After the busy weekend, many bars and restaurants all over Spain close up shop on Mondays to give their employees some much-needed rest.
Given that many great places close for the day, it may feel like it’s hard to find a good place to eat in San Sebastian on Mondays without resorting to the tacky tourist traps. However, there are plenty of delicious (and authentic!) options—you might just have to look a little harder. If you’re visiting town on a Monday, here are our favorite places to eat like a local as much as any other day.
What's Included
Atari Gastroteka
Atari Gastroteka prides itself on its especially unique traditional yet modern style, reflected in every aspect of the place from its decor to the food itself. A popular meeting point for local friends, you may have to elbow your way through a crowd of locals to find a spot.
All of the pintxos here are beautifully presented. The cold bites out on the bar will certainly catch your eye, and while those are of excellent quality, the hot pintxos are truly the star of the show. This is the perfect place to eat in San Sebastian on Mondays for a casual meal that will make you feel like a local.
Gandarias
Walking into Gandarias will almost make you feel like you’ve stepped back into your favorite hometown bar. The atmosphere here is warm, welcoming and friendly, and we haven’t even gotten to the food yet!
The pintxos at Gandarias take inspiration from traditional Basque cooking—simple, fresh ingredients masterfully combined to create something amazing. Their solomillo is especially mouthwatering, but you can’t go wrong with nearly anything you order here. Additionally, this is the perfect place to eat in San Sebastian on Mondays for celiacs or other gluten-free diners. They offer an entire gluten-free menu!
Biarritz Jatetxea
This restaurant tucked in the Old Town, Biarritz Jatetxea is a great option for a sit-down meal. Elegant yet unpretentious, Biarritz Jatetxea’s decor, top quality service and market-fresh fare make for a perfect dining experience. Their recipes honor traditional Basque cuisine with a touch of modern innovation, all prepared with strictly the freshest seasonal ingredients for maximum quality.
Rekondo
Undoubtedly one of the absolute best restaurants in the city, Rekondo offers a world-class dining experience you won’t soon forget. Its elegant interior features sweeping views of La Concha bay that look straight off of the front of a postcard. The cuisine here is masterfully prepared using seasonal ingredients and only the freshest seafood.
Another point in Rekondo’s favor is its fabulous wine selection. With a cellar boasting thousands of wines from all over the globe, Rekondo is widely regarded as home to one of the best wine selections in the world.
Tedone
With a dedication to healthy, natural food, Tedone is one of the best places to eat in San Sebastian for vegetarians and vegans! However, even meat eaters will find something they’ll love on Tedone’s short yet excellent menu. The limited variety of dishes on offer ensures that everything you order will be done to perfection.
Located off the beaten path in the unique Gros neighborhood, Tedone is the perfect place to get away from the crowded city center and enjoy an especially lovely, healthy meal.
Update notice: This article was updated on August 21, 2023.
Need Monday night dinner plans? Our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour is always a good idea. Get off the beaten path and into some of San Sebastian’s most beloved family-run bars and restaurants. We hope you’re hungry!
