Discover the best restaurants in San Sebastian, renowned for its culinary excellence. From Michelin-starred dining to traditional pintxos bars, explore a gastronomic paradise that offers an unforgettable culinary experience in this vibrant coastal city of Spain.
As a seasoned traveller and food enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring many culinary destinations around the world. However, the Basque city of San Sebastian in northern Spain has always held a special place in my heart. Known for its vibrant gastronomic scene, San Sebastian is a true mecca for food lovers, boasting an impressive array of Michelin-starred restaurants, traditional Basque eateries, and trendy pintxos bars.
Fine Dining Experiences in San Sebastian
Mirador de Ulia
Perched atop the Ulia mountain, with breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay, Mirador de Ulia offers a truly unique and unforgettable fine dining experience. Led by chef Hilario Arbelaitz, this restaurant’s menu is a celebration of the region’s exceptional ingredients and culinary traditions.
Akelaŕe
As one of San Sebastian’s three Michelin-star restaurants, Akelaŕe is a must-visit for those seeking a truly exceptional fine dining experience. With its stunning location, impeccable service, and innovative cuisine, Akelaŕe is a true temple of gastronomy.
Restaurante Alameda
Located in the charming town of Hondarribia, just a short drive from San Sebastian, Restaurante Alameda is a Michelin-starred establishment that offers a refined and elegant dining experience. With its focus on local and seasonal ingredients, Restaurante Alameda’s menu is a testament to the region’s culinary excellence.
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Michelin Star Restaurants in San Sebastian
Akelarre
Perched atop a cliff overlooking the Bay of Biscay, Akelarre is the crown jewel of San Sebastian’s culinary landscape. Led by renowned chef Pedro Subijana, this three-Michelin-star restaurant offers breathtaking views and a tasting menu that showcases the finest ingredients from the region.
Arzak
Considered one of the pioneers of modern Basque cuisine, Arzak has maintained its three-Michelin-star status for decades. Helmed by the father-daughter duo of Juan Mari Arzak and Elena Arzak, this restaurant is renowned for its innovative and imaginative dishes that blend tradition with cutting-edge techniques.
Mugaritz
Nestled in the lush countryside just outside San Sebastian, Mugaritz is a two-Michelin-star restaurant that has earned a reputation for its avant-garde and conceptual approach to gastronomy. Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz’s tasting menu is a true culinary adventure, challenging diners’ perceptions and pushing the boundaries of traditional cuisine.
Kokotxa
This one-Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of San Sebastian’s old town offers a more intimate and personalized dining experience. Chef Gorka Txapartegi’s menu celebrates the bounty of the Basque region, with a focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients.
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Traditional Basque Cuisine in San Sebastian
Txepetxa
This family-run establishment in the old town is famous for its innovative and delicious pintxos, or Basque-style tapas. Specializing in anchovies, Txepetxa offers a wide variety of creative and flavorful bites that showcase the region’s seafaring heritage.
Gandarias
A quintessential Basque tavern, Gandarias is known for its lively atmosphere and hearty, traditional dishes. From the classic bacalao (salt cod) to the succulent grilled meats, every bite at Gandarias is a celebration of Basque culinary traditions.
Bodegón Alejandro
Located in a charming 19th-century building, Bodegón Alejandro is a beloved institution that has been serving up authentic Basque cuisine for generations. Savour the rich and comforting stews, the perfectly grilled meats, and the impeccable selection of local wines.
Casa Nicolasa
This family-owned restaurant in the Gros neighbourhood offers a cosy and inviting atmosphere, along with a menu that highlights the best of traditional Basque cooking. From the iconic pousada (leek and potato soup) to the mouthwatering grilled fish, every dish at Casa Nicolasa is a testament to the region’s culinary heritage.
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Pintxos Bars in San Sebastian
La Cuchara de San Telmo
Located in the heart of the old town, La Cuchara de San Telmo is a beloved local institution that offers a delightful array of traditional and modern pintxos. From the classic Gilda (a skewer of pickled peppers, olives, and anchovies) to the inventive foie gras creations, every bite is a delight.
A Fuego Negro
Offering a more contemporary and edgy take on the pintxos tradition, A Fuego Negro is a must-visit for those seeking a unique and innovative dining experience. With its sleek and stylish interiors and bold and imaginative pintxos, this bar is a true standout in San Sebastian’s vibrant food scene.
Borda Berri
A cosy and welcoming pintxos bar in the Gros neighbourhood, Borda Berri is a local favourite for its delicious and authentic Basque bites. From the classic tortilla española to the mouthwatering grilled octopus, every pintxo at Borda Berri is a testament to the region’s culinary heritage.
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Seafood Restaurants in San Sebastian
Elkano
Situated in the charming fishing village of Getaria, just a short drive from San Sebastian, Elkano is a seafood lover’s paradise. Specializing in grilled whole fish, this restaurant offers a truly unique and unforgettable dining experience that showcases the region’s exceptional marine bounty.
Kaia Kaipe
Located on the picturesque San Sebastian harbour, Kaia Kaipe is a beloved local institution that serves up some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city. From the succulent grilled prawns to the perfectly prepared octopus, every dish at Kaia Kaipe is a celebration of the Basque coast.
Zuberoa
Nestled in the charming village of Oiartzun, just a short drive from San Sebastian, Zuberoa is a Michelin-starred seafood restaurant that offers a truly exceptional dining experience. With its focus on sustainable and locally sourced ingredients, Zuberoa’s menu is a testament to the region’s culinary excellence.
Restaurante Martín Berasategui
While primarily known for its three Michelin stars, this renowned restaurant in Lasarte-Oria, just outside San Sebastian, also boasts an exceptional seafood menu that showcases the finest catches from the Basque coast. From the delicate and flavorful cod to the succulent grilled turbot, every dish at Restaurante Martín Berasategui is a masterpiece.
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Vegetarian and Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in San Sebastian
Sakona
This cosy and inviting vegetarian restaurant in the Gros neighbourhood offers a menu that celebrates the bounty of the Basque region. From the hearty lentil stews to the creative vegetable-based dishes, Sakona is a true gem for plant-based diners.
Gazta & More
Specializing in artisanal cheese and plant-based dishes, Gazta & More is a beloved vegetarian spot in the old town. With its focus on locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, this restaurant offers a delightful and innovative vegetarian dining experience.
Kokolo
Located in the Gros neighbourhood, Kokolo is a vibrant and trendy vegan restaurant that showcases the creativity and diversity of plant-based cuisine. From the delectable vegan burgers to the flavorful vegetable-based main dishes, Kokolo is a must-visit for vegans and vegetarians alike.
Amona Benta
This charming vegetarian and vegan restaurant in the Antiguo neighbourhood offers a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, along with a menu that celebrates the region’s traditional Basque flavours. From the hearty vegetable stews to the mouthwatering vegan pintxos, Amona Benta is a hidden gem for health-conscious diners.
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Budget-Friendly Restaurants in San Sebastian
Bar Sport
Located in the heart of the old town, Bar Sport is a lively and casual spot that serves up delicious and affordable pintxos. With its friendly atmosphere and its focus on traditional Basque flavours, Bar Sport is a great option for budget-conscious travellers.
Ganbara
This cosy and welcoming bar in the old town offers a wide selection of pintxos, along with a menu of traditional Basque dishes at wallet-friendly prices. From the classic tortilla española to the grilled octopus, every bite at Ganbara is a delight.
Casa Urola
Situated in the charming Gros neighbourhood, Casa Urola is a family-run restaurant that offers exceptional value and quality. With its focus on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Casa Urola’s menu is a celebration of traditional Basque cuisine at its finest.
Sidrería Petritegi
While not technically a restaurant, this traditional Basque cider house in the nearby town of Astigarraga is a must-visit for budget-conscious travellers. Offering a lively and convivial atmosphere, along with delicious cider and simple, yet satisfying Basque fare, Sidrería Petritegi is a true gem.
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Local Favorites and Hidden Gems in San Sebastian
Restaurante Ibai
This unassuming restaurant in the Gros neighbourhood is a local favourite for its exceptional traditional Basque cuisine. From the rich and flavorful stews to the perfectly grilled meats, every dish at Restaurant Ibai is a testament to the region’s culinary heritage.
Atari Gastroteka
Located in the old town, Atari Gastroteka is a cosy and inviting pintxos bar that offers a unique and creative take on the Basque tapas tradition. With its ever-changing menu and its focus on locally sourced ingredients, Atari Gastroteka is a true hidden gem.
Restaurante Tamboril
Tucked away in the charming fishing village of Getaria, just a short drive from San Sebastian, Restaurante Tamboril is a beloved local institution that specializes in the region’s exceptional seafood. From the grilled whole turbot to the succulent prawns, every dish at Restaurante Tamboril is a celebration of the Basque coast.
If you’re planning a trip to San Sebastian and want to make the most of your culinary experience, I highly recommend booking a food tour or a cooking class. This will allow you to delve deeper into the city’s rich gastronomic heritage and discover the hidden gems that make San Sebastian a true food lover’s paradise.
In conclusion, San Sebastian is a city that truly lives up to its reputation as a gastronomic mecca. From its world-renowned Michelin-starred restaurants to its vibrant pintxos bars and traditional Basque eateries, the city offers a diverse and exceptional culinary landscape that is sure to delight the senses of any food enthusiast.
So, if you’re planning a trip to this Basque gem, be sure to come with an empty stomach and an open mind – your taste buds are in for a true adventure.
