Whether you love the traditional tostada or churros and chocolate, we have a great list of the best places for breakfast in San Sebastian.

San Sebastian, otherwise known as Donostia, is a city known worldwide for its top quality cuisine, and breakfast is no exception. Most people pair their desayuno with a coffee or freshly squeezed orange juice and while some go sweet, others prefer savory. Thankfully, San Sebastian has you covered on all fronts.

Check out our favorite spots to grab a delicious breakfast in San Sebastian like a local.

Our favorite places for breakfast in San Sebastian

Yellow Deli, located right near the water and the Kursaal bridge, makes it an excellent choice for breakfast. It has an old-timey, cozy vibe and offers differents sweet and savory options ranging from egg dishes and toasts to simpler fare like muffins, smoothies, and yogurt bowls.

The Loaf Panadería

There is nothing quite like the taste, smell and texture of freshly baked bread. The Loaf Panadería is one breakfast spot in Donostia that you don’t want to miss. With a huge selection of fresh bread to choose from each day, the toasts at this bakery are divine. While they offer the simple olive oil or butter and jam variations, the magic is in their heartier toast toppings. Check out the thick tomato spread they offer or the meat options and you will not be disappointed. Also, swing by The Loaf later in the day and taste their focaccia and delicious stuffed sandwiches. You won’t regret it.

Oiartzun

Oiartzum is known for some pretty delicious things: bollos (things like croissants and napolitana de chocolate or napolitana de crema), cakes, cookies, chocolates, and more. If you love sweet things for breakfast, don’t miss this spot in the Old Town.

Our recommendation? Grab a sweet treat and a coffee to-go and sit and enjoy it in the nearby Alderdi Eder park or strolling along the La Concha beach.

Old Town Coffee

There are some stellar gourmet markets and shops in San Sebastian and Old Town Coffee is one of them. This stall inside the Mercado San Martín is at the forefront of the specialist coffee movement in San Sebastian and is one of our favorite places for breakfast in San Sebastian.

Brazilian duo, Márcio and Ricardo are master coffee brewers and take huge pride in their craft. And the magic of this super busy stall in a popular central market? No matter how overwhelmed, the owners always take a second to exchange a few words with their customers.

With just a few bar stools outside the market stall, there’s not much room to sit and linger. But, if you’re in San Sebastian on a sunny day, enjoy your coffee in one of the beautiful parks in the city. Also don’t miss their selection of organic baked goods (some gluten-free, too!).

Iturralde

Using locally sourced, fresh products, Café Iturralde has some of the best Colombian brew coffee you can find in all of San Sebastian. While many people focus on the coffee, nobody can deny the delicious sandwiches and tostadas available at Iturralde are also fantastic. Swing by as you wander the narrow streets of the center of the city.

La Guinda Deli & Coffee

Located in the up-and-coming, surfer area of Gros, by the stunning Zurriola beach, La Guinda is one of our favorite spots for a non-traditional breakfast. This café manages to present a minimalist interior while still feeling inviting. Boasting some incredible coffee, take note also of the selection of juices, smoothies and vitamin drinks you can buy here. Enjoy some delicious scrambled eggs and bacon, croissants or sandwiches, too.

Café Alabama

Another gem located in the Gros neighborhood is Café Alabama. This cozy space serves up a variety of ECO dishes, using only the finest local produce at every turn. In line with the sporty vibe of the Gros neighborhood, Café Alabama offers a selection of healthier options (fruit bowls, salads, cereal) as well as the typical tostadas and pastries. With a stunning location and delicious food and drink, this is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast in San Sebastian.

Permanently closed places for breakfast in San Sebastian

It’s always a sad loss when small businesses shutter their doors, especially when they’ve been cherished favorites for years. These closures serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by local establishments. That’s why here at Devour we prioritize supporting local businesses whenever we can, recognizing the vital role they play in our communities.

Santa Lucía Churrería (1957-2023)

Santa Lucía Churrería was known for having some of, if not the, best churros in San Sebastian. As one of a small number of places in San Sebastian offering authentic (and incredibly delicious) churros, every true local had experienced the magic of this bar. Even Barbara Streisand was a fan!

Pastelería Barrenetxe (1920-2019)

The Barrenetxe family was involved in baking since 1699, and former owner Hector had been working in the industry for more than 50 years. Needless to say, the family’s expertise in the art of making delicious baked goods was impressive. Iconic treats here included their specialty almond cake and their hot chocolate, among others which will be sorely missed.

Ambigú Estación

This cozy café on the square of the iconic Mercado La Bretxa in the Old Town, was one of our favorite spots for breakfast in San Sebastian for years. The quirky interior complete with antique-style furnishings and funky light fixtures was as memorable as the food itself.

Update Notice: This post was updated on March 7, 2024.