You’ve probably heard that San Sebastián is a food lover’s paradise—but why exactly?
For starters, it boasts the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in Europe, and it ranks second in the world.
But beyond the fine dining scene, what truly makes this city special is the sheer number of high-quality, affordable restaurants and bars. We visited in September 2023 with one goal: to try as many different dishes as possible.
In this guide, we’ll share what to expect and what you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
San Sebastián’s Old Town is home to around 500 bars, most of them Pintxo bars, offering everything from simple, traditional bites to inventive, modern creations. The chefs here love to experiment—blending fresh local ingredients in surprising and delicious ways.
It’s the perfect place to be adventurous and try things you normally wouldn’t. You might be surprised by what you end up loving. Even picky eaters will find something to enjoy, because when dishes are made with great ingredients, even the simplest ones shine.
Read on to discover what Basque cuisine is all about, what to try, and where to find the must-visit spots in this incredible city.
👉 You also might find interesting:
The Ultimate One-Day Itinerary for San Sebastián
What You'll Find In This Post:
What are Pintxos?
Pintxos (pronounced pinchos) are small snacks of different local ingredients, traditionally held together with a skewer or toothpick on a slice of bread.
They are usually eaten in a few bites, and no cutlery is needed. The Pintxos are a big part of the social culture in the Basque Country. People usually snack on them while hanging out with friends.
Pintxos first appeared in the 1930-40s in a bar in San Sebastián. The owner wanted to attract more clients with little appealing appetizers, that were shown on the counter. After it was very successful, many bars started to offer them as well. It quickly became popular, and now they are the essence of the local cuisine.
Should you do a Pintxo tour in San Sebastián?
A pintxo tour is a great way for visitors to dive deeper into the local flavors and culture. Personally, I find some of the tours a bit pricey (often around €130 per person), especially considering most pintxos cost between €4–5 each.
That said, a guided tour offers more than just food—it’s also about the experience. You get to spend the evening with a local guide, learning about Basque culture, food traditions, and wine in a much more personal way.
We did a pintxo tour in Bilbao for exactly this reason (and it was slightly more affordable than those in San Sebastián), and we genuinely loved it. Our guide shared so many insights we would’ve never picked up on our own.
So, if you’re curious and want to get the most out of your evening, check out this top-rated Pintxo tour in San Sebastián. It’s a great way to get oriented, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
✅ Check out this top-rated Pintxo tour in San Sebastián HERE!
That being said, you don’t need to do a food tour in every Basque city—one well-chosen tour is enough to give you a solid introduction to the pintxo culture.
What is the difference between Pintxos and Tapas?
Pintxos are often described as the Basque version of tapas, but they’re not quite the same. Here’s a quick comparison to highlight the key differences:
| Feature | Tapas | Pintxos |
|---|---|---|
| Region | All over Spain | Primarily the Basque Country |
| When eaten | Typically during lunch or dinner | Any time of day |
| How they’re eaten | Usually seated, with drinks | Often standing, eaten quickly or on the go |
| Presentation | Often simple, served on a plate | Usually served on bread, often skewered with a toothpick |
| Ingredients | Usually one main ingredient | More elaborate, combining several ingredients |
| Preparation | Relatively simple | Can involve more complex techniques and creativity |
Pintxos offer a unique and creative culinary experience. They’re not just snacks—they’re little bites of art designed to surprise your taste buds. So when in San Sebastián, don’t just think “tapas”—go for pintxos!
What are traditional Pintxo ingredients?
Every town in the Basque Country has its own signature pintxos—unique local creations you often won’t find anywhere else. San Sebastián, being the birthplace of pintxos, is no exception. Still, there are a few classic ingredients that show up again and again throughout the region:
Sardines & Anchovies – These are staples in Basque cuisine. In fact, one of the best bars in San Sebastián is famous for its anchovy pintxos—more on that below!
Crab Paste Mixture – This creamy, delicate crab mixture is a local favorite, especially for those who aren’t usually into seafood. It’s smooth, lightly seasoned, and surprisingly mild in flavor. We loved it!
Croquetas (Croquettes) – A pintxo bar classic. You’ll find them in all kinds of variations—filled with cheese, vegetables, ham, seafood, or meat. Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside. These are a must-try!
Bacalao (Salt Cod) – A staple of Basque cuisine. You’ll often see it served on a slice of bread with pil-pil sauce (a garlicky olive oil emulsion) or topped with roasted red peppers.
Quail Egg (Huevo de Codorniz) – Frequently used to top meat or veggie pintxos for extra richness and visual appeal.
Piquillo Peppers – These sweet roasted red peppers are often stuffed with cheese, seafood, or meat. You’ll see them pop up in many pintxo combinations.
How to Choose a Good Pintxo Bar in San Sebastián – 3 Insider Tips
With hundreds of pintxo bars in San Sebastián, knowing where to go can be overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time. To help you avoid tourist traps and find the truly authentic spots, here are three tried-and-true tips for choosing a great pintxo bar:
1. Follow the Locals
The best sign of a good pintxo bar? It’s packed with locals. If you see a bar buzzing with people—especially those speaking Spanish or Basque—it’s likely a trusted favorite. Locals know where the best bites are, so follow their lead.
2. Avoid Empty Bars (Even If They Have Good Reviews)
We’ve made this mistake before: choosing a bar with solid online reviews, only to find it completely empty on a Friday night—while every other place nearby was full. Take it from us: if a bar is quiet during peak hours, there’s probably a reason. Trust the atmosphere over the algorithm.
3. Don’t Judge by Appearances
Some of the best pintxo bars in San Sebastián are tiny, unassuming places with plain interiors and barely any signage. But don’t be fooled—behind that humble bar counter might be some of the most delicious, expertly prepared food you’ll find in the city. In fact, the more modest the place, the more likely you’re in for an authentic experience.
👉 Pro Tip: Want to take it a step further? Try bar-hopping like the locals do. Order one or two pintxos and a drink, then move on to the next spot. It’s the best way to sample a wide variety of flavors and soak in the city’s vibrant food culture.
What are the best Pintxo Bars in San Sebastián?
With over 500 bars in San Sebastián’s Old Town alone, it’s hard to say which ones are the best—especially since most of them are genuinely very good.
That said, I’ll share three of my personal favorites below, all of which came highly recommended by a local.
Of course, don’t hesitate to explore beyond this list—just keep the tips above in mind, and you’re likely to find some amazing spots on your own!
1. Gandaria
📍31 de Agosto Kalea, 23 (Google Maps link)
Gandaria is one of the most well-known pintxo bars in San Sebastián—and for good reason. It’s both a restaurant and a bar, offering a fantastic variety of traditional pintxos served on bread, as well as hot small plates like the ones in the photo below.
Even though it gets very busy, don’t be discouraged—it’s usually possible to grab a table, as most people eat quickly and move on. You’ll need to order at the bar, and there isn’t a formal queue, so just step up confidently when you’re ready.
The scallops were absolutely to die for, and the meat dishes were incredibly flavorful and juicy. Honestly, there were so many other things I wanted to try—everything looked fresh, beautifully prepared, and tempting. Definitely a place worth coming back to.
2. Bar Txepetxa
📍Arrandegi Kalea, 5 (Google Maps link)
Txepetxa is a small but very popular bar, with just a few high tables outside. It’s always buzzing, so be prepared to navigate your way to the bar to place your order—but it’s well worth the effort. The staff are friendly and super helpful, which makes the experience even better.
They specialize in seafood pintxos, especially anchovies, and do it exceptionally well. In fact, they won the Pintxo of the Year award in 2022, and yes—you can still order the winning creation and try it for yourself. I did, and it was absolutely worth it.
While you’re there, don’t stop at just one. Be sure to try some of their other anchovy specials—they’re fresh, creative, and packed with flavor.
3. Bar Borda Berri
📍Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12 (Google Maps link)
Borda Berri has been around since 1949 and is known for its creative takes on traditional pintxos, always made with the freshest local ingredients. It tends to get quite crowded during peak hours, so arriving 10–15 minutes before opening is a smart move if you want to beat the rush.
That said, even if you show up later, the friendly staff manage the lively, often chaotic atmosphere impressively well—you should still be able to order without too much of a wait.
The selection of pintxos here is wide and varied, so there’s truly something for everyone, no matter your taste.
Where to try the original Burnt Basque Cheesecake?
📍Bar La Viña – 31 de Agosto Kalea, 3 (Google Maps link)
You’ve probably already heard of the famous Basque cheesecake—or you will the moment you arrive in San Sebastián, because it’s everywhere. This iconic dessert has gained popularity far beyond Spain in recent years, with countless recipes and videos available online in different languages. But nothing quite compares to the original.
The Burnt Basque Cheesecake was invented right here in San Sebastián in the 1990s, at a small bar in the Old Town called La Viña. The exact recipe remains a closely guarded secret, but you can still try the original version at La Viña itself.
Today, you’ll find this cheesecake served in bars, restaurants, and bakeries all over the city—but a visit to La Viña is a must for the true experience.
What Makes the San Sebastián Cheesecake So Special?
Unlike most traditional cheesecakes, the Basque version has no crust—it’s all about the creamy center. The texture is velvety, rich, and soft in the middle, almost like a custard, and it truly melts in your mouth.
It’s not overly sweet, which makes it surprisingly light. The top and edges are baked to a deep golden brown, giving it that signature “burnt” look and a slightly caramelized flavor.
In my opinion, the Burnt Basque Cheesecake is absolutely worth trying when you’re in San Sebastián. Is it the best cheesecake ever? Personally, I missed the crunch of a traditional base—but I’m still really glad I gave it a try. It’s a unique dessert with a flavor and texture all its own, and a true part of the city’s food culture.
Are there any vegetarian Pintxos?
Vegetarians often face some challenges when traveling in Spain, as many traditional dishes feature Iberian ham, various types of meat, or seafood. The same holds true in the Basque Country, where pintxos typically focus on cured ham, anchovies, and other local fish.
That said, you can still find meat-free pintxos if you know where to look. A couple of my favorites include:
Cheese croquetas — creamy, comforting, and delicious
Stuffed piquillo peppers (often filled with cheese or vegetables)
Here are a few bars in San Sebastián that offer good vegetarian-friendly options (links to TripAdvisor can help you check menus and reviews):
It’s worth noting that most vegetarian pintxos contain cheese or eggs, so finding vegan options can be quite difficult. The Basque pintxo scene is still very traditional, but that might begin to change in the coming years.
Conclusion
It’s fair to say that in this guide—and even during our visit—we only managed to scratch the surface of San Sebastián’s incredible food culture. As we mentioned at the start, the city is home to numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, which are definitely worth exploring if you’re able to splurge a bit.
That said, many chefs who trained in those prestigious kitchens eventually open their own pintxo bars, bringing high-quality, innovative food to a more casual (and affordable) setting. This means you can enjoy exceptional cuisine at almost any price point throughout the city.
We hope this guide has given you a solid overview and a great starting point for your own pintxo adventure. San Sebastián has so much to offer—so get out there, explore, and most importantly… enjoy every bite!
FAQ: Pintxos & Food in San Sebastián
What is a pintxo?
A pintxo (pronounced peen-cho) is a small snack typically served on bread and often held together with a toothpick. Pintxos are a culinary tradition in the Basque Country, similar to tapas but usually more elaborate and creative.
What time do people eat pintxos in San Sebastián?
Locals enjoy pintxos throughout the day, but the busiest times are around 1–3 PM for lunch and 8–10 PM for dinner. Pintxo bars can get very crowded during these hours!
Do you sit down at pintxo bars?
Not always. Most pintxo bars are standing-room-only, especially in the Old Town. It’s common to grab a bite and a drink, eat at the bar, and then move on to the next spot.
Are there vegetarian pintxos available?
Yes, though options are limited. You’ll often find pintxos with cheese, stuffed peppers, or vegetable-based croquetas. Fully vegan pintxos are harder to come by but may become more common in the future.
Is a pintxo tour worth it?
A pintxo tour is a great way to learn about the culture, discover local favorites, and try dishes you might otherwise miss. Here’s a recommended tour in San Sebastián if you want to explore with a local guide.
Can I find Michelin-quality food without the high price tag?
Absolutely. Many pintxo bars are run by chefs who trained in Michelin-starred kitchens, so it’s possible to enjoy top-tier cuisine at affordable prices all across the city.
Recent Posts
Where to stay in Borovets? Discover the best places for any budget, from luxurious SPA resorts to budget - friendly studios. Here are our top picks!
Rovaniemi With Children: 7 Activities That Your Kids Will Love
Discover Rovaniemi’s top family-friendly adventures: meet Santa, ride reindeer, explore interactive museums & snowy trails in magical Lapland!