San Sebastián Restaurant Tips by ilovespain Top 5 Page for this destination

La Muralla: Another good restaurant...

One evening I was scouting for a place to eat in the Old town. It was way past my dinnertime and it was cold and chilly. After a while I found this restaurant with an interesting tasting menu so I decided to give it a try. I never have to stand outside a restaurant and wait for it to open in America, but here in Spain, I have to do it quite often, whether it is for lunch or dinner. Since I did not call ahead for a reservation and I was all by myself, I did not get a very good table. It was in a high traffic spot so every patron who walked in saw what I was enjoying. Not a problem as I am so used to it. The food was pretty good, roasted pigeons, grilled tuna and chocolate souffle for dessert. If I remember correctly the bill came out to be about 60 euros. This restaurant is no Arzak but nonetheless I had a decent meal and will definitely come back. Gave it a 8.5.

Favorite Dish: The roasted pigeons were good.

Address: Embeltran, 3

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 943 43 35 08

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Astelena 1997: Good food here too...

Another good recommendation from Maria Cristina the first time I came to San Sebastian. Since then, I've been back numerous times. The food just gets better (or the same), I mean consistent. It is not exactly in Old Town, and you will not stumble upon it. Not as touristy as a lot of places. I got lazy last time, ordered off the English menu, didn't cross-check with the Spanish one. So for the 'Astelena-style Fish Cake", I got fish mousse, and 'chocolate pudding' turned out to be Chocolate Souffle. What a surprise!

Good food, good service, and clean bathroom. I'll be back.

Address: c/ Euskal Herria 3, 20003 Donostia

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Towards the eastern part of Old Town, one block from the river and one block north of Bar Haizea.

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Bar Martinez: Excellent tapas

The concierge at Maria Cristina recommended this restaurant. On a street somewhere in old town, I waited outside for it to open. It was well after 1PM. If there is such a thing as Basque nouvelle pintxos, you'll find them here. Very tasty.

Favorite Dish: Deep fried artichoke hearts...Deep fried artichoke hearts...Deep fried artichoke hearts...

Address: somewhere in old town on a street called Agosto

Comparison: about average

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

Gandarias Taberna: Good lunch here too...

I looked around and most people ordered steak and they looked good. I had Gandarias Salad - crab meat and anchovies on lettuce hearts and tomatoes. Very tasty. Squab was delicious. Extremely busy and lucky enough to get a table.

Favorite Dish: A small family will have an order of steak and fries to share. Will do the same next time!

Address: Calle 31 de agosto, 23

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Alberto: A few doors down from Bar Martinez...

The decoration is nothing fancy but the food is always good. I cannot get a glass of sangria in Bar Martinez, but in here, I can get it by the pitcher. The portion they serve tends to be heartier. I have tried their fish soup (similar to the French version, saffron and garlic... muddy color, excellent), duck breasts (medium rare), grilled prawns and anglerfish. Very good restaurant!

Update (May 2006) -- Since Bar Martinez is closed (temporarily I hope), I 'had to' stop by here for a quick bite instead. The owner was "shocked" when I asked for ketchup with my croquettas. Later when I ordered the mushroom a la plancha he jokingly asked me whether I want Tabasco! Very good wine too for just 2 euro a glass.

Update (Sept 2012) -- Quality not as good since the introduction of the daily menu.

Favorite Dish: Tapas not as "eye-catching" as Bar Martinez but just as tasty.

Address: On a street called Agosto somewhere in old town

Comparison: less expensive than average

Directions: A few doors down from Bar Martinez

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Local

La Cuchara De San Telmo: I had a good lunch here!

Stumbled upon this joint. Not the most eye catching, but noticed a group of French tourists having a good time so I decided to grab a table. I was pleasantly surprised.

Favorite Dish: Cod cheek tempura and braised veal cheek.

Address: Abuztuaren Hogei ta Hamaikako Kalea, 28

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Kokotxa: 1* Michelin restaurant

Reasonably priced menu. But once is enough for me. Don't see any locals here.

Comparison: more expensive than average

Price: US$41 and up

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Website: http://www.restaurantekokotxa.com

Bar Zeruko: How do you say whimsical in Spanish?

Try the tasting menu. Waiters give good explanations in English.

Address: Kalbeton Fermin Kalea, 4

Comparison: about average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

A fuego negro: Good nouvelle pinxtos

It is worth a look. More tourists here than other places.

Address: Abuztuaren Hogei ta Hamaikako Kalea, 31

Comparison: about average

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local

Mil Catas: One of the best...

They won some prestigious pintxos award in 2009, so I decided to give it a try. A bit of a walk from Old Town (10 minutes after you cross the river), but it is worth it.

Favorite Dish: Foie Gras on creamy risotto (aka heart attack on a plate)

Address: Calle de Zabaleta, 55, 20002 San Sebastián

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Gros Beach, away from Old Town.

Price: US$21-30

Rating: 4

Theme: Local