It is no secret that San Sebastián is a food lover’s paradise. With everything from rustic and homemade pintxos to world-class haute cuisine, it’s safe to say that almost everything you devour here is sure to make your taste buds happy. That said, narrowing down the best restaurants in San Sebastian can be a bit tricky due to the sheer quantity and quality of local bites. This guide will help you begin to discover all the gastronomic wonders that this fabulous city has to offer.
01
from 10
Best breakfast: Ambigú Estación
Direction
Aldamar Kalea, 12, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34943 04 97 01
Web
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Whoever coined the phrase “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” must have said it after enjoying a nice and pleasant morning meal at Ambigú Estación. Using only the best fresh local ingredients, the team at this quirky café put together an impressive array of brunch offerings. Think of everything from traditional Spanish toast to lusciously delicious homemade cakes, with fresh-squeezed coffee or juice to wash it all off.
As a bonus, this charming spot has fallen into the brunch trend that is taking Spain by storm. Stop by Monday through Saturday to enjoy this delicious offer.
02
from 10
Best Traditional Pintxos: Ganbara
Direction
San Jeronimo Street, 19, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34943 42 25 75
Web
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The best food in San Sebastián follows the same basic principles: fresh, high-quality local produce (where possible) combined in simple ways to create unforgettable flavors. That’s exactly the philosophy that drives Ganbara, and it’s this commitment to quality and authenticity that has kept this family bar going strong for more than 25 years.
As well as serving a fabulous variety of traditional pintxos (small bites that are no different than tapas, but are native to the Basque Country), its friendly and welcoming service and cozy atmosphere will help make anyone feel at home.
03
from 10
Best Modern Pintxos: A Fuego Negro
Direction
31 de Agosto Kalea, 31, 20003 San Sebastián-Donostia, Gipuzkoa, EspañaGet directions
Telephone
+34 650 13 53 73
Web
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Just as traditional pintxos have kept generations of locals returning to their favorite bars for years and years, the innovative and experimental side of local cuisine helps keep things fresh and interesting. A Fuego Negro serves as an excellent example of that.
This upbeat and quirky bar serves up some of the quirkiest pintxos you’ll find in San Sebastian (curried cod and cauliflower? Frozen chocolate and corn sandwiches? Why not?), All beautifully presented in a way that makes them look (almost) too good to eat. Dig anyway, you won’t regret it.
04
from 10
Best gastronomy: Arzak
Direction
Avenida del, Alcalde J. Elosegi Hiribidea, 273, 20015 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, EspañaGet directions
Telephone
+34943 27 84 65
Web
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With a total of 18 Michelin stars here in the city, it’s safe to say that San Sebastian, objectively speaking, is home to some of the best food in the world. Three of those stars belong to Arzak, which started as a humble wine shop in the late 1800s and now regularly appears on lists of the world’s best restaurants.
Arzak’s cuisine has traditional Basque roots, but takes a modern and avant-garde twist. Combine it with a wine from his fabulous collection (a winery with 100,000 bottles) and you will have everything you need to remember.
05
from 10
The best seafood: Txepetxa
Direction
Arrandegi Kalea, 5, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34943 42 22 27
Web
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Nobody likes anchovies. Or at least no one thinks they do. Then they come to Txepetxa (pronounced “che-peh-cha”), where they are pleasantly surprised to find that they have been proven wrong about these salty little fish.
With over 120 years of experience under its belt, this no-frills traditional bar serves the best seafood pintxos in town. Their specialty: home-marinated anchovies, made according to a recipe for generations that is responsible for converting many anchovy-haters. Just don’t forget to wash them with a glass of local crisp txakoli wine.
06
from 10
Best for families: La Viña
Direction
31 de Agosto Kalea, 3, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, EspañaGet directions
Telephone
+34943 42 74 95
Web
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In general, pintxo bars are a great option for families dining with young children. No frills, no fuss, and the kids will love being able to choose their own pintxos from the colorful variety at the bar. La Viña fits the bill perfectly, but with a delicious bonus: their iconic homemade cheesecake. Sweet, creamy, and so indulgent, it’s the perfect way to top off a meal for kids and adults alike.
Note: La Viña is currently closed for renovations and is scheduled to reopen in early April 2019.
07
from 10
Best for a date night: La Perla Restaurant
Direction
Paseo de la Concha, s / n Paseo de La Concha, s / n La Perla Building, 20007 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34943 46 24 84
Web
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Imagine enjoying fabulous food and wine with your special someone on a beautiful terrace with panoramic views of San Sebastián’s iconic La Concha beach. It sounds too good to be true? It’s not: at La Perla Restaurant, you can experience all that and more.
The exclusive setting features three elegant terraces, each with a different offering ranging from elegant cocktails to sophisticated meals. Any of them would be the perfect place to enjoy a moment with your partner while experiencing a more intimate side of the San Sebastián gastronomic scene.
08
from 10
Best for wine lovers: El Bombín
Direction
Esquina, Calle Larramendi &, Reyes Catolicos Kalea, 20006 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, EspañaGet directions
Web
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A little hidden gem of a bar located around the corner from the cathedral, El Bombín can be easy to miss at first. Those who see it and decide to take a look at it are rewarded with one of the best wine selections in San Sebastian at this cozy local favorite full of character.
The wines available by the glass rotate monthly here, so there’s always something new on offer. No matter which one you order, you are sure to find a delicious bite – they also offer a short but respectable menu of pintxos and small plates. For the best experience, sit on the terrace and watch the world go by while sipping your wine.
09
from 10
Best vegan and vegetarian restaurant: Km. 0 0
Direction
Paseo Duque de Mandas, 49, 20012 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, EspañaGet directions
Telephone
+34943 56 17 51
Web
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Located in the modern Egia neighborhood, km. 0 is a true farm-to-table paradise. Specializing exclusively in meatless and plant-based dishes, they take great care to use only fresh, organic and seasonal produce to ensure the highest quality. Even carnivores are sure to find something to enjoy among the colorful menu options, which are available to enjoy at home or to go. Why not take your food to the Cristina Enea Park across the street and enjoy a picnic?
10
from 10
Best late night restaurant: La Madame
Direction
San Bartolome Kalea, 35, 20007 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, SpainGet directions
Telephone
+34943 44 42 69
Web
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Spain is famous for its late-night meals and incomparable nightlife, which go hand in hand. If you’re hungry while in town but prefer more than just a greasy kebab, La Madame is the perfect place. Open until 3am on weekends, this nightly hotspot is a stylish cocktail bar, a stylish restaurant, and a dance club all rolled into one – a one-stop shop to experience the best of San Francisco’s nightlife. Sebastian.
