One thing that we look forward to when visiting a new place is the must-try foods. Aside from visiting attractions, foodstuffs are what we search for, for a perfect getaway. Of course, you should never let a hungry stomach ruin your great mood as well as your vacation. A place in Spain, specifically the city of San Sebastian, is known for perfecting tapas or as they call it, “pintxos” in the Basque country. The city has chains of bars and restaurants serving great food and place to hang out. In fact, a Spanish tradition recommends having one pintxo and wine in a bar then move on to the next. Don’t worry as I won’t be talking all about tapas alone because, if you talk about it in general, San Sebastian when it comes to international cuisines and not to mention, Basque cuisine, can be very good.
Michelin star restaurants are circulating the city waiting for visitors who have money to spend. Just a little disclaimer though, as San Sebastian is not the place for vegetarians and vegans. With this, let me help you choose different restaurants during your few or more days of a trip in San Sebastian, Spain!
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. 1. La Viña
Let us start off with the one serving tapas and, of course, breakfast! No worries, as you can go here anytime of the day until dinner. The restaurant has offered traditional home cooking since October 1959. They don’t only serve delectable pintxos but also desserts such as cheesecake, the star of the menu. In fact, it was included in the ranking of the Best Cheese Tarts in Spain by the ABC newspaper and landed the sixth place in Best 10 Cheese Cakes in Spain. If you want to take away a cake, just call for an order!
La Viña
Address: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 3, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Website: La Viña
2. 2. Atari Gastroteka
Some say that this restaurant is the Holy Grail of pintxos. Do you want to know why? Well, you have to see for yourself! The staffs are friendly and patient, ready for all of your questions about their menu. You should try one of their best sellers, Pulpo A La Plancha (grilled octopus with potatoes), it will keep you coming back for more!
Atari Gastroteka
Address: Calle Mayor, 18, 20013 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Facebook: Atari Gastroteka
3. 3. Kokotxa
You still have money left? Make the most out of your vacation and head on to this Michelin star restaurant. The menu is divided into the market menu and tasting menu. Unfortunately, both of the menus do not include drinks or coffee and a serving is good for one person only. I promise the price is all worth it! A world-class service and best-tasting food awaits customers in this restaurant.
Kokotxa
Address: Calle del Campanario, 11, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain
Website: Kokotxa
4. 4. Restaurante Arzak
This famous restaurant is an addition to the list of numerous Michelin star restaurants in San Sebastian, Spain. It lies in a large house which dates back in 1897. Juan Mari Arzak took over the family business with the help of his mother who showed and taught him how to cook Baque food. Soon enough, he made a name for himself through his recipes of Basque cuisine with a gourmet twist, which earns the restaurant the pleasure of being on the list of Michelin star restaurants in the city. A bit pricey though, but surely worth it!
Restaurante Arzak
Address: Alcalde J. Elosegi Hiribidea, 273, 20015 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Website: Restaurante Arzak
5. 5. La Muralla
Don’t be surprised because this underrated restaurant is one of the Michelin star restaurants in San Sebastian, thanks to its young owner giving excellent service in the industry and good food. It offers a small restaurant but with a well-maintained interior: modern and still classy! It’s one of the best restaurant finds of San Sebastian, serving delicious foods at a reasonable price in an overwhelming city of food choices.
La Muralla
Address: Calle Embeltrán, 3, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain
Website: La Muralla (in Spanish)
6. 6. A Fuego Negro
Now going back to pintxos serving restaurants, this restaurant is known for providing one of the best-tasting tapas in the city of San Sebastian. One reason why people keep coming back is the Kobe Beef Burger, one of the best sellers. Do you still remember the Spanish tradition I told you about? Well, this is one of the restaurants you shouldn’t miss if you go pintxos hopping!
A Fuego Negro
Address: Nº, 31 de Agosto Kalea, 31, 20003 San Sebastián-Donostia, SS, Spain
Website: A Fuego Negro
7. 7. Txuleta
This restaurant serves food at a reasonable price but does not compromise its taste. Txuleta, which is a cut of beef, is where they got the name. It’s a mid-range restaurant that suits your budget as well as your taste buds. The wines they offer are good and come in cheap. Prepare yourself for a mouth-watering taste of meat!
Txuleta
Address: De la Trinidad Plaza, 2, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Website: Txuleta (in Spanish)
8. 8. Bodegon Alejandro
Okay, so we are not yet done with the Michelin star restaurants circulating the city. Bodegon Alejandro gives you high-quality dining in the Basque country. You will surely love the tasting menu at this restaurant. The best part? The wine selections go well with all the food! A great place plus good food equals a superb restaurant!
Bodegon Alejandro
Address: Calle de Fermín Calbetón, 4, 20003 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa, Spain
Website: Bodegon Alejandro
Basque cuisine
We all know that Spain is a Basque country so prepare yourself to indulge in its diverse and rare dishes. When you happen to visit San Sebastian, make sure to not only see the attractions and culture but also endeavor with the city’s local cuisine.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
