Top 5 Places to Eat in San Sebastián

Written by Celine Fournier, David Garcia, Javier Garcia
30/08/2025
Breathtaking aerial view of the famous La Concha Bay, San Sebastian, showcasing the coastline and cityscape under a cloudy sky.
Catalinush Mcr, Pexels

San Sebastián offers an unparalleled dining landscape, celebrated globally for its exceptional quality, from sophisticated Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling pintxo bars that transform casual eating into a gastronomic adventure.

1. Arzak

Cuisine: Innovative Basque (3 Michelin Stars)

Stepping into Arzak is an immersion into a world where culinary tradition meets avant-garde artistry. The Arzak family, with Juan Mari and Elena at the helm, masterfully reinvents Basque flavors, crafting visually stunning and intellectually stimulating tasting menus. Expect meticulous presentation, surprising textures, and a wine list that spans the globe, all delivered within an elegant, yet welcoming atmosphere. It is a truly memorable journey through modern gastronomy.

Price: Tasting menus typically €200-€270 per person (approx. $215-$290 USD), excluding drinks.

Getting There: Located on Avenida del Alcalde José Elosegi, outside the immediate city center. A taxi ride from the Old Town or Centro is quick, typically costing around €10-€15.

2. Borda Berri

Cuisine: Modern Hot Pintxos

This lively bar in the Old Town buzzes with energy, and every pintxo is cooked to order, ensuring peak freshness. I find the Idiazabal cheese 'risotto' (actually made with orzo pasta) particularly comforting, and their grilled octopus is tender and perfectly charred. The beef cheeks are another standout, rich and meltingly soft. It's a standing-room-only experience, reflecting the authentic and dynamic Basque pintxo culture.

Price: €4-€8 per pintxo (approx. $4.50-$8.50 USD).

Getting There: Easily walkable within the Parte Vieja (Old Town).

3. La Cuchara de San Telmo

Cuisine: Gourmet Hot Pintxos

La Cuchara de San Telmo offers a more refined take on hot pintxos, presenting dishes that feel both innovative and deeply flavorful. Their foie gras is beautifully seared, and the slow-roasted suckling pig ('cochinillo asado') is a highlight with its crispy skin and succulent meat. The octopus is also a consistently excellent choice. It gets incredibly busy, especially in the evenings, so being prepared to stand and order at the bar is part of the authentic experience.

Price: €4-€10 per pintxo (approx. $4.50-$11 USD).

Getting There: Within easy walking distance in the Parte Vieja (Old Town).

4. Bar Nestor

Cuisine: Traditional Basque (Limited Menu)

Visiting Bar Nestor is a San Sebastián essential, known for its incredibly focused menu. They specialize in just four items: a thick, perfectly cooked Spanish omelet ('tortilla Española'), succulent *chuleton* (bone-in rib steak), a simple yet exquisite tomato salad, and blistered *padron peppers*. The tortilla is legendary and sells out fast, so arriving early to put your name down for a slice is crucial. It is a no-frills, authentic encounter with Basque culinary excellence.

Price: Pintxos €3-€15 (approx. $3.20-$16 USD), *chuleton* priced by weight (can be €50+).

Getting There: Located in the Parte Vieja (Old Town), accessible by foot.

5. La Viña

Cuisine: Basque (Dessert Specialty)

La Viña is an iconic stop for anyone with a sweet tooth, primarily famous for its legendary baked cheesecake. It's rich, creamy, and has a distinctively 'burnt' top that adds a wonderful caramelized flavor. The bar is usually bustling, filled with both locals and visitors enjoying slices of this celebrated dessert, often accompanied by a glass of local wine. It is a simple yet profoundly satisfying experience that has become a culinary landmark.

Price: Cheesecake slice around €7-€9 (approx. $7.50-$9.70 USD).

Getting There: Centrally located in the Parte Vieja (Old Town), within walking distance of most central areas.

Check out our other pages on San Sebastián

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