San Sebastián (locally known as Donostia in Spain’s Basque Country) is a city framed by beautiful beaches and lush hillsides.
This landscape, known for its colorful culinary heritage, is perfect for whetting your appetite. From the pintxos in the hundred-plus bars of the Parte Vieja/Alde Zaharra (Old Town) to the Michelin-starred establishments dotted around the city, the food scene in San Sebastián is exceptional.
For foodies—or those who appreciate their meal with a glass of Spanish wine—let a scenic train take you to this gastronomic haven, which you can easily book via Trainline.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexe Marcel. Image Location: San Sebastián, Spain
Top restaurants in San Sebastián 2024
Bar Goiz Argi
If shrimp is your thing, call off the search. The specialty here is brocheta de gambas: a juicy prawn marinated in a sweet and sour sauce, served on a skewer over a slice of white bread. Also try pimientos de Padrón, where the lottery of getting the odd hot green pepper is an event in itself. Cool off (or wash it all down) with a glass of txakoli, the local sparkling white wine.
Antonio Bar
San Sebastián’s downtown Centro might often be overlooked by tourists in search of the finest fare, but chef José Ramón Ezkurdia’s dishes are crowd pleasers by any standard. Highlights include langoustine ravioli, artichokes with fava beans, and creamy rice.
Arenales Bar
This unassuming neighborhood bistro-wine bar is a standout for its contemporary cuisine and natural wines. Notable dishes include roasted carrots pepped up with mint and labneh, seafood ravioli, and tomato with blue cheese salad.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Matteo Colombo. Image Location: San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin-starred restaurants in San Sebastián
As of the last count, San Sebastián has a total of 19 Michelin Stars within a 16-mi radius of the city, making it the spot with the most Michelin-starred eateries per capita in Europe.
Restaurante Arzak
If your wallet can stretch to a Michelin-starred meal, then one of the most famous and revered restaurants is Arzak. Awarded three Michelin Stars, it offers a fusion of cutting-edge culinary techniques and Basque gastronomy, created by Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena Arzak in their research lab. A classic item on the menu is capa de bogavante, a lobster salad wrapped in a thin carrot slice and garnished with wildflowers.
Martín Berasategui
Chef Martín Berasategui has 12 Michelin Stars to his name, and his eponymous three-starred restaurant offers an elegant dining experience just outside of the city, with soothing countryside views. Dishes like the marinated wild trout over black garlic and purple mustard, beet, and horseradish, are all given the master chef’s treatment. Big fan of Berasategui’s food? Consider a bus trip from San Sebastián to Bilbao for a stop at Ola restaurant in Bilboa, the Basque Country’s biggest city.
Mirador de Ulía
With one well-earned Michelin Star, this elegant family-run restaurant sits atop Monte Ulía overlooking Zurriola beach. Chef Rubén Trincado showcases his creativity with local and seasonal ingredients, crafting innovative dishes with a special flair for hake, accompanied by that quintessential Michelin-starred foam. Tasting menus, complete with vegetarian options, are available.
Akelaŕe
Perched on the slopes of Monte Igueldo, Akelaŕe is a contemporary temple to gastronomy and home to a hat trick of Michelin stars. The restaurant, with its modern interiors and serene sea views, is ideal for savoring high-concept cuisine that doesn’t abandon its traditional roots. You can expect Chef Pedro Subijana to whizz up personalized renditions of classic recipes.
Time for tapas. Download the Trainline app to start your foodie experience in San Sebastián.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, xavierarnau. Image Location: San Sebastián, Spain