Last Updated on June 8, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: April 13, 2018
After the busy weekend, many bars and restaurants all over Spain close up shop on Mondays to give their employees some much-needed rest. It may feel like it’s hard to find a good place to eat in San Sebastián on Mondays without resorting to tacky tourist traps! Fortunately, 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.
Here’s our tips for mastering txikiteo at San Sebastián’s bars so you can enjoy eating and drinking throughout the city.
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Atari Gastrolekua
Atari Gastrolekua 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 Sebastián on Mondays for a casual meal that will make you feel like a local.
Insider Tip: Atari Gastrolekua makes it on our list of top 10 bars in San Sebastián!
📍 Address: C. Mayor, 18
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.
Insider Tip: This is one of the best places to eat gluten free in San Sebastián on Mondays, as they offer an entire gluten-free menu!
📍 Address: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 23
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.
📍 Address: Kontxa Pasealekua, 56
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.
📍 Address: Igeldo Pasealekua, 57
Tedone
With a dedication to healthy, natural food, Tedone is one of the best places to eat in San Sebastián 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.
Tedone is the perfect place to get away from the crowded city center, as it’s located off the beaten path in the Gros neighborhood, and enjoy an especially lovely, healthy meal. It’s one of the best places to eat in the Gros neighborhood!
Insider Tip: Get our ultimate vegetarian guide to San Sebastián for lots more tips and places to eat!
📍 Address: Al lado, Calle Corta, Mirakruz Kalea, 10
Need Dinner Plans? Tour San Sebastián With Us!
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 Sebastián’s most beloved family-run bars and restaurants. We hope you’re hungry!
Featured Review: San Sebastián Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My husband and I did the lunchtime tour with Amaria who was absolutely brilliant and we had a wonderful time trying fabulous pintxos, cider, wine and sherry. And the Basque cheesecake at the end was a highlight. Everyone on the tour had a great time and by the end our group of 8 were all laughing and chatting like old friends. All dietary requirements were taken care of and everyone got to try delicious pintxos. Book this tour if you are coming to San Sebastián, you will not regret it.”
– Dani
Where to Eat Lunch in San Sebastián on Mondays FAQs
Are restaurants in San Sebastián open on Mondays?
Yes, but many restaurants in San Sebastián close on Mondays or take a weekly rest day, making it one of the more challenging days to dine out. Planning ahead and knowing which restaurants are open can help visitors avoid disappointment and still enjoy excellent Basque cuisine.
Where can you eat pintxos in San Sebastián on a Monday?
Several pintxos bars remain open on Mondays, particularly in the Old Town and Gros neighborhoods. Visitors can still enjoy classic Basque specialties, seasonal pintxos, and local wines even when some restaurants are closed for the day.
What are the best foods to try for lunch in San Sebastián?
For lunch, visitors should try local favorites such as pintxos, grilled seafood, txuleta (Basque steak), bacalao (salt cod), and seasonal Basque dishes. Pairing lunch with a glass of txakoli is a classic San Sebastián dining experience.
Do you need reservations for lunch in San Sebastián?
Reservations are recommended for popular restaurants, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons. However, many pintxos bars and casual lunch spots welcome walk-in guests, making them a convenient option for spontaneous dining.
Which neighborhoods are best for lunch in San Sebastián?
The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is the most famous area for pintxos and traditional Basque dining, while Gros offers a more local atmosphere with excellent restaurants and cafés. Both neighborhoods provide plenty of lunch options, even on days when some establishments are closed.
