Top 10 Pintxos Bars in San Sebastián

Best pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Jamón platter at La Cepa

We all have our strengths: playing an instrument; taking exquisite photographs; creating enthralling artwork. But there are times when we must admit defeat because our involvement complicates matters. Planning holidays is my weakness, but thankfully researching and booking flights, accommodation and excursions is Chef Savla’s speciality. While he focused on the heavy lifting for our San Sebastián trip last month, I homed in on what I do best: eating.

I approached this mission in much the same way as Chef Savla did the itinerary, so as soon as we had dropped our suitcases at our Old Town flat, we pulled out our personal food map and got straight down to business.

Best pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Octopus pintxos at Sirimiri

Let’s not beat around the bush: we ate and drank very well during our week-long visit. However, even seven days weren’t enough to exhaust my list, to which our delightful Airbnb hosts added more recommendations.

Side note: San Sebastián is renowned for having the most Michelin-starred restaurants per head in the world. We had wanted to try Mugaritz, but luck wasn’t on our side as they were temporarily closed for menu development, so booked Kokotxa (review link below).

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Aubergine, pepper and fried onion pintxos at Sirmiri

Pintxos is Basque for tapas and follows the same format: small plates to be enjoyed with a drink. The idea is to have a couple of pintxos in one bar, move onto another and repeat until you’re full or can no longer stand. When you walk in, your eyes will be drawn to the neat rows of cold pintxos along the bar. My advice is to resist the urge to pick them up (the barmen usually give you a plate, you choose your pintxos then pay the tab before leaving) and look for the hot options. Dishes such as octopus, calamari and beef cheek are prepared to order and far superior to their cold, counter-bound cousins.

To ensure you avoid wasting time, calories and money, here are my top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastián (in no particular order) – enjoy!

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Néstor showing us the txuleta steak
Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
The world-famous Bar Néstor tortilla

Bar Néstor
This place is as traditional as they come: it’s small and buzzing; the walls are adorned with newspaper clippings praising their food; and there’s no menu. They only serve five classic dishes: tomato salad, jamón, Padron peppers, txuleta and tortillas. Only two of the latter are made daily, cut into 12 portions and brought out at 1pm and 8pm. Arrive 10-15 minutes early, put your name down for a slice and devour the slightly runny eggs, caramelised onions and soft potato centre. All ingredients are fresh, expertly handled and served with the utmost respect.

Must-haves: Everything; have them in one visit or several, but you’ll kick yourself for not trying them all.

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Phenomenal octopus main at Atari

Atari
Its location opposite the Santa María church makes it one of the best spots for people-watching. The covered terrace means you can also enjoy the outdoors when it rains; the weather was hit and miss during our trip. Whether you’re inside or out, focus on the pintxos calientes and mains, and grab a glass of the tastiest txakoli we tried (Basque sparkling wine). Atari was heartily recommended by our hosts, who are regular visitors.

Must-haves: The freshest calamari and juiciest octopus (with roasted peppers, onions and potatoes).

La Cuchara de San Telmo
There are no cold pintxos plates in this modern Basque kitchen. Instead, you order hot dishes from a blackboard behind the bar and eat them while perched against the wooden counters among the hustle and bustle: orders are shouted to the chefs; names called out when the food is ready; people brushing past to grab any available space. It’s lively and lovable.

Must-haves: Beef cheek, foie gras, suckling pig, octopus and hake.

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Scallop and pork neck at Sirimiri

Sirimiri
The name translates as “drizzle”, and as it neighbours Atari, we took refuge from the rain here. Specialising in contemporary cuisine, the cold dishes stood out for their combinations and plating: tall towers of aubergine; mini croissants stuffed with jamón, Roquefort and fried onions. Again, we worked our way through the alternative menu, the highlights being scallop and pork neck, patatas bravas and duck bao. The flavours were complex, the service delightful and the atmosphere relaxed.

Must-haves: Anything off hot menu.

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Wild mushrooms with egg yolk at La Ganbara

La Ganbara
Elena Arzak of three-Michelin-starred Arzak fame is a reputed regular, returning for the sautéed wild mushrooms served with an egg yolk. I can understand why, as they vary in intensity and texture, and become instantly richer when mixed with the canary-yellow yolk. This is one of the very few vegetarian-friendly dishes in San Sebastián, so if you’re an omnivore, or simply want a break from meat and fish, do include this bar on your crawl.

Must-haves: Any plate involving wild mushrooms.

Gandarias
Before this holiday, I wasn’t too keen on black pudding. Within a few days, however, I did a U-turn on this delicacy, thanks in part to the pint-sized snack served here. It’s meaty, mild in flavour and devoid of any metallic aftertaste. As the sun goes down, the bar fills up and the crowd spills out onto the street, creating a vibrant ambience.

Must-haves: Black pudding, mushroom tart and foie gras.

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Various anchovy pintxos at La Txepetxa

La Txepetxa
Be prepared to eat anchovies galore in this temple to the tiny saltwater fish. They come with various accompaniments, so you’re bound to find a few options that take your fancy. I was most surprised by the foie gras version and assumed that it just wouldn’t work, only to polish it off.

Must-haves: Jardinera (vegetables) and spider crab cream.

Bar Antonio
Located a short distance away from the main stretch, this small spot is favoured by the locals; they catered our hosts’ wedding reception and therefore came highly recommended. The hot menu features a lot of Basque favourites, including oxtail ravioli and pancetta Iberica. Laced with garlic, both were tantalisingly tender.

Must-haves: Oxtail ravioli is utterly unctuous.

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Tender beef cheek at Borda Berri

Borda Berri
This place is very popular: get ready to pounce when a spot frees up at the bar then bump elbows with your neighbours. Be patient if it’s busy; you’ll forget the inconvenience when you’re munching on some of the best hot pintxos around (no cold options). Service is friendly but fast-paced, with dishes flying out of the kitchen at breakneck speed to feed many hungry mouths. Eating here is a whirlwind experience, but you’ll walk out with a satisfied smile.

Must-haves: Beef cheek, any rice-based dish and “kebabs”.

Zazpi
Another bar frequented by locals and famous for its oxtail ravioli and beef cheek: expect silky soft meat and sauces full of depth. There’s more seating available here, so you can either prop up the bar or pull up a pew and watch the action from afar.

Must-haves: Anything featuring beef.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY SPOTS

Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Naughty molten-middle brownies at Sakona
Top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Garlic prawns swimming in butter at Casa Camara

Sakona – Head here for top-quality coffee, breakfast/brunch and brownies; I like mine to resemble chocolate butter and these were sinful.

Koh Tao – Order pan con tomate with jamón and gently ease into your day.

GastroPote – Every Thursday evening, the main central supermarket traders offer pintxos, wine, sushi and live music for a few hours. Prices are ridiculously reasonable, e.g. 2 dishes and 2 glasses of wine for 5 euros.

Casa Cámara – It was worth walking 10k over hilly terrain to feast on French-inspired seafood dishes in the quiet fishing village of Pasia Donibane (you can also take a bus there).

TOP TIPS
–  Favour the hot pintxos dishes over the cold ones on the counters
–  If you prefer the latter, always ask the barman before helping yourself
–  Once used, napkins are usually disposed of on the floor close to the bar
–  You can specify which wine you want, or just ask for a glass of red or white; they’re all good
–  Wear comfortable shoes; you’ll be standing for most of the evening
–  Check opening hours in advance, e.g. Ibai is only open between 1-3pm on weekdays.

Have you been to San Sebastián? If not, I hope my top 10 pintxos bars in San Sebastián list has inspired you to visit. For things to do while you’re there (besides eating and drinking), check out my latest post here.

Budget: Pintxos are priced between 2-6 euros, with larger plates around 10-20 euros

Links: Kokotxa Review3 Things to do in San Sebastian, Best Bars in Bilbao

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18 Comments

  1. April 23, 2017 / 5:55 pm

    Wow! The ultimate foodie destination. A week long eat-fest sounds glorious.

    • April 25, 2017 / 12:01 pm

      It really is, and I’m sure you’d love it as well – I did spot a few other veggie dishes other than mushrooms 😉

  2. Lourdes
    April 24, 2017 / 1:27 pm

    Shame you did not try Casa Urola…. The best not doubt.!!!!

    • April 25, 2017 / 11:57 am

      Will add it to my list for next time – thanks! There are so many places and so little time…

  3. Jessica
    April 25, 2017 / 8:48 am

    False. Mostrando ofertas them are tipical but not good. Atari, sirimiri, txepetxa, ganbara, la cuchara, sakona, koh tao, cámara are very expensive and no so good. I miss in this list zeruko, a fuego negro, mendaur and most new wonderful places

    • April 25, 2017 / 12:00 pm

      Thanks for your feedback, Jessica. I personally wasn’t a fan of Zeruko and so didn’t include it here. I didn’t try the others, but have made a note of them for next time. I believe they are more modern? It’s always interesting to talk to others about food and wine – such subjective areas and so much to learn and try. Which other bars do you love?

  4. Koldo
    April 26, 2017 / 3:32 pm

    Dear Savlafaire, you only get one things with this superficial guide or suggestions, I explain you, we , the local people would not back this bares, too expensive, too much people, poor quality,non friendly staff, anything else? Yes …your preferences or exigency levels are very different than ours. Here de say “Bread for today, hunger for tomorow”

    • May 3, 2017 / 8:15 pm

      I appreciate your comments, Koldo, and would be happy to try any of your recommendations on a return visit. This list was not a comprehensive one by any means, more a summary of what I personally enjoyed during my trip.

  5. Luis
    April 26, 2017 / 5:07 pm

    Dear Svlafaire
    I am a local foodie and i only can tell you that all your suggestions are great. All the bars of your list habe really great quality and they are working hard to provide contemporary food . And quality and vreativity mist be payed. High price is not tje dame than expensive
    My favorites Atri, Sirimiri and Cuchara de dan Telmo. Urola also is interesting to add on yoir list.
    And i am agree witj your suggesrion of choosing the warm pintxos and not the cold ones on the counters
    Congratulations!

  6. May 3, 2017 / 8:18 pm

    Hi Luis – I’m glad you also like some of the bars I mentioned! Quality can be found in both local bars and fine dining restaurants and at the end of the day, we all have different tastes and budgets. I hope to try Urola next time, and any other places that locals love!

  7. May 4, 2017 / 11:11 am

    Holy moley I want all of this. I’m so hoping to visit San Sebastian this September with the intention of eating all of this! Just looks so delicious. I’m going to Pin your page on Pinterest to come back to for this!

    • admin
      Author
      May 4, 2017 / 12:23 pm

      Hope you make it there in September. Everything is so small that you can easily try plenty of dishes 😉 Happy to discuss closer to the time!

  8. May 16, 2018 / 2:15 pm

    I went with my sister last Christmas and we were surprised at how cheap and incredibly good the food was there.
    BTW there are some pintxos there that I want to try!

    Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Miriam | http://www.theopiblog.com

  9. June 26, 2018 / 2:42 pm

    Wowsers, This is my guide sorted for when I finally go to San Sebastian! Fabulous darling!

  10. Neha
    August 12, 2018 / 10:10 pm

    A friend directed me to this post. I just got back from San Sebastian, I religiously followed your suggestions and they were spot on The Must-Haves and the list of bars were perfect! Thank you so much 🙂

    • August 13, 2018 / 1:22 pm

      Thanks for your comment, Neha – it has made my day! So pleased that you loved the places on my list, and that my advice came in handy. San Sebastian is a wonderful place – I need to share a new post on the pintxos bars and restaurants I tried in June this year 🙂

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