If you find yourself in San Sebastián, it’s almost mandatory that you indulge in the taste sensation that is pintxos. Famous throughout the rest of Spain, the Basque version of tapas is best enjoyed with a few friends on a pintxos crawl throughout the Old Town and beyond. Here, the streets come alive as locals and tourists overflow from the bars onto the streets, pintxos in one hand, sidrea (Spanish cider) or txakoli (local sparkling white wine) in the other. Almost always self-service from the main bar, these flavoursome morsels are a cheap way to experience the best local produce.
1. Borda Berri
Where: Fermín Calbetón 12, San Sebastián-Donostia, Spain
Don’t let the homely, laid-back interior of this Old Town bar fool you. The cuisine here is impeccable, creative and not-to-be missed. Each night the made-to-order pintxos offerings can be found on the chalkboard. Think: succulent braised veal cheeks, a salted cod taco and the best mushroom risotto you’ll ever taste. With a reputation like Borda Berri’s dishes sell out early, so it’s a great place to start.
2. Paco Bueno
Where: Mayor Kalea, 6, 20003 San Sebastián-Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Want to eat pintxos where the locals do? Paco Bueno is a no frills bar serving simple but delicious pintxos. The tiny space hums with a friendly atmosphere, and the no-menu approach means that the plates you see displayed on the bartop is what’s on offer for the night.
#gambas al sol #pacobueno #Donostia A photo posted by Anne (@vadianne) on
3. A Fuego Negro
Where: Calle 31 de Agosto, 31, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Sleek and sophisticated, A Fuego Negro is not your traditional pintxos bar. Here, it’s all about small servings of innovative mouth-watering dishes whether they’re Basque fare or not, like a mini Kobe beef burger or Tigreton de Mejillon (a glass of tomato puree topped with mussels and béchamel). It’s a little bit pricey, but you’ll taste why.
4. Bar Zeruko
Where: Calle Pescaderia, 10, Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
The first thing that will hit you when you walk into Bar Zeruko is the sight of bright apple green walls, followed by a counter full of platters showcasing handcrafted bite-sized fare. Like A Fuego Negro, Bar Zeruko takes a modernist approach when it comes to pintxos. Get adventurous and try a little of everything, in a bar like this one, you can do no wrong.
Pintxos at Bar Zeruko! #spain #espana #basquecountry #sansebastian #pintxos #barzeruko #igersspain #igersdonostia #hungry #nom #food #foodie #foodgasm #foodporn #instatravel #travel #trip #instagood #instalike #instamood #iphoneonly #igdaily #explore A photo posted by tastebreakers (@tastebreakers) on
5. Txepetxa
Where: C/ Pescadería, 5, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Seafood lovers, listen up! This bar, with its fresh as they come anchovies and sardines, is a must-visit when strolling around San Seb. Pulled straight from the sea and onto small pieces of toast, these salty servings are topped with over ten combinations – from the safe (like green olives) to the unusual (blueberry jam, anyone?).
6. La Cuchara de San Telmo
Where: Calle del Treinta y Uno de Agosto, 28, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Cannelloni, slow-roasted suckling pig, duck confit. Drooling yet? A favourite with a younger crowd, this little bar is worth finding early in the evening before it brims to capacity.
Poulpe #lacucharadesantelmo #pintxos #donostia #gastronomy #foodies #foodfotography #foodgasm #yum #yummy #gastronomia #plat #eat #eating #instafood #instamood #instapic #restaurant #instagood #foodporn #food #foodpicx #foodstagram #foodoftheday #sharefood #cocina #comida #good #sofood #sogood #delicious A photo posted by rodnroll (@rodnroll) on
7. La Vina
Where: Calle del Treinta y Uno de Agosto, 3, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Set in Old Town, La Vina is a family-owned bar that exudes warmth and charm. Devour Spanish classics like tortilla and boquerones, then cap it all off with a slice of their infamous baked cheesecake. Reasonably priced for the budget traveller.
8. Ganbara
Where: San Jeronimo Kalea, 19, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Opening its back doors in 1984, Ganbara is an old-timer on the San Sebastián pintxos scene. Savour the flavour of sautéed mushrooms or txistorra (Basque version of a sausage roll) for a traditional gastronomic experience.
9. Astelena
Where: Inigo, 1/ Plaza de la Constitucion, 20003 San Sebastián-Donostia, Spain
Set in a stunning square that was originally designed for bullfights, this bar has an extensive menu that will satisfy even the pickiest of diners. Take your pick from Taco De Bonito (grilled tuna), ravioli with foie gras and duck breast, grilled squid, and so much more!
10. Goiz Argi
Where:
Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 4, 20003 San Sebastián-Donostia, Spain Anyone in the know flocks to this charming bar for its house specialty, gambas a la plancha (prawns cooked on a hotplate). Drenched in olive oil and served atop a slice of baguette, it’ll be impossible not to order seconds.
Posiblemente mi pintxo favorito de toda la vida… La brocheta de gambas del #GoizArgi una genialidad insuperable! A photo posted by ChukaCo2k (@rodattweeter) on
11. Bar Azkena
Where: De la Brecha Enparantza, 2, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Bar Azkena is the jackpot for people with coeliac disease. A little hard to find due to its basement location under the city’s public market, this bar offers a range of gluten-free pintxos for breakfast and lunch.
(Feature image: Jonathan Hood)
