Last Updated on March 12, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: March 18, 2020
Spain’s “Northern Pearl” of San Sebastián is the perfect place to taste unforgettable seafood! The cold Cantabrian Sea washes the shores of Playa de la Concha and provides wonderful seafood for nearby restaurants. Check out these top 5 seafood restaurants in San Sebastián to taste its best seafood dishes without breaking the bank!
Curious what pintxos (Basque tapas) you need to try? Don’t miss these best pintxos in San Sebastián while you’re visiting!
Table of Contents
1. Bar Ganbara: the Best Txangurro
Spider crab has always been a staple ingredient of San Sebastian cuisine, but it became an overwhelming success after Queen Maria Cristina got a little picky and decided she wanted to use cutlery to savor it rather than eating it the traditional way by hand. That’s how they came up with the genius idea of serving it by stuffing the crab’s head, and it has been like that for 100 years!
We can’t let you leave without trying the one at Bar Ganbara; their txangurro is Chef Juan Mari Arzak’s favorite in town and it’s one of the many unmissable pintxos in San Sebastian.
2. Gure Txoko: Oysters and Soft Shell Crab
We’re aware that it might not look like a place where you would expect to find seafood, but do yourself a favor and run to Gure Txoko for the best oysters in town, period. Eduardo personally knows a great oyster provider and he takes pride in only choosing the best ones for his customers.
This bar is well-known in Gros for its quirky version of SpongeBob’s crab burger, a surprising bao bread burger combined with a soft shell crab. It is also very popular for its warm treatment, so expect a crowd during peak hours.
3. Casa Urola: Scallops in Ajoblanco Sauce
Casa Urola is San Sebastian’s seafood HQ, and its specialty is anything and everything grilled with charcoal. Choose your vibe: an elegant bar or a formal dining room area upstairs (in case you wish to have a rest from all the pintxo-eating-while-standing-up experience).
Their 2019 award-winning scallops with white garlic, nuts, and fried seaweed is a must, especially when paired with a local txakoli.
4. Abakando: Seafood Tasting Menu
Get off the beaten path at Abakando in the Antiguo neighborhood. Their seafood tasting menu is worth every penny and dessert and tax are included! Indulge in the seafood and fish from their own nurse-pond in a casual atmosphere surrounded by colorful artsy walls of glass.
Abakando is off the tourist trail, not usually busy and open all Mondays (the usual day off for restaurants in our city) to ensure a feast for the senses every day of the week.
5. Narru: Clams in Green Sauce
Are you planning on popping the question or do you want to impress your date? Narru is hands down the right choice for a high-end experience. This acclaimed restaurant has just reopened in front of the Buen Pastor Cathedral.
We’ll go back to basics with two classic Basque dishes: clams in green sauce and the renowned kokotxas. Trust them with their wine selection to round out your heavenly experience. Can we get an amen?
Looking for more great restaurants to visit? Here’s our foodie guide for where to eat in San Sebastián!
Taste San Sebastián’s Incredible Food on Tour
Want to spend your evening at the table? Join us for our Supper Club San Sebastián Tour!
One of our expert local guides will take you to four carefully curated stops in San Sebastián, each one part of a progressive supper. With every course, you’ll explore the foundations, reinventions and defining flavors of the city’s cuisine. From Basque cider and refined pintxos to seasonal bistro cooking and rare wines, you’ll meet the chefs, producers, and hosts shaping the food scene today.
Best Seafood Restaurants in San Sebastián FAQs
Why is seafood so good in San Sebastián?
San Sebastián sits right on the Cantabrian Sea, giving restaurants access to exceptionally fresh fish and shellfish brought in daily from nearby fishing ports. Many chefs use simple Basque cooking techniques, like grilling whole fish or lightly steaming shellfish, to highlight the natural flavor of the seafood.
What seafood dishes should you try in San Sebastián?
When dining in San Sebastián, look for local specialties such as kokotxas (hake cheeks), txangurro (spider crab), grilled whole fish, anchovies, and clams in green sauce. These dishes reflect the Basque tradition of letting high-quality seafood shine with minimal preparation.
Do you need reservations for seafood restaurants in San Sebastián?
For casual seafood spots or portside restaurants, reservations are often not required, especially at lunch. However, popular seafood restaurants and tasting-menu experiences can fill up quickly—particularly during summer or weekends—so booking ahead is recommended when possible.
Is seafood expensive in San Sebastián?
Seafood prices in San Sebastián vary depending on the restaurant and the type of fish or shellfish. Many traditional Basque seafood meals cost around €30–€60 per person, although high-end restaurants can exceed €100 per person.
