Wondering where to eat in San Sebastian? Not only will I share my favorite local spots below, I’ll also tell you the 13 must-try foods in San Sebastian so you can be sure to order well in this foodie paradise!

San Sebastian is known for rustic pintxos bars and avant-garde Michelin star restaurants—where to begin? Here’s my advice for where to eat in San Sebastian!

Where to Eat in San Sebastian – My Top Picks & Tips

Ongi etorri!

That’s “welcome!” in Basque. San Sebastian is the beating heart of Spain’s food scene. While each Spanish city and region can hold its own when it comes to gastronomy (in my opinion), San Sebastian takes things to the next level as the world stage for gastronomic innovation and research (the world-famous Basque Culinary Center is one of the country’s best resources).

The first time I visited San Sebastian I was totally overwhelmed. No amount of reading and preparation can really prepare you for the feast that is San Sebastian.

Colorful pintxos line the bars in the simplest of establishments, and Michelin star restaurants dot the countryside. People pour out onto the streets with their food and drinks, and there is a foodie buzz that’s unlike any other I’ve experienced.

See Also: The Ultimate Guide to Basque Food

Launching Our San Sebastian Food Tours

A few years ago we launched food tours and pintxos tours in San Sebastian—and since then our Devour San Sebastian food tours have really taken off!

Many people have asked me, what took so long? Honestly? The lack of the AVE (Spain’s high-speed train)! Unfortunately, Basque Country is still a little trickier to reach from Madrid—although there are frequent flights to Bilbao and a regular train (about a 5-hour journey).

But 2017 was the year, so we booked a long-stay apartment in San Sebastian and made our way up to research, plan, hire, and EAT! It was a great process, and our tours have been receiving rave reviews ever since.

While researching day in and day out, I was able to greatly increase my list of where to eat in San Sebastian recommendations, the base for this San Sebastian food guide. This is certainly not the be all end all of where to eat in San Sebastian—but it’s a great start to diving into this culinary mecca, fork first!

Tips for Eating in San Sebastian

• Don’t go Michelin star if you don’t have the budget. There is plenty of excellent gourmet food in San Sebastian, and much of it is found in humble establishments. Don’t feel the need to splurge (especially if it’s your first visit) and simply appreciate the local fare.
• Order one pintxo at a time. This is how you test a place for quality, and also allows you to visit multiple places in one night (see our San Sebastian pintxos tour for a guided pintxos hopping evening out!).
• Order the pinxtos that aren’t already on the bar. Sure—they are beautiful and tempting, but the great pintxos are almost always made to order. Ask the waiter what’s available!
• Go to a cider house. Ideally in-season (from January to April), but if that’s not possible, there are a few that stay open year round (see below). It’s still a great experience!
• Eat a T-bone. Just in case you don’t make it to a cider house where T-bone steaks (chuletones/txuletas) are the specialty, make sure to go to a great steakhouse.

What to Eat in San Sebastian – 13 Must-Try Foods & Drinks

The list could be endless—the Basque Country is filled with amazing meat, seafood, and produce—but here are some must-try foods in San Sebastian! Scroll down to find out where to eat in San Sebastian (now that you’ll know what to order!).

Read More: My Gourmet Basque Country Road Trip

Gilda

The nearby Cantabrian Sea is home to some of the world’s best anchovies, which in the Basque Country are treated with the respect they deserve. The best of the catch is not prepared fresh, but rather sent to the canning factories to be preserved.

The result? The best brands will cost upwards of €10 for a small tin, and they are an explosion of flavor and umami—melt-in-your-mouth, slightly salty, and totally delicious. To take this already delicious bite up a notch, try the “Gilda,” a skewer made with salt-cured anchovies, olives, and pickled spicy peppers.

Tortilla

The tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelet) tastes best in the Basque Country. Other Spaniards may disagree, but in my opinion, the Basques make it best. They usually cook their flavorful tortillas to be “medium rare,” meaning they’re juicy and creamy, though not runny.

This is a very common pinxto that you may find on its own, or dressed up with some fried green peppers, local cheese, or even sausage. Just remember to make sure to never have your tortilla reheated (meaning it might come at room temperature), as the microwave makes it chewy and overcooked.

Cheesecake

Who knew that San Sebastian would be home to my favorite cheesecake in the world? Read on to discover where to devour this delicacy (or take our San Sebastian food tour to try it for yourself!).

Cider (Sidra)

I fell in love with cider in the Basque Country, having never tried anything quite like it before. Basque cider is quite different than the hard cider found in other countries.

We call it “natural” cider here, and it is usually nothing more than fermented apples. No added ingredients, preservatives, bubbles, or even sugar! The special pouring technique aerates the cider and gives it a bit of effervescence.

Foie Gras

Another thing I learned to love (for better or for worse) in San Sebastian is foie gras. Whether in a paté or freshly grilled, the locals love this decadent food.

My favorite foie gras pintxos sear fresh foie until caramelized on the outside, and top it with a few flakes of sea salt. Often there’s a smear of jam or marmalade on top as well, as the acidity pairs perfectly with the rich foie. This is a food best served with zingy txakoli wine to clear the palate!

Txakoli

Speaking of txakoli, this is another must-try in San Sebastian. This local white wine is served the same way as the cider, poured from a great height in order to create effervescence. It’s a delicious partner in crime to a pintxos crawl!

Salt Cod

Basque fishermen were among the first to reach the new world as early as the 15th century—but they didn’t want anyone to know! Why? They were fishing for some of the world’s best prized cod off of the coast of Canada.

Codfish (bacalao) quickly became a staple of the Spanish diet and a trading commodity throughout the entire world. Some even credit the Basques with inventing salt cod (versus dried cod) which allowed the salt to keep the meat juicy.

All people have to do to cook salt cod is soak it in water for enough time, and the fish comes back to life. Basque cuisine has countless salt cod dishes! Don’t miss:

• Salt cod brandade
• Pil-pil style (this is a special technique of moving the serving dish while adding olive oil—if done correctly it results in a delicious emulsion sauce of the cod’s natural juices, garlic, and olive oil)
• Cod fritters (buñuelos de bacalao)
• Cod omelet (tortilla de bacalao—a popular first course at the cider houses)

Beef Cheek (Carrillada)

Once considered a poor man’s food, carrillada is slow-cooked beef or pork cheek. This dish is now one of the most popular guisos (stews) in all of Spain, and can be found at some of the best restaurants and pintxos bars in San Sebastian.

Txuleta

Aged, grass-fed beef is on a whole other level of meat obsession. Steak may not be the first thing people think of when coming to Spain, but perhaps it should be.

San Sebastian has plenty of restaurants that serve the famous local txuleta. This aged, grass-fed beef is served rare, and by the kilo. It’s one of my top things to eat in San Sebastian.

Try it: You’ll taste one of the best bites of local beef on our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour in San Sebastian’s old town.

Kokotxas

Fish cheeks (also translated as necks or glands) are a delicious Basque specialty. Usually coming from cod or hake, the flavor is unique and definitely something a true foodie shouldn’t miss.

Fish

Don’t miss a leisurely seafood lunch while in San Sebastian, a local tradition. You’ll usually order a whole fish, generally intended for two or more people, along with other raciones (shared plates) from the menu. Some of the most delicious fish to order are merluza (hake), lenguado (sole), and rodaballo (turbot).

Cheese

Bright green Basque Country is home to plenty of sheep, goats, and cow—and this means great cheese! Don’t miss my favorite, Idiazabal. This sheep’s milk cheese was once kept in the rooftops of local farmers’ huts, meaning it acquired a smokey flavor from the hearth.

Gâteau Basque

One of the most traditional desserts from the Basque Country, this “Basque Cake” is made with a soft shortbread crust and filled with either almond-flavored pastry cream or black cherry preserves. Go crazy and try both!

Where to Eat in San Sebastian – The Best Pintxos Bars & Restaurants

Borda Berri

One of my all-time favorite pintxos bars in San Sebastian’s old town, Borda Berri is often crowded, but worth the wait. Try the octopus or the duck, but really anything on their menu is good. Don’t be surprised not to see pintxos lining the bar here, as all they serve is made to order!

Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12

Bar Nestor

Known locally as “the holy trinity” because it cooks three things to absolute perfection: tomato salad, Padrón peppers, and txuleta. But those who are really in the know go very early because each day a handful of lucky people get to try the famous house tortilla de patatas. Only a couple are made daily, and they sell out in a flash!

Arrandegi Kalea, 11

Casa Urola

I love Casa Urola for its classy but non-pretentious vibe. It’s not cheap (though it does also have a pintxos bar below), but won’t run you anywhere near Michelin star prices. The traditional Basque menu consists of amazingly prepared fish, steak, and sides. The wine list and desserts are also excellent.

Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 20

Bodegon Alejandro

Bodegon Alejandro has long been known as one of San Sebastian’s best deals. While not a Michelin star restaurant, it is managed by the famous Martín Berasategui (his parents were the original owners, and this is where he learned to cook!) and it serves an unbeatable tasting menu for under €60 (as of 2023).

Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 4

La Cuchara de San Telmo

One of the city’s most famous pintxos bars, this is another place worth trying if you can squeeze your way in. Their cochinillo (suckling pig) pintxo is one of my personal favorites.

Santa Korda Kalea, 4

Gandarias

Another of my favorite traditional Basque restaurants, I love Gandarias for its food, history, and friendly staff. While it does have a great pintxos bar, I like its restaurant even better. Make sure to reserve!

31 de Agosto Kalea, 23

La Viña

Remember my favorite cheesecake in the world? It’s here! Just go, you won’t regret it.

31 de Agosto Kalea, 3

La Mejillonera

This unique and delicious “mussel bar” is just that—a pintxos bar dedicated to serving mussels in different ways. Since I adore mussels, it’s naturally one of my favorite places in town. No-frills for sure, but well worth it!

Portu Kalea, 15

Txuleta

Another great place for a steak is called (appropriately) Txuleta. Definitely make a reservation if you want to score a table here, as it’s busy with locals and tourists alike!

Plaza de la Trinidad, 2

Bar Haizea

I wrote all about my love for Haizea here, and it hasn’t changed. Classic pintxos, friendly service, and totally local. Does it get any better?

Aldamar Kalea, 8

The Best Food Markets in San Sebastian

San Sebastian is also home to some beautiful fresh markets, where you’ll see the local cuisine in its most simple state.

Mercado de la Bretxa

This beautiful market is San Sebastian’s oldest, and well worth a visit. Built over the original breach, or bretxa, in the city walls from the historical battle of August 31st, 1813, Mercado de la Bretxa has anything you can imagine needing!

From gorgeous organic fruit and vegetables to fresh fish and local meat, this is a place where you might brush shoulders with a Basque grandma and then a Michelin star chef.

See More: Find out about San Sebastian’s other markets here!

The Best Cider Houses in San Sebastian

Not quite a restaurant, a Basque cider house is more a workshop of sorts. When the year’s cider production is just about finished, the local cider houses need people to taste (and buy!) the lot.

Since cider only lasts in the bottle for about a year, it’s very important that they sell it all. So why not open up the factory doors, cook some food, and invite people in? This line of thinking brought the cider house eateries to life! Here you’ll pay a price per person and the food just keeps coming.

Read More: Learn all about Basque cider houses in San Sebastian here!

Here are a few San Sebastian cider houses that are easy to reach from the old town:

Michelin Star Restaurants in San Sebastian

I’ve never had the chance to dine at one of San Sebastian’s Michelin-starred restaurants, but I can only imagine it would be quite an experience! Many friends have eaten at Arzak and I haven’t ever heard a bad word.

I recommend taking a look at the menu and prices before trying to get a reservation—and make sure to reserve far in advance and note any dietary restrictions at that time.

Not ready to splurge on a Michelin star dinner? Check their lunch options—some do a limited fixed-price lunch menu for a very reasonable cost.

Here’s the most recent list of Michelin-starred restaurants in and around San Sebastian:

Guide to Eating in San Sebastian – Know Before You Go

• In restaurants, a bread and service charge may be added to the bill. This usually ranges from €1 to €3 per person, depending on the place. If you don’t want bread brought to the table, specify “sin pan por favor,” though unfortunately sometimes you’ll still be charged a cover fee.
• Pintxos bars are busy places—in order to get service you may need to be more assertive than you’re used to! Don’t expect to be asked if you want a second drink, more food, the check, etc. Just ask!
• You aren’t required to tip in San Sebastian, but rounding up the bill and leaving up to 10% for excellent service is much appreciated (I always tip my servers). Waiters work hard and, on average, earn a very low monthly wage.
• At some traditional places, the menu won’t be available in English. Always order slowly and ask for help if you need it!

San Sebastian Pintxos & Food Tours

If you are planning to visit San Sebastian I would love to have you join one of Devour’s San Sebastian pintxos tours.

Our mission at Devour Tours is to help local culture thrive by connecting curious travelers with communities, cuisines, and traditions. We support small business on our tours, sharing their stories and place in the local community.

Our tours are fun and engaging cultural experiences where you’ll try 10+ different foods at a variety of traditional, family-run places. But we also go beyond the food, and between bites, you will learn plenty about San Sebastian’s unique culture, cuisine, history, and traditions.

Our tours really capture the soul and identity of San Sebastian, and are a lot of fun! Book a San Sebastian food tour online to reserve your spot.

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