PINTXOS BARS IN THE OLD TOWN

Pintxos are small bites like canapés, served either hot or cold. Usually the cold ones are behind the glass counter with a menu on the side of the bar or given to you by the staff. All places will offer both.

The Pintxos are washed down with a small glass of beer, wine, txakoli (local semi carbonated wine poured from a height), cider (also poured from a height) or marinato (local vermouth cocktail).

You can get 2 Pintxos and 2 drinks for between 9-13 euros each and we would recommend not getting any more of that per bar. Otherwise you won’t get to them all!

All the bars are located in the old town, a 10 min walk from the heart of San Sebastián. It is all pedestrianised and more importantly, open from lunch until well into the early hours!

In addition to the list below, Tim would recommend checking out Pintxos.es on Instagram. It’s local Michelin starred chefs recommending their favourite Pintxos and where to have them. Additionally, https://sansebastianpintxobars.com/ is a great resource too

Gandarias -

Always our first stop. Absolutely have to try the cooked foie which has a light amount of berry sauce on top. The gambas bruschetta (prawns), the cooked scallops (in copious amounts of butter) and the goats cheese are fantastic too

Bar sport -

Also the Foie. This one is just salted, but also brilliant. We really enjoyed their mini cheeseburger too

Bar Txepetxa -

All about the anchovies which were almost more like sardines in size (and fresh, not dried). We tried the top two options on the menu, one with spider crab and the other with peppers on top

La Vina -

The best cheesecake ever. But maybe wait to go until after the wedding…

Bar Nestor -

Legendary Tortilla. One of the places on Fred Seriex’s show Remarkable Places to Eat, and a major reason Tim wanted to go here. They make two Tortillas a day at 1pm and 6pm. However, you need to queue minimum 2 hours before to get a ticket. E.g turn up before 11 for them to open at 12 and give you a ticket. Then come back at 1 for lunch. They also serve the best salted tomatoes in olive oil to go alongside a sizzling steak. This place takes a bit effort, but is absolutely worth a slice of tortilla each.

Ganbara -

Famous for being where Anthony Bourdain went at least 3 times! He says to try everything there, but the mushrooms on plancha with egg yolk and the spider crab tart were amazing

Mendaur Berria -

Was recommended to us on our 3rd visit by the pensions (apartment) owner as his favourite spot. We had the best artichoke Shan (or Tim) has ever had in her life and what was called Iberia bacon, but was more like a crispy pork belly. Delicious!

Bar Desy -

We visited San Sebastian in February this year with another couple, James and Danielle who are also getting married here in June. They took us to Bar Desy which turns out has the most incredible burger with Queso sauce. Be warned, it is on the rare side, but its absolutely delicious. They also have a great selection of local craft beer from Gross brewery and Basqueland

Casa Valles -

This is the home of the original Pintxos, invented in 1948. Named after the character in the film Gilda, played by Rita Hayworth, it's a spicy pickled pintxos. Well worth a visit

SWIMMING AND SURFING

Zurriola Beach is the best spot for surfing in San Sebastian for surfers of all levels.

La Concha beach is the main beach for swimming and is in a bay so experiences warmer temperatures than the surfing beach. The tide shifts significantly every 6 hours, so the bay transforms radically, going from a super wide beach… to just a few meters of sand.

CIDERIES

15 minute drive from the city are a number of cideries based in the valleys. Don't expect sensible tastings of different types of ciders like we did. Instead, they have one traditional type of cider, served straight out of the tap of the barrel!

They will usually offer unlimited servings for a small amount (around 11 euros), but on the condition you buy food. Or they will do an all-in package of a set menu and drink for around 45 euros per person. Expect huge steaks, cod omlettes and other delicious basque treats.

BREAKFAST AND COFFEE

San Sebastian is not well known for its coffee (although that seems to be changing), however there are a couple of spots we would recommend.

Old Town coffee (which isnt in the Old Town!) is great for coffee and breakfast. Their Jamon and tomato on toast is incredible.

Syra Coffee are from Barcelona and have a number of hole in the wall locations around San Sebastian. Motx coffee in the old town is also very similar

Simona Specialty coffee is also decent and serves a great breakfast too.

On our latest trip, we tried Crema East which was nice, but service a little slow. Their food also looked quite small. We also noticed % Arabica (which is great in London and Toronto) were opening a spot in the old town.

Luque - Gourmet Gozotegia -

Amazing pastry shop in Gros. Shan loved the croissant stuffed with cream cheese and blackberry jam

RESTAURANT BOOKINGS

San Sebastian has the most Michelin stars per capita in the world. We would suggest downloading the Michelin Guide app on your phone. You can search by location and see all the 1-3 stars as well as guided restaurants in the area.

Michelin star restaurants will typically book up months in advance, so if you're interested in particular ones, set a calendar notification for when the bookings open for your date of choice (in some cases 6 months in advance, and will book up within minutes).

As a 3 star, we would definitely recommend Akelare. It has an impressive setting, overlooking the sea. Another notable 3 star is Arzak.

Mugaritz (2 star) is constantly topping most innovative restaurants in the world. However, their menu is not for the faint-hearted!

Casa Julian is easily the best steak we've ever had in our life - and was just rated 13th best in the world (https://worldbeststeaks.com/the-list-1-101). It's located 30 min drive outside of San Sebastian, but is worth the cab ride there and back (c.50 euros). Again a booking far in advance is required.