San Sebastian is one of the great culinary capitals of the world. If you enjoy eating at any level, San Sebastian is the spot for you. Take in the laid back Basque culture, while reaching a food nirvana with some of the most inventive dishes and newest talent on the scene. This is your pocket guide, of where to eat in San Sebastian.
Good for:
Singles, solo travelers, couples, groups of friends and families with children 6+ years old
The Highlights:
- Pinxtos bar hop through the old historic town and eat up a storm. Create your own list of where to eat in San Sebastian.
- Check out the local area of Gros for the less visited pinxtos bars. Enjoy a Spanish favorite, the gin and tonic outdoors and watch the world go by.
- One of the most impressive wine cellars, which surprisingly does not break the bank, is at Restaurant Rekondo. Near Rekondo, stop by Buena Visa for a drink before dinner. Watch a sunset with one of the most prime views of San Sebastian
- Mimo San Sebastian. Mimo is one of the greatest cooking school and culinary centers that we’ve run across in our travels. Whether you need to learn to boil water or want to level up Michelin-style, Mimo has a class for that.
Suggested stay: Four Days
Stay
Hotel Maria Cristina
Do
Hike up to La Mota Gaztelua
Castillo de la Mota
Shopping
Koke Koko – espadrilles and summer stripes
Cortefiel – department store
Eat
We’re providing our list of favorites along with what to order at each spot. Think of this as your bible of what and where to eat in San Sebastian. Note though that it’s a hustle though to try to navigate the pinxtos bars independently. Our suggestion is to hire a food Sherpa from Mimo Sebastian. For one to two days and they will elbow their way through the crowds and set you up in prime pinxtos position. It makes a significant difference on experience to work with a guide, and Mimo’s are the best. Ask for Ellie as not only is she knowledgeable, but you actually will enjoy her company for your foodie eventure.
Old Town
The Spot: Casa Urola (Fermin Calbetón street)
- Vieira en salsa ajoblanco – Scallop in ajoblanco sauce
- Gilda- First Pintxo ever made in SS (Anchovie, Guindilla and 2 olives)
- Espárrago con mayonesa de ajo y polvo de jamón – White asparagus with garlic mayo and ibérico powder.
- Drink: White wine, Verdejo grape from Rueda
The Spot: Ganbara (San Jerónimo street)
- Txangurro- Brown Crab
- Surtido de setas- Wild Mushrooms
- Drink: Red wine,Rioja from
The Spot: A Fuego Negro (31 de Agosto street)
- MCobe – Cobe beef mini burguer
- Jamón Ibérico de Bellota – Bellota Iberian Ham
- Tigreton – Mussel in a different style
- Aceitunas rellenas de vermut – vermut stuffed olives
- Drink: Red wine, from Ribera del Duero wine.
The Spot: La Viña (31 de Agosto street)
- The best cheesecake from the city
- Drink: Sweet sherry wine, Pedro Ximénez
The Spot: Nestor (Pescadería street)
- Four things; the steak, the tomato salad, the pimientos de padrón and the tortilla de patata (for this remember to go 30 mins before to book your piece!).
The Spot: Gandarias (31 de Agosto street)
- Solomillo – Sirloin steak
- Jamón Ibérico de Bellota – Bellota Iberian Ham
- La Cuchara de San Telmo (off 31 de Agosto street)
- Foie gras membrillo – Foie gras with quince jelly
- Cochinillo – Sukling Pig
The Spot: Bar Sport (Fermin Calbeton Street)
- Txipirón con vinagre de Modena y salsa de ajo y perejil – Baby cuttlefish with modena balsamic vinegar and parsley and garlic sauce
- Calamari
The Spot: Goiz Argi (Fermin Calbetón street)
- Brocheta de gambas – Prawns skewer
- Mari Juli – Smoked Salmon, Smoked Sardine and roasted green pepper
The Spot: Borda Berri (Fermin Calbetón street) Similar to La Cuchara de San Telmo
- Carrillera – Veal Cheeks
- Kebab de cerdo – Pork ribs with apple puree
- Risotto de Idiazabal – Sheeps milk cheese Risotto
The Spot: Bar Martinez (31 Agosto Road)
- Pimiento relleno de Tartar de Bonito – Stuffed piquillo pepper with tuna tartar.
- Calamares – Squid “Calamari”
The Spot: Atari (by Santa María Church)
- Anchoa con arándanos – Anchovy and blueberry
- Torrija – Basque bread & butter pudding
- Anchoa con huevas de trucha – Anchovy and trout eggs
- Gin & tonics
- Sirimiri (by Santa María Church at Mayor Street)
- Torrija – Basque style of French Toast & Gin Tonics
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- Txepetxa (Pescadería street)
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- Anchoa con aceituna negra – Anchovy and black olives
- Anchoa con centollo – Anchovy with spider crab (my favourite! :p)
The Spot: La Mejillonera (Puerto street). It may not look that nice from the outside or inside for that matter, but they have the best
- Patatas Bravas
- Calamares bravos – Calamrari with the bravas sauce
- Tigres – Mussels with spicy tomato sauce
On a Sunday night, this is one of the few spots open and it’s packed with locals.
Our favorites in the local’s area of Gros
Muro
Gintoneria
Topa (Mugaritz)
Bodega Donostiarra
Bergara
Roberto (for vermouth)
