighted Anthony Bourdain.
Other
- Daniel`s Focacceria – This charming spot serves up perfect sandwiches, ideal for a quick and budget-friendly meal, or for a quaint picnic under the open sky. Pro-tip: Pick one up before hiking up Mount Urgull.
- Galparsoro Okindegia – This charming bakery beckons with its delightful aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries. Its shelves display a tantalizing array of loaves, each with its own unique crust and crumb, promising a delightful sensory experience.
- Bretxako Azoka – This traditional Basque market was undergoing some updates when we were visiting so we didn’t get to see it, but there were produce stalls set up in the plaza outside the market in the morning. Let me know if you get the opportunity to check it out!
Don’t know where to start? A food tour is a great option that allows you to try a number of different dishes over the span of a few hours. Here are a few well rated options.
- Devour San Sebastian Like A Local: Centro Neighborhood Food Tour
- San Sebastian Pintxo Tasting Paired with Spanish Wines
- San Sebastian Pintxo, Wine & Market Foodie Tour(Small Group)
¡Provecho!
Don’t miss out on this! This article is also featured on GPSmyCity. To download this article for offline reading or create a self-guided walking tour to visit the attractions highlighted in this article, go to Walking Tours and Articles in San Sebastian.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this San Sebastian-Donostia food and restaurants guide. Here’s a link to save this list to Google Maps for later. If you want more, here’s everything I’ve written about Spain.
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