San Sebastián Restaurants

  1. Alotza Jatetxea

    Across the street from Izkiña, expect reliably good menúes , as well as respectable pintxos selections.

    Read more about Alotza Jatetxea

  2. Arraitxiki

    It's not all writhing prawns and pierced pintxos in Donostia. This excellent vegetarian restaurant does a fine line in creative meals and everything is organically sourced. There's a menú del diá for around €13 .

    Read more about Arraitxiki

  3. Arzak

    With three Michelin stars, the acclaimed Chef Juan Mari Arzak takes some beating. Arzak is now assisted by his daughter Elena and they never cease to innovate. Signature dishes include the positively sculptural squid circle , a clever confection of delicious squid pieces dressed with a classic Arzak sauce incorporating hints of bergamot tea, sarsaparilla, tartar, and with a final flourish of cocoa and ginger drapery. The restaurant is about 1.5km east of San Sebastián.

    Read more about Arzak

  4. Bar Aloña Berri

    This is another award-winner with some seriously exquisite fish and seafood pintxos .

    Read more about Bar Aloña Berri

  5. Bar La Cepa

    The best jamón jabugo does not disappoint here and you eat beneath the blank eyes of a very large bull's head.

    Read more about Bar La Cepa

  6. Bar Txepetxa

    Txepetxa's fame is worldwide and its walls are covered in press cuttings to prove it. Anchovy pintxos are a speciality. but there are other treats such as champiñón al horno , tiny towers of grilled mushrooms

    Read more about Bar Txepetxa

  7. Bikain

    There's a great range of pintxos in this unassuming bar as well as filling bocadillos and cazuelitas (minicasseroles).

    Read more about Bikain

  8. Caravanserai

    In the cathedral plaza, Caravanserai does tasty burgers, sandwiches and pasta.

    Read more about Caravanserai

  9. Casa Urbano

    A comfy, old-fashioned dining room is the frame for excellent jamón (ham) and fish dishes here. The lomo de merluza con almejas (hake and clams) is delicious and traditional dishes such as bacalao con tomate y pimientos (smoked cod with tomato and peppers) are subtly done.

    Read more about Casa Urbano

  10. Casa Valles

    Another meaty pintxo place beneath a forest of hung hams, this fine bar also does raciónes (meal-sized tapas) and full meals.

    Read more about Casa Valles

  11. Advertisement

  12. Izkiña

    Consistently good menúes (around around €12 ), as well as respectable pintxos selections.

    Read more about Izkiña

  13. Juantxo Taberna

    You won't find starry cuisine here, but if you want rocket fuel then this much-loved bar offers rocket-sized bocadillos (bread rolls) stuffed with tortillas and other great fillings.

    Read more about Juantxo Taberna

  14. Kaskazuri

    Fairly new on the block this classy yet unpretentious restaurant has views to the sea and even better views on the plate. Bright, modern décor and good service accompanies a remarkable menú with a gorgeous choice. Offerings across the board include starters of jamón Ibérico (ham from acorn-feed pigs) or terrina de foie and mains of cod, hake and monkfish. Meat dishes are equally subtle and desserts are mellifluous. Booking well in advance is essential.

    Read more about Kaskazuri

  15. Kursaal Restaurant

    Another of top chef Martin Berasategui's outstations where you can enjoy a superb lunch menú of modern Basque cuisine for around €16 on weekdays and around €19 at weekends. The chic surroundings of the Kursaal Centre go with it.

    Read more about Kursaal Restaurant

  16. La Cuchara de San Telmo

    This is the 'Spoon' of San Telmo, an unfussy, stand-up bar, with a lively local clientele. It offers miniature nueva cocina vasca from a supremely creative kitchen, where chefs Alex Montiel and Iñaki Gulin conjure up such delights as tempura de bacalao, a fine chunk of cod in exquisite light batter, or pato 'Hembra', (just ask for 'duck'). Feel them melt on the tongue. Treat yourself to a La Cuchara T-shirt too. Profits go to the worthy Fundación Vicente Ferrer charity.

    Read more about La Cuchara de San Telmo

  17. La Rampa

    If you're after seafood by the sea, this is one of handful of restaurants by the fishing harbour. Open from March to September.

    Read more about La Rampa

  18. La Zurri

    Consistent good value, over in Gros, can be had at this friendly focus of Basque home cooking where plenty of local regulars prove the point.

    Read more about La Zurri

  19. Plaza Café

    This pleasant place is popular with locals for a mid-morning breakfast.

    Read more about Plaza Café

  20. Reloj Berri

    This is a great breakfast spot for a piping hot selection of coffees and croissants that are always fresh. Breakfasts cost around €3 at the bar, but prices rise at the terrace tables.

    Read more about Reloj Berri

  21. Restaurante Mariñela

    If you're after seafood by the sea, this is one of handful of restaurants by the fishing harbour. Open from March to September.

    Read more about Restaurante Mariñela

  22. Advertisement

  23. Restaurante Pollitena

    Pollitena is notable for its menú (tasting menú), which is a great way to sample local specialties at a reasonable price.

    Read more about Restaurante Pollitena

  24. Restaurante Portaletas

    Thickets of hanging hams set the tone at this popular local diner with its black wood-and-stonework décor. The pintxos and heftier dishes in the back restaurant are consistently good.

    Read more about Restaurante Portaletas

  25. Restaurante Sebastián

    If you're after seafood by the sea, this is one of handful of restaurants by the fishing harbour. Open from March to September.

    Read more about Restaurante Sebastián

  26. Tamboril

    In a great position at the entrance to the arcaded Plaza de la Constitución this popular bar is noted for its banderillas , pintxos neatly skewered with a toothpick.

    Read more about Tamboril