Last Updated on 08/10/2026 by Ting Dalton
San Sebastián, nestled in northern Spain, is many things as I discovered: A city with stunning beaches; an area of cultural heritage with history seeping out of its cobbled streets as well as museums, art galleries and churches; and it’s also family friendly with lots of playgrounds to amuse children, a buzzing promenade and even a fairground.
Why San Sebastián is a culinary capital
San Sebastián isn’t just beautiful – it’s a foodie paradise. Whether you’re drawn to its traditional dishes or fine dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, including Martin Berasategui, Arzak, Mugaritz, and Akelarre, this coastal gem offers the best for every kind of food lover. For the Basque people, food is more than sustenance; it’s a tasty display of culture, identity, and passion on a plate. And nowhere is this more evident than in the city’s busy pintxos bars and restaurants, where fresh seafood, innovative small bites, and Spanish wines dominate.
Pintxos bars in San Sebastián
If you don’t have the budget to splash out on a lot of fine dining, I promise you’re still going to enjoy mouthfuls of delicious food. It’s the local bites eaten in the pintxos bars (there are over 200 to choose from) that will take you on a culinary journey. They’re loud, energetic, busy and open to children at all times of the day. We didn’t have one bad dining experience… and that’s no exaggeration – San Sebastián food is probably some of the very best I’ve ever tasted.
Pintxos bars are northern Spain’s version of tapas bars. The difference here is that they serve pintxos – small snacks often held together by toothpicks or small skewers made from the finest of local ingredients. Combinations such as Iberico ham and soft-boiled egg on bread, cod cheeks, or Gildas (a classic Basque snack of fat olives, anchovy and pickled pepper on a stick). The etiquette is to only have a few pintxos per one drink, but I found that impossible, because I am greedy!
We sampled lots of delicacies over our week in the city – mostly in the local bars but in some restaurants, too. I was concerned that our son would struggle to eat a decent meal, but luckily, he was open to trying new things and in the end croquettes (potato, cheese and ham), pulpo (octopus), tortilla (egg and potato omelette) and beef cheeks became a firm favourite for our little guy.
Food tours in San Sebastián
If you’re wondering where to eat in San Sebastian but feel overwhelmed by the choices, booking a food tour is one of the best introductions to the city’s gastronomy. These guided experiences allow you to skip the queue of people outside popular spots and dive straight into some of the best bars and hidden gems with a knowledgeable local. You’ll learn about the history behind the dishes, how pintxos evolved from tapas, and the unique etiquette of bar-hopping Basque-style.
Popular food tours include:
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San Sebastián pintxo tour – Explore San Sebastián’s Old Town and sample the most iconic pintxos like beef cheek, mushroom croquettes, and cod cheeks, paired with handpicked Spanish wines.
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Market and cooking tour – Shop with a chef at Mercado de la Bretxa, then cook a special lunch using fresh seafood and seasonal produce.
Booking a tour (through providers like Get Your Guide) early in your trip helps you navigate the culinary scene more confidently and discover your own personal best spot for a great meal.
Where to eat in San Sebastián?
While there are so many pintxos bars and restaurants to choose from, I’ve added my top picks from our own experiences. We didn’t book ahead, instead we chose to wander the Old Town and get a vibe about where we’d like to go.
It’s as simple as wandering into a bar, grabbing a plate, helping yourself and finding a good corner to stand in – seats are quite hard to come by. Let the bartender know, and order any hot dishes, too, and amazingly, they’ll remember what you’ve eaten and even deliver your hot food to you without batting an eyelid. It works on an honesty policy, so you pay for your food and drink after you’ve eaten.
The fun and exciting part is popping into as many bars as possible or as much as your stomach can take. And if you’re greedy like me, it’s impossible not to order just a little something to be washed down with the fabulously fragrant and moreish wine that is so inexpensive and super delicious.
So here’s my guide to where to eat in San Sebastián – I hope you get to enjoy all of them and more…
Atari Gastroleku
With a fabulous location across from the stunning Santa Maria Church, Atari attracts the crowds. We came here for both lunch and dinner, and enjoyed the buzzy ambience alongside the colossal gin and tonics. Foodwise, we ate salty squid, revueltos – scrambled eggs and great patatas bravas. Sitting outside is a great treat if you’re lucky enough to get a table, which we did one afternoon. While we sipped our drinks and nibbled our treats, our son happily played on the church steps.
Atari Gastroleku, C. Mayor, 18, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Borda Berri
This tiny bar hasn’t got a huge selection, but we really enjoyed drinking the draught beer, while we tucked into their famous carrillera de ternera (braised calf cheeks in wine) with fresh bread and their creamy mushroom risotto made with idiazabal – a local cheese made from ewe’s milk. It was divine. Top tip, get there early if you can.
Bar Borda Berri, Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12, 20003 Donostia
Ganbara
A traditional institution, and considered one of the Old Town classics. It has a great selection of simple pintxos made from local ingredients. We went for the main fare on offer, and in fact, it was the mushroom and cheese croquettes that went down a storm with us all – they were certainly the best we tasted during our San Sebastián break. Ganbara is also well-known for its wild mushroom plates.
Ganbara, C. de San Jerónimo, 21, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Gandarias Taberna
Another old-school pintxos bar, we adored the relaxed atmosphere and the hanging Iberico hams above the bar. We couldn’t resist scoffing two platefuls of their sublime, melt-in-your-mouth beef cheeks. We also enjoyed their sirloin steak pintxos and black pudding, and managed to tuck into a lot of charcuterie with fresh crusty bread. There’s also a restaurant at the back for more formal dining.
Gandarias Taberna, 31 de Agosto Kalea, 23, 20003 Donostia
La Cuchara de San Telmo
We stumbled upon this bar, hidden away from the main thoroughfare and saw it was fit to bursting with people. So, we knew it was a good discovery. There are no pintxos on display here, instead, you order from the blackboard and watch the chefs prepare in the kitchen. The bartender was very helpful and we went with her suggestion of the foie gras with compota de manzana (apple compote) and pig’s ear. Very meaty, very rich and simply sumptuous.
La Cuchara de San Telmo, Santa Korda Kalea, 4, 20003 Donostia
La Perla
Okay, so this isn’t a traditional pintxos bar and is in fact located on La Concha beach, but it has the most wonderful views across the sea from two outdoor terraces – and an extensive international menu. So, if you fancy a change to Spanish food, this is a good alternative. We spent a pleasant few hours taking in the scenery, and it was nice to sit at a table for a change.
La Perla, Kontxa Pasealekua, s/n Paseo de La Concha
La Viña
You can’t go to San Sebastián and not try La Viña’s legendary baked cheesecake – loved by locals and tourists alike. We were stunned to see at least 20 of them lined up on the shelves near the kitchen, and even more so when people were coming in to buy them whole. It’s creamy, light and mousse-like in texture was out of this world. We devoured ours in an instant – and went back again for more!
La Viña, 31 de Agosto Kalea, 3, 20003 Donostia
Narru
Situated at the Hotel Arbaso, this amazing find was the only Michelin-recommended restaurant we tried. We decided to opt for their three-course set menu, and were blown away by the execution and experience. I chose pork, seabass and a chocolate mousse cake. It was an exceptional dining experience, with wonderful service, modern aesthetics, and we loved every minute.
Narru, Calle Fuenterrabía 24
Pasteleria Oiartzun
Touted as one of the best bakeries in San Sebastián, I would have to agree. The little tables nestled outside, not far from the main promenade, are perfect for watching the world go by (if you’re lucky enough to grab one). The sweet treats, pastries, and cakes all look divine. We enjoyed the lemon meringue and almond tart. Monkey couldn’t resist the ice cream and chocolate truffles. Oiartzun also does good, strong coffee and is open for breakfast. This is a great place to pick up San Sebastian food on the go, too.
Pasteleria Oiartzun, Ijentea Kalea, 2, BAJO, 20003 Donostia
Meson Portaletas
After a whole morning enjoying the San Sebastián Aquarium, we came across Portaletas on our way back to the Old Town near the harbour. We were desperate to get out of the rain and were drawn to the large seating area (so rare in most pintxos bars). What we also noticed was several families with young children enjoying the substantial selection of San Sebastian food on offer. The pulpo was particularly tender and tasty, as was the pimento cod. We liked being able to sit down in a restaurant setting, while the staff were friendly and helpful.
Meson Portaletas, Portu Kalea, 21, 20003 Donostia
Sirimiri
The sister bar to Gastroleku, Sirimiri is smaller in size and is well-known for cocktails. It’s a popular night spot, but nevertheless, this was the first pintxos bar we went to after we arrived. It was a quiet time in the afternoon, but the staff were friendly and explained what we had to do. As soon as we chowed down on the ham rolls filled with cheese, and the fresh anchovies washed down with wine, we knew we were going to enjoy our holiday!
Sirimiri, Calle Mayor, 4, 20003 Donostia
Common questions
What is the difference between tapas and pintxos?
Tapas are common throughout Spain, while pintxos (pronounced “peen-chos”) are unique to the Basque Country. Pintxos are typically smaller, often skewered on bread with a toothpick, and found in bars rather than sit-down restaurants.
Is it expensive to eat in San Sebastián?
It depends. Pintxos bars are very affordable, with items typically costing €3–€6 each. More formal restaurants may offer a set menu (menú del día) at lunchtime for €25–€40, which often includes a starter, main course, dessert, wine, and bread. A meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant will be a splurge – you’re looking at more around €130 upwards per person for a tasting menu.
What dishes should definitely try in San Sebastián?
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Beef cheek (carrillera de ternera)
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Pulpo (octopus)
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Gilda (olive, anchovy, and pepper on a skewer)
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Croquetas
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Tortilla de patatas
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Grilled fresh seafood
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La Viña’s famous cheesecake
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Idiazabal cheese
Do I need to book ahead for restaurants?
For Michelin-starred restaurants, yes, often months in advance. For pintxos bars and casual eateries, no booking is necessary. Just expect a queue of people during peak dining hours, especially in San Sebastián’s Old Town. The queues do go down quickly, though, so patience is key.
Is San Sebastián family-friendly when it comes to food?
Absolutely. This was my biggest fear when taking my young son. But I needn’t have worried. Pintxos bars are welcoming to children, and many places have casual, flexible menus. You’ll find delicious options even for picky eaters.
What’s the best way to enjoy pintxos culture?
Start your evening around 7-8 pm and aim to visit 3–5 bars, ordering one or two small bites and a drink at each. Try something different at every stop, and follow the locals — the busier the place, the better the food.
Tips for the best foodie experience
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Plan your route: The Old Town has the highest concentration of pintxos bars, but neighbourhoods like Gros and Antiguo offer a more local feel and fewer crowds.
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Go early with kids: Before 8pm, most bars are less crowded and more relaxed.
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Bring cash: Many pintxos bars still operate on a cash-only basis..
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Look for the blackboard: In some bars, the most exciting main course specials are listed on a chalkboard, not in the glass display.
- Don’t be afraid to ask: Local servers are well accustomed to tourists from all over the world and most are friendly and helpful. We were often overwhelmed by the choice and asked for recommendations.
Have you eaten San Sebastian food? Are there any pintxos bars and restaurants that you would add to the list?
ah you made me hungry! San Sebastian has gained a lot of popularity and I can easily see why! It’s definitely added on my list!
Hope you get to go at some point 🙂
Oh my! Your food posts always make me dribble. What an amazing collection of places to eat. I love trying out the bars and restaurant where locals go. You know the food is going to be great!
Popping by again (and dribbling again) from #MondayEscapes x
*waves*
Yes, it’s lovely locals and tourists mixing like that
Seriously this post got me hungry and jealous . If only I can leap myself up to all the restaurants mentioned …
Wouldn’t that be the ticket! I’m glad I don’t live there – I’d be as big as house!
It all looks like great places to eat! The food seems delicious! The amazing pictures you have taken makes me feel hungry…
Ha ha! The food is amazing – my pictures don’t do them justice!
So incredibly delicious! I would be one chubby monkey if I were to follow all your advice!!
Ha ha, I must admit my clothes felt a little tighter on the way home!
This post made me so hungry! We’re anxious to visit Spain, but I don’t think it will be soon, unfortunately. We will keep your tips in mind and try pintxos when we finally make it there!
I hope you do!
It would be difficult to choose which restaurant to visit. They all sound divine.
Looks amazing. I’m impressed at how many places you managed to sample! I’m vegetarian so also glad to see that there are some veggie options too. #Mondayescapes
Not much, but some! I do think you’d struggle – it would just be cheese, bread and eggs!
Oh I am now jealous AND ravenous – I’m not sure my mini travel companion would be as adventurous with food as Monkey but I’d happily nibble my way round. Mmmm. #mondayescapes
I was surprised too! That or go hungry I think he soon figured!
Sounds like cullinary heaven!! Mouth is drooling here xxx
It was! We ate so much! 🙂
Oh my gosh – that food! Porteletas looks just divine xx
It really is all delicious!
Food is always a good part of my travels, and this place looks fabulous !
It really is
I’ve never visited San Sebastian, but I’ve always been impressed by the Spanish attitude towards children eating out. Pintxos would be perfect for my two. A little bit for them to try, and then Mum and Dad can gobble the rest up if they don’t like it!
I love the Europeans more relaxed attitude to children much more than the British. It’s refreshing
Wow I had no idea to expect so much amazing cuisine beyond the sun lounger! #mondayescapes
It’s the foodie city of the world – well, according to some 🙂
All mouth wateringly delicious – yum!!
They really are all delicious!
Ooh Ting this all looks so delicious , and right up my street, we love tapas so I am sure would love this too, and the atmosphere in little bars like this are always incredible x
Noisy and bustling – no one batted an eyelid at Monkey! x
I really really shouldn’t look at this post hungry. 🙂
#MondayEscapes
Ohhh love love love San Sebastian and its pintxos! My kids are crazy about tortilla and croquetas, just like Monkey – they tried them in Barcelona and couldn’t get enough of them! You just gave me an idea for a future family break…. #MondayEscapes
Oh good, I’m glad you’re considering it as an option – really wonderful city
Oh my! All that gorgeous food. How long were you away for? A month??
I’m being tempted by some Spanish city breaks so will have to consider San Sebastian now 🙂
Oh, that made me laugh out loud Trish! You would have thought it was a month. We sure can eat 🙂
We have heard so many great things about the food in San Sabastian! Great to have actual suggestions of places we can eat at if (and when!) we make it here 🙂 #MondayEscapes
It truly is a gourmet adventure 🙂
Oh wow Ting! You enjoyed some seriously delicious food in your week long holiday! I am impressed with the range of food your son would eat, he is rather adventurous #MondayEscapes
Not so much at home would you believe!
I have never tried beef cheeks, it’s amazing to read little Monkey tried and loved it! I presume pinxtos are open only in the evenings, right? I’m saving this post for future reference 😉 #MondayEscapes
Yes, they’re open till very late at night! You’ve got plenty of time to eat, eat, eat 🙂
I’ve been to Spain, but I didn’t get a chance to visit San Sebastian. Your photos have me drooling. I absolutely adored the food in Spain. I have to go back soon and definitely hit up some of these spots you’ve listed.
Next time hopefully, such a lovely region of Spain, so different to the south
Great variety of food Ting, from tapas to delicious deserts – YUM.
It was pretty delicious, my trousers were certainly tighter! 🙂
Oh my! My mouth waters because I saw the picture of that carrillera. We went to Borda Berri one night, tried half the menu and then, went there for lunch the next day and tried the rest of the menu. It is crazy how good the food in San Sebastian is. And, like you mentioned, it would be great to go to the top restaurants but the food in the little bars is amazing. I really believe you are not losing a lot.
Yes, it’s definitely the local bars that appealed to us. There are so many, I don’t think you could possibly visit all of them in one trip!
Haven’t had pinxtos in years..or been to San Sebastian in years..living vicariously!
Maybe you’ll get to go back some day!
Although I’m not a huge fan of seafood and meat, everything looks amazing in these photos and I’d definitely be willing to give everything a taste. The bakery, Pasteleria Oiartzun, looks the best, of course! 🙂
The sweet treats in Oiartzun were amazing! Yes meat and seafood unfortunately is the main staple…
You have made me feel VERY hungry Ting. We loved our time in San Seb, trying out all the wonderful pinxto bars – they are perfect for kids (and so loud & noisy if they start kicking off no one bats an eyelid). A few of those restaurants ring a bell…next time we go I’ll make sure I have this to hand. Thanks for hosting #mondayescapes x
Exactly, that’s why we had no problems taking the pram into the bars, Monkey had his own little seat! x
I’m so hungry now! #monday escapes
Hee hee
I wish I had your recommendations last May when I visited San Sebastian! I have to admit, I went on a day trip there not really knowing how well-regarded the city is for its food so I hadn’t done proper research on where to go…though I can’t say we ate poorly! I just love the concept of tapas and getting to sample lots of different dishes 🙂
Next time! I don’t think you could eat badly there 🙂
Oh my goodness, book me a plane! I love eating nibbles and my children would really adore trying all the different foods. They all sound amazing. You’ve definitely convinced me.
Oh it’s brilliant for a city break and very child-friendly too
That’s one drool-worthy post!!! Yummy yummy!
Thanks!
Wow – so much choice. Looks like we’d have to go for at least a fortnight to be able to visit all of these! 🙂 #mondayescapes
Nah Steph, you could do at least 3 bars in one night 🙂
I got hungry just by looking at your photos, haha. I need to go to San Sebastian now! 😉
You won’t be hungry when you get there 🙂
Oh my goodness, these dishes all look amazing and I can’t believe your little one ate Octopus, I don’t think I would persuade my two to do that!! #mondayescapes
I didn’t actually tell him is was octopus… he just tried it and liked it, so I kept very quiet… 🙂
I am utterly and totally drooling over my keyboard reading this lot! Pintxos sounds just like my kind of food where I usually find it so difficult to chose from a menu and want to try a bit of everything. The closest we get to anything like that in France is a Café Gourmand which is a several tiny desserts served with an espresso coffee.
I like choosing little things – much more fun. Cafe Gourmand sounds pretty special – my son and husband would be diving straight into the sweet treats!
the food looks amazing hoping to visit san Sebastian late this year looking forward to the food
#mondayescapes
You’ll love it
No wonder I love food 🙂 Looks delish!
I love this! It’s always fun to get a food guide to new places and get recommendations! Some of these dishes were right up my alley too. Yummmm!
It is all so delicious. I don’t think you can have a bad dish!
Oh the food all looks so tasty!! I am not sure I should admit to this but we had a very interesting experience with Pintoxs in Barcelona when we had just started dating and the number of sticks!! Thats all I will say. You have inspired me to look for time to visit Spain this year, thanks for hosting xx #MondayEscapes.
Ha ha now I am intrigued…
Yum. Yum. Yum. I hadn’t heard of pintxos bars. They sound fun and your descriptions of each place made me hungry! #MondayEscapes (I know, I am running late!)
They are amazing fun! And all so delicious 🙂