Eating Gluten Free in San Sebastian: 5 Top Restaurants

When we think of the food in San Sebastian, we immediately think of one word—pintxos! These deliciously intricate bites are found all throughout the city and there are a number of pintxos you must try. Beautifully displayed on the bar as you enter any local eatery, there are always a huge number of distinct tastes to enjoy.

Generally speaking, pintxos in San Sebastian are presented on a piece of bread, held together by a small toothpick. Understandably, many people think this makes eating gluten free in San Sebastian impossible. However, Spain is a very gluten-free friendly country, and even the home of the bread-based pintxo is no exception. Make sure you enjoy the best bites in the city with our guide on eating gluten free in San Sebastian.

Gandarias

Located in Parte Vieja, Gandarias is an absolute must for anyone eating gluten free in San Sebastian. With an extensive selection of traditional dishes on offer, Gandarias actually offers an entire gluten-free menu. They’ll even supply you with gluten free bread so you don’t miss out on the authentic pintxo experience.

Star dishes at this restaurant include the deliciously tender beef cheeks and the pintxo of caramelized goat’s cheese and sun-dried tomato.

Bar Azkena

Considered by many to be the most underrated place in the city, Bar Azkena offers great options for anyone eating gluten free in San Sebastian. Located inside the Mercado La Brentxa, a stunning food market in the city, this small stall prides itself on the freshness of its products. Owners Iñigo and Mertxe buy their produce fresh daily from one of the other stalls in the market. A selection of gluten free pintxos are available and the gluten free tortilla española is out of this world. However, make sure and get there early to nab your favorite bites as limited supply is available each day.

Address: Mercado La Bretxa, Aldamar Kalea

Restaurante Tedone

Located in the alternative Gros area, Restuarante Tedone specializes in organic, slow cooking. Using fresh, market-bought products in an innovative way, this restaurant produces incredibly flavorsome food for every taste. 

Apart from a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes, nearly the entire menu is also gluten free. Don’t leave without trying the poached baby vegetables with caper mayonnaise. Also, the secreto ibérico, pork loin cooked in its own juices and served in a port sauce, is just incredible.

Atari Gastroteka

Another Parte Vieja gem for eating gluten free in San Sebastian is Atari Gastroteka. Located at the foot of the Santa Maria church, Atari produces innovative pintxos in an intimate environment, as well as being a great place to enjoy an evening drink in the city. While it is a little bit expensive, it is worth the money. The staff are attentive and knowledgeable and will go out of their way to ensure you eat only gluten free dishes. The stand-out gluten free dish for us is the huevo a baja temperatura, egg cooked at a low temperature. Also, make sure and ask for the gluten free bread loaf—it’s so good your gluten-eating friends won’t know the difference.