Pintxo bars in San Sebastian

For those unfamiliar with this strange word, all you need to know is that pinxtos are a food lover’s dream come true. Similar to tapas (small portions of food), pintxos are often (but not always) spiked with a toothpick and served atop bread. Displayed on top of the bar, it is common practice to take a plate and help yourself, and later tell the bartender how much you’ve eaten.

• Bar Haizea: When a place is said to be the favorite of San Sebastian legend, Juan Mari Arzak, you go there. A humble pintxo bar, the explosion of flavors is almost unexpected. Order the foie gras!
• Bar Azkena: Crammed between market stands in the modern food market at La Bretxa mall, this tiny place has about five pintxos on display. Don’t let the lack of selection turn you off, as the food is gorgeous, prices are low, and the flavors are spot on.
• La Viña: While their pintxos are likely delicious, La Vina is known among sweet lovers for having the best cheesecake in San Sebastian. Squeeze into the corner of one of their wooden tables, and order a slice or two of their delicious, light and fluffy version.

Try it! Join our Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos Tour for a taste of some of these delicious bites, as you also learn the history and culture of the Basque people. 

For famous Basque steak

• Casa Urola: Small and cozy yet at the same time refined, this restaurant makes you feel loved as you walk up the stairs to the intimate dining room. Order the T-Bone (txuleta) for two, and share the green beans with hake as a starter. Save room for desserts, as they’re some of the best in town!
• Txuleta: One of the city’s most popular steak restaurants. Make sure to reserve in advance as its key location in the old town makes it tough to score a table in its rustic dining room.

Food bloggers’ favorites

• Casa Gandarias: For a mix of classic and creative, this is where you’ll find Foodie International who calls it her “favorite pintxo bar on the strip”.
• Bar Goiz Argi: The Boy Who Ate The World recommends the shrimp skewers and the smoked salmon with anchovies at this top rated San Sebastian pintxos bar.
• La Cuchara de San Telmo: On nearly every blogger’s “must” list!
• Bar Nestor: And if you want to try the most classic of Spanish dishes (done right) take Marti Kilpatrick’s tip for AFAR and line up for Bar Nestor, the city’s most famous place for tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelet).

Want to eat your way around San Sebastian with a local? Our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour is calling your name. We’d love for you to join us!

Update Notice: This post was updated on April 11, 2024.