Arzak

San Sebastián

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With three shining Michelin stars, acclaimed chef Juan Mari Arzak is king when it comes to Basque nouvelle cuisine and his restaurant, 3.5km east of San Sebastián, is considered one of the best in the world. Arzak is now assisted by his daughter Elena, and they never cease to innovate.

Boundary-pushing dishes such as cured sweetbreads with prawn-flavoured corn chips, or gingerbread topped with crab and sea grapes, are conceived in research and development kitchen 'the lab', which draws on over 1000 ingredients to create ingenious creations. The unrivalled wine list runs over 46 pages.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Exterior of the Balenciaga Museum in Getaria, Spain.

    Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa

    12.97 MILES

    Although Getaria is mainly about sun, sand and seafood, don't miss a visit to the Cristóbal Balenciaga Museoa. Local boy Cristóbal became a giant in the…

  • Landscape of La Concha beach in the city of San Sebastian, in the Spanish Basque Country, on a sunny day with people enjoying the beach and Mount Urgull in the background.

    Playa de la Concha

    2.16 MILES

    Fulfilling almost every idea of how a perfect city beach should be formed, Playa de la Concha (and its westerly extension, Playa de Ondarreta) is easily…

  • Inside the Aquarium of San Sebastian.

    Aquarium

    2.17 MILES

    Fear for your life as huge sharks bear down behind glass panes, or gaze at otherworldly jellyfish. The highlights of a visit to the city's excellent…

  • Zurriola beach in the Basque city of San Sebastian.

    Playa de la Zurriola

    1.34 MILES

    Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…

  • Église St-Jean Baptiste

    Église St-Jean Baptiste

    15.15 MILES

    The plain façade of France’s largest and finest Basque church conceals a splendid interior with a magnificent Baroque altarpiece. It was in front of this…

  • Cathédrale Ste-Marie

    Cathédrale Ste-Marie

    26.47 MILES

    The twin towers of Bayonne's Gothic cathedral soar above the city. Construction began in the 13th century, and was completed in 1451. Above the north…

  • Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne

    Musée Basque et de l'Histoire de Bayonne

    26.65 MILES

    If you're still getting to grips with the complex culture and history of the Basque region, this excellent ethnographic museum is a great place to start…

  • Kursal bridge night.

    Kursaal

    1.49 MILES

    Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…

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Nearby San Sebastián attractions

1. Monte Ulia

1.16 MILES

Monte Ulia is just moments from the city centre, but in terms of peace and tranquility it's worlds away. To get here, follow the road just behind the…

2. Albaola Foundation

1.29 MILES

This terrific museum charts the history of Pasaia's whaling industry. At the centre of the story is the San Juan, a galleon that sunk off the coast of…

3. Faro de la Plata

1.34 MILES

It's a 2.5km walk north from Pasai San Pedro, but the views from around the lighthouse (closed to the public) are worth the effort. It takes about 45…

4. Playa de la Zurriola

1.34 MILES

Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…

5. Tabakalera

1.38 MILES

Sun-drenched cultural space Tabakalera occupies a beautifully reconfigured tobacco factory dating from 1913. It's a hub for the arts and design, as well…

6. Mater Museoa

1.42 MILES

Docked just south of San Pedro's ferry landing, this 33-metre-long former fishing vessel once plied the Cantabrian Sea and it now serves as a museum of…

7. Parque de Cristina Enea

1.45 MILES

Created by the Duke of Mandas in honour of his wife, the Parque de Cristina Enea is a favourite escape for locals. This formal park, the most attractive…

8. Kursaal

1.49 MILES

Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…