Bodegon Alejandro

Atari was one of our favorite pintxos stops in San Sebastián. We sat outside in the open-air…read moreseating directly across from the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, and the setting couldn't have been better. Watching the square come alive in the evening while dining beneath the illuminated basilica made for a memorable experience. We ordered several pintxos to share, and every dish was excellent. The standout was the Carrillera (slow-braised beef cheek with mashed potatoes), which was incredibly tender, rich, and comforting. The Platillo de Bonito with tuna, anchovies, green peppers, and olives was fresh and full of classic Basque flavors. The Panceta (pork belly) was another highlight, perfectly crisp on the outside and meltingly tender inside. We also loved the creamy Croqueta de Jamón Ibérico, and the Bacalao Confitado con Pil Pil de Piquillos was beautifully cooked, with delicate cod and a silky piquillo pepper pil pil sauce. We couldn't resist trying the Pintxo Especial as well, and it was a great addition to the meal. The staff were warm and accommodating, helping us get a table outside and making us feel welcome throughout the evening. Inside, the restaurant has a lively, authentic Basque atmosphere, but the outdoor seating overlooking one of San Sebastián's most iconic churches makes the experience even more special. If you're looking for traditional Basque pintxos in a fantastic location, Atari is an easy recommendation. We'd happily come back on our next visit.

Service was good and restaurant was nice not too crowded and lots of options to choose from on the…read moremenu. They also had the menu in english which is helpful. We opted for a few pintxos for lunch while we were visiting town. We also had a couple of drinks my husband got whiskey with coke and I asked for a local cocktail since I'm not much of a wine drinker. I was handed a cup of pacharán which was a bit strong but was nice to try something different. The pintxos came out one at a time which was nice we were able to fully enjoy each on their own. The bao was the only one I didn't really like mostly the bun part. It didn't taste like it was cooked all the way and was a bit gummy and there was not a lot of meat filling. Next was the lamb which was really tender and flavorful. The couscous was ok nothing special and not much seasoning to it. Then the beef cheek and mashed potatoes came out which was the star of the pintxos that we had. It was also very tender and the mash was also cooked perfectly. All of this was shared between the two of us and was very filling. The waiter let us know that some of the pinxtos could also be ordered in a full size if we wanted. We enjoyed sampling the pinxtos and would definitely recommend coming here to get a taste of local cuisine.

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Borda Berri

4.5(123 reviews)

0.0 km

•€

No trip to San Sebastián is complete without a pintxos crawl, and after seeing Borda Berri…read morerecommended over and over again, we knew we had to include it on ours. We actually stopped by the day before, but it was already closed, so we made sure to come back the following evening. It was definitely worth it. Unlike many pintxos bars where the food is already displayed on the counter, everything here is cooked to order. The place is small, lively, and always packed, with people spilling out onto the narrow streets of the Old Town while waiting for their dishes. It has that energetic atmosphere that makes San Sebastián's food scene so much fun. We ordered the dishes the bar is best known for, starting with the Carrillera de Ternera (beef cheek). It was unbelievably tender, rich, and practically melted with every bite. We also tried the famous Idiazabal "risotto," which isn't actually risotto but creamy orzo pasta cooked with smoked Idiazabal cheese. It was comforting, creamy, and completely different from anything we'd had before. One surprise of the evening was the tomato salad. It sounds simple, but the tomatoes were incredibly sweet and juicy, finished with excellent olive oil and flaky sea salt. Sometimes the simplest dishes leave the biggest impression. I noticed almost every table ordering the Pork Rib "Kebab," one of the restaurant's signature dishes, so that's definitely on my list for next time. If you're planning a pintxos crawl through San Sebastián's Old Town, Borda Berri deserves a stop. Come early if you can, expect to stand, order a few of the house specialties, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. It's easy to see why this little bar has become such a favorite among both locals and visitors.

I gave this place one star because the woman working at the front was extremely rude. She seemed…read moreannoyed that customers were ordering food and treated people with little patience or courtesy. I understand that it can get busy, but customer service is a big part of the job, and her attitude made the experience unpleasant. What stood out most was that she was so dismissive and unfriendly toward several customers. Her behavior was so off-putting that it took away from my ability to enjoy the food, which was actually good. If dealing with customers is that frustrating for her, a position with less public interaction might be a better fit.

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Beef Cheek

Ikaitz

5.0(13 reviews)

0.5 km

We experienced a delightful and very delicious meal here. We did our research before our trip and…read morewe are so happy we selected this restaurant. The food was beyond fresh and the presentation like artwork.

From the moment we were greeted at the door, until we sadly had to put our forks down, the whole…read moreexperience was superb. The restaurant was beautiful in every regard, the presentation was such that you only reluctantly spoiled it with the first bite...and without fail the first bite, to the last, was exceptional. The service was exemplary and the owner was so very gracious to spend time with us at the table, sharing her insights into the food scene that is San Sabastian. Sometimes food is more than food, sometimes it is a lasting memory. Ikaitz was that for us. Hope you have the opportunity!

Duck breast & beef tenderloin with foie gras.

Octopus

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Burrata on beet puree.

Gandarias

4.3(144 reviews)

Mistral Coffee & Bakery has some very good ensaimadas and is definitely worth stopping by…read more I tried a few, but my favorite was the one with the cream filling. Soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet.

We decided to try and make reservations as getting a bar table is sometimes near impossible unless…read moreyou happen to go at the right time. But I have to warn you, the menu is not the same. We actually wanted the pixtos, but you need to order at the bar for those (sad face). Interior looks really nice and looks like fine dining-ish inside. Food was still good, but quite pricey. I honestly would just stick to the pixtos because that's what we came here for and that's what they are noted for.

Bar

Lamb and green bell pepper

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La Viña

4.4(145 reviews)

0.1 km

Worth the pilgrimage for the original Basque cheesecake…read more Like many visitors to San Sebastián, we came to La Viña for one reason: to try the cheesecake that inspired countless versions around the world. This is where the famous Basque cheesecake was created, and after finally tasting it, I completely understand why people line up for it. The first thing that surprised me was the texture. If you're expecting a dense New York-style cheesecake, this is completely different. It's incredibly creamy and custard-like in the center, with a beautifully caramelized top that adds just the right amount of depth. It's rich without feeling heavy, and somehow disappears from your plate much faster than you'd expect. I also loved that La Viña still feels like a traditional neighborhood bar rather than a tourist attraction. Locals stop in for pintxos and wine, while visitors from all over the world come for a slice of cheesecake. The mix gives the place a lively, authentic atmosphere that's part of the experience. My advice? Don't overthink it. Order the cheesecake, find a spot if you can, and enjoy it exactly where it was born. Sometimes the originals really are the best, and this is one of those cases. If you're visiting San Sebastián, La Viña is a stop that's absolutely worth making.

La Viña is one of those rare places that completely lives up to the hype…read more I have heard about this cheesecake for years, and somehow it still exceeded expectations. It is hands down the best cheesecake I have ever had. The texture is unbelievably creamy, rich without being too heavy, and perfectly balanced. Simple, iconic, and unforgettable. If you are in San Sebastián, this is an absolute must. Some places become famous for a reason, and La Viña is definitely one of them.

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Bar Néstor

4.7(159 reviews)

0.0 km

If you come to San Sebastián and don't stop at Bar Néstor, you've skipped one of the city's great…read moreculinary rituals. This tiny, high‑energy bar in the Parte Vieja is famous for doing just a few things -- and doing them with absolute conviction. The lineup is legendary: the txuleta steak, the tomato salad, the Padrón peppers, and of course, the tortilla that sells out instantly. They make only two tortillas a day, and getting your name on the list feels like joining a local rite of passage. Here's the twist: although the tortilla is the most famous item, it actually wasn't our favorite version in the city. It's still fun to chase, still a cool story to tell, but the real stars of the meal were the steak -- charred, juicy, perfectly salted -- and the tomatoes, which taste like they've been engineered for maximum summer. They only make 2 tortillas a day, so you have to stand in line before they open to get a reservation for a slice. Inside, it's tiny, loud, and joyful. The staff runs the place with precision and a wink, and even when it's packed shoulder‑to‑shoulder, it feels like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. Come early, come hungry, and come ready for a meal that feels like a Basque rite of passage -- tortilla hype and all.

Bar Nestor is one of those Old Town legends that actually earns the legend. It's tiny, slammed, and…read morelaser-focused on a few things they do better than almost anyone: the once-or-twice-a-day tortilla (you put your name down before service and pray), the txuleta that comes out perfectly salted, tomatoes and padrón peppers in season, and a handful of small plates that remind you why Basque cooking is among the greatest in the world. Our favorite bite here wasn't even the gorgeous stuffed ravioli, it was a "noodle" dish where the noodles are actually spiralized squid. Silky ribbons of txipiron, barely kissed by heat so they stay tender, tossed with good olive oil, a little oniony sweetness, herbs, and a snowfall of grated cheese (Idiazabal-like in flavor). Simple, clean, and surprisingly creative at the same time. Exactly what Donostia gets right at its best. The room is a crush (in the best way), the team is friendly but no-nonsense, and the whole operation runs very predictably: show up early if you want tortilla; be ready to stand; order the classics and whatever seafood they're excited about that day.

Fresh tomatoes with olive oil and salt

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Outside Façade

Zazpi Taberna

4.7(18 reviews)

0.5 km

Great modern pintxos bar with cheap alcohol and some great pintxos. I wasn't a huge fan of any of…read moretheir seafood pintxos, but the fried calamari was good. The pork bite with a crispy exterior served with baby peas, cheese crisp and an egg yolk was by far my favorite. The pork top was SO crispy and flavorful, mixed with the softness of the yolk/peas and the crispy cheese was one of my favorite dishes. Next up was their dessert, both dishes we tried were very good but the French toast dish was phenomenal. Crispy top layer with a tender interior and delicious ice cream! The parfait like dish we had was a base layer of caramelized apples, then cream and topped with cookie crumbles. It was also good but not as good as the french toast.

One of the first restaurants we went to in the area. Food was excellent. The oxtail ravioli was…read moreprobably my favorite. Pork belly was good too. We made a reservation which was a good thing considering all the people crowded around the bar and entryway.

Huevo, setas...

Ajoarriero de bacalao y bovagante

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Tan delicioso!

Casa Urola

4.3(49 reviews)

0.1 km

•€€€

A must-visit for made-to-order, highly seasonal pintxos while in San Sebastián. Casa Urola features…read morea downstairs primarily for pintxos enthusiasts (made-to-order and pre-made pintxos paired with txakoli) and an upstairs sit-down restaurant for a more elevated experience. Both were highly recommended to me, but given my very ambitious food itinerary for San Sebastián, I opted for just the made-to-order pintxos downstairs. I found Casa Urola lively and busy, but not claustrophobic the way some of the other famous spots in Old Town can be, which was a HUGE plus. Coming on the earlier side of the evening crawl, I was actually able to snag a seat after ordering based on staff recommendations: the mushroom tart, the pumpkin and artichoke, and of course txakoli. The made-to-order menu is offered in both English and Spanish, which was a huge plus for an English-speaking tourist like me. Both pintxos were fabulous, highly seasonal, and ended up being favorites of the entire evening's crawl. I ended up sharing a table with another solo traveler and it was so fun to compare orders and see what we each thought was best. My biggest regret is that I was honestly still too full from my lunch crawl to try more. I wish I had been able to squeeze in another visit before I left San Sebastián, but alas, I'll have to save it for next time!

A highlight of downtown Donostia. Casa Urola is a classic on Fermín Calbetón with a lively pintxo…read morebar at street level and a calm dining room upstairs. The kitchen (long led by chef Pablo Loureiro) leans into market-fresh Basque cooking: seafood and vegetables cooked simply and precisely, often kissed by the grill. Service is warm and polished and a cold glass of Txakolina feels made for this room, or standing just outside at a high top, as we did. Dish-wise, my runaway favorite was the artichoke hearts, charred and buttery, sitting in a golden, silky sauce with little shards of jamón and nutty crumbs. I could have eaten twenty. A seared scallop arrived in a light, foamy sauce, topped with a tangle of crisp seaweed and a few toasted seeds. Sweet, briny, and rich without being heavy. Don't miss the cheese-and-pine-nut tartlets: flaky pastry, caramelized onions, and molten Basque cheese (think Idiazabal vibes) scattered with pine nuts. Everything landed perfectly seasoned and balanced. We paired it all with Txakolina and left plotting a return just for those artichokes. Classic Basque cooking here with a faint French twist that left us wanting more - but of course, it was time to continue eating our way down the street.

Gildas on display.

Left: artichoke with pumpkin; right: mushroom and cheese tart

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Ganbara

4.2(82 reviews)

Best of the tapas bars we checked in Donostia The staff…read morewere awesome, the shrimp, wine and tomato salad were top of the list!

Everything is good!!!! Service is great, Ambiance, it is busy especially at night but don't let…read morethat deter you, if a place is packed that's where the good food is!

Variety of mushrooms

Batter fried shrimp.

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Tartaleta de txangurro

La Cuchara de San Telmo

4.4(137 reviews)

Believe all the 5-stars! Worth the 40min wait. We arrived early and they opened 15min late, all…read moreworthwhile. Staff, both front & back, were exceptional. No bad attitudes displayed considering the sheer volume of people & chaos. The four cooks churned out food like soldiers...major kudos to the young team. My only suggestion would be to redirect the line to the second door that leads to the outdoor dining. People didn't know to move forward b/c all the people waiting blocked the flow. I'd also get rid of the round tables outside and build a long skinny standing table. Favorite was the hake. I usually avoid seafood due to sensitivities but what the hey, a bite here & there on holiday won't kill, plus, if you're gonna risk it, this region is as good as it'll get for clean seafood. The scallop was my 2nd favorite. We didn't get the beef cheeks b/c we were going to have steaks later...wished we had, looked divine. If there's just 2of you, opt for the smallest so you can chomp on different pintxos.

As a warning, you should get here before they open and wait in line because if not, it's a mad…read morehouse. You can get in where you fit in. And just like all the pixtos bars here, seats are for larger portions or set menus and not pixtos. They are known for their suckling pig. Their skin is so crispy and their meat is nice and juicy. Beef cheek is also a must try! We also got the foie gras which was really good. Razor clams was also delicious. Octopus was also a hit, crispy with soft interior. Kids loved the entrecôte. Risotto was good, but wasn't my favorite. Octopus was nice and tender. We ended up going twice here, food is delicious! Service was excellent too, Alejandro always asked if we needed anything and super friendly with our kids too.