San Sebastian is one of the culinary capitals of the world. The city is famous for its gastronomy and is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, making it a must-visit destination for foodies. From the classic pintxos bars to the Michelin-starred restaurants, San Sebastian offers an abundance of options for dining and eating out. Here we’ll explore the best places to eat in San Sebastian and what to eat while you are here.
Gastronomy & Cuisine
San Sebastian is known for its world-renowned cuisine and is often referred to as the gastronomic capital of Spain. The city has a long history of food and drink culture, with a variety of influences from the Basque Country and beyond. It is a great place to explore and discover new dishes, with a wealth of culinary options to suit all tastes and budgets.
One of the most popular culinary traditions for eating out in San Sebastian is pintxos, which are small bite-sized dishes typically served on a slice of bread. Pintxos are a staple of the local food culture, and the city is home to numerous pintxos bars and restaurants, each with their own unique take on the dish. Some of the most popular pintxos to try in San Sebastian include tortilla de bacalao (cod omelette), gildas (olives, anchovies, and peppers on a skewer), and txalupa (a small baguette filled with ham and cheese).
In addition to pintxos, San Sebastian also has a wide range of other local specialties. One of the most famous dishes is kokotxas, which are the cheeks of hake fish. Other popular dishes include marmitako (a hearty tuna and potato stew), txangurro (stuffed crab), and chipirones (small squid). The city is also known for its high-quality seafood, with fresh catches of the day available at many restaurants.
When it comes to eating out, San Sebastian has no shortage of options. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to high-end dining experiences. Some of the best places to eat in the city include Arzak, Mugaritz, and Martin Berasategui, all of which have been awarded three Michelin stars for their outstanding cuisine.
Whether you are looking for traditional Basque cuisine or modern, innovative dishes, San Sebastian is the place to be. With its wealth of culinary options and world-class chefs, it is a true food lover’s paradise.
Best Places and What to Eat?
Pintxos Bars
Pintxos are small snacks that are typically eaten in bars, and San Sebastian is known for having some of the best pintxos bars in the world.
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You can find pintxos bars all over the city, but the best area to go for pintxos is the Old Town. Some of the most popular pintxos bars include Bar Nestor, La Cuchara de San Telmo, and Bar Txepetxa.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
San Sebastian has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. If you are looking for a fine dining experience, this is the place to be. Some of the most renowned Michelin-starred restaurants in the city include Arzak, Akelarre, and Mugaritz.
Basque Cuisine
Basque cuisine is known for its fresh and high-quality ingredients, and San Sebastian is the perfect place to try it out. Some of the most iconic dishes from the Basque cuisine that you can try in San Sebastian include Txangurro (spider crab), Kokotxas (hake cheeks), and Idiazabal cheese.
Seafood
San Sebastian is located right on the coast, which makes it a seafood lover’s paradise. You can find some of the freshest and most delicious seafood in the city, from the classic grilled squid to the mouth-watering hake in green sauce.
Sidrerias (Cider Houses)
Sidrerias, also known as cider houses, are traditional Basque cider houses that serve a fixed menu of food and cider. This is a unique experience that you should not miss while you are in San Sebastian. Some of the best Sidrerias in the city include Sagardotegi Artxabegi and Sidreria Petritegi.
Top Activities
Going out for pintxos
San Sebastian is well-known for its food scene, especially the local culinary tradition of pintxos. A pintxo is a small snack, usually served on a piece of bread and topped with a variety of ingredients like seafood, meats, cheese, and vegetables.
Going out for pintxos is a popular activity in San Sebastian, and it’s a great way to try a variety of different flavors and ingredients.
Guided Txakoli wine tours
You are able to find several guided Txakoli wine tasting tours in San Sebastian that are a great way to learn more about this unique and flavorful wine. Whether you’re interested in learning about the production process or simply want to enjoy the flavors of this unique and refreshing wine, there’s a tour available to suit your needs.
Guided Cider houses tours
Guided cider tours in San Sebastian are a great way to learn more about the local cider culture and explore the city’s top cider houses.
These tours typically take visitors on a guided tour of the cider houses, where they can learn about the cider-making process, sample different types of cider, and enjoy traditional Basque cuisine.
