San Sebastián Restaurant Tips by ilovespain

Restaurant Name: Bar Martinez

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 cuisine, you'll find it here. Very good tapas.

Favorite Dish: calamares, croquettes, octopus, stuffed red peppers....

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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: somewhere in old town on a street called Agosto

Restaurant Name: Alberto

The deco 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.

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

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Theme: Local
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Address: On a street called Agosto somewhere in old town
Directions: A few doors down from Bar Martinez

Restaurant Name: Urola

One evening I was scouting for a place to have dinner in Old Town. If not for the crowd noise, I would have missed this wonderful restaurant. Quite inconspicuous on a street called Fermin Calbeton, the bar was swamped with locals when I happened to walk by. I had a good feeling about this joint so I went ahead and tried. The food was good. The portion they offered was hearty. I had tomato salad, duck liver terrine and filets of duck breast (poco hecho, of course). They were all delicious. Overall, a very satisfying dining experience.


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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$31-40  » Currency Converter
Address: On a street called Fermin Calbeton in Old Town

Restaurant Name: The restaurant at Hotel Mount Igueldo

While staying at Hotel Londres, one evening I went up to Hotel Mt. Igueido for dinner. The view of the La Concha Bay was magificient. The restaurant opened at 8:30 in the evening. But it wasn't very busy until 10PM. I had fish soup, tournedo rossini and a half bottle of wine. The tab came out to be 60 euro. It was well worth it. The service was attentive and friendly. Will definitely come back next time when I am in town!


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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Directions: Top of Mt. Igueldo...

Restaurant Name: La Muralla

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. The server asked me about the grilled tuna, I told her 'poco hecho' but it came well-done! (why bother to ask?)

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Theme: Local
Comparison: more expensive than average
Prices: US$41 and up  » Currency Converter
Phone: 943 43 35 08
Address: Embeltran, 3

Restaurant Name: La Cepa

Pretty decent tapas, has room in the back for sit down meals. Quality is one notch lower than Bar Martinez (just my humble opinion).


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Theme: Local
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$11-20  » Currency Converter
Directions: Just follow the crowd on 31 de Agosto, hard to miss!