The Ultimate Vegetarian Guide to San Sebastián

Last Updated on May 5, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: December 29, 2017

Hidden among fresh seafood and Basque sausages, there are quite a few vegetarian options on most menus in San Sebastián. Many younger people are focusing on a health-conscious lifestyle, so now it’s easier than ever to eat meat-free in San Sebastián. This ultimate vegetarian guide to San Sebastián will help you discover delicious options without the meat or dairy products. Get ready to enjoy Europe’s best foodie city, veggie style!

Vegetarian and Vegan Tapas

Now time for the fun part of our vegetarian guide to San Sebastián: the food! Despite what meat fans may think, many popular vegetarian tapas and pintxos in San Sebastián are delicious. In fact, many may even be tastier than their meat-based counterparts. Here are just a few of our favorites!

Risotto

You won’t find much paella in San Sebastián, but many places do make a pretty fabulous vegetarian risotto. Sirimiri makes theirs with local mushrooms, and it’s well worth stopping by to try some!

Padrón Peppers

As the saying goes, “Some are hot and some are not!” Sharing a plate of these tasty pimientos de padrón is always an adventure. While the majority are mild, nobody knows who will be the lucky winner and bite into the occasional spicy one unexpectedly. As a matter of fact, they’re vegan, too!

Tortilla de Patatas

Looking for the Spanish dish? Forget about paella. Tortilla de patatas is as simple as it gets—potatoes, eggs, and salt occasionally coupled with onions—and it’s found all over the country. It’s proof that in general, you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients to make delicious food. Plus, it’s vegetarian—it’s basically perfect!

Salmorejo

Enjoy a taste of sunny southern Spain here up north! Salmorejo is a cold tomato-based purée, almost like a thicker version of its more popular cousin, gazpacho. Despite its creamy texture, there is absolutely no milk or cream in it at all—it’s totally vegan! The magic ingredient that makes it so rich and filling is actually bread.

Veggie-Friendly Restaurants in San Sebastián

So you’ve got some suggestions for what to eat. But where to eat it? After all, it wouldn’t be a vegetarian guide to San Sebastián without listing some of the best veggie-friendly restaurants! Here are a few of our favorites. You’ll enjoy this as equally as the meat-based products around town!

• Borda Berri: Made-to-order vegetarian pintxos and tapas abound at this fun, eclectic restaurant. It’s a great place to try the risotto with idiazabal we mentioned earlier. Additionally, their version includes perfectly grilled mushrooms!
• Km. 0 Taberna Jatetxea: Farm-fresh, locally sourced products come together into delicious vegan and vegetarian food at this off-the-beaten-path restaurant. Even more, it offers one of the healthiest menus in town!
• Ganbara: Although not strictly a vegetarian restaurant, the meatless options at this family-run place are abundant and full of flavor. Owners José and Amaia use fresh products from local farms and turning them into incredibly flavorful dishes that are basically perfect for sharing.

Spanish Words and Phrases for Vegans & Vegetarians

Even back home, communicating dietary restrictions can be particularly complicated. Throw in an unfamiliar language such as Spanish, and you may be understandably overwhelmed! For that reason, here are some useful phrases for communicating your dietary needs to start off our vegetarian guide to San Sebastián.

• Yo soy vegano/a. (I am vegan.)

• Yo soy vegetariano/a. (I am vegetarian.)

• Yo no como ni carne, ni pescado, ni huevos, ni productos lacteos. (I don’t eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy products.)

• ¿Me recomiendas algo rico por favor? (Can you recommend me something tasty please?)

• Yo no puedo comer… (I can’t eat…)

• Yo puedo comer… (I can eat…)

• Non-Vegan and Non-Vegetarian Foods: carne (meat), cerdo (pork), pescado (fish), marisco (seafood), leche (milk), queso (cheese), mantequilla (butter), nata (cream), huevo (egg), and miel (honey).

• Vegan and Vegetarian Foods: verduras (vegetables), ensalada (salad), judías/habichuelas/alubias (beans), lentejas (lentils), soja (soy), leche de soja (soy milk), almendras (almonds), nueces (nuts), arroz (rice), aceite (oil), pan (bread), champiñones/setas (mushrooms), espinaca (spinach), and fruta (fruit).

Taste the Best of San Sebastián on Tour With Us!

Featured Review: San Sebastián Pintxos & Wine Tour in Old Town

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Very glad I did this tour! The guide was super friendly and knowledgeable about the most authentic places to go. Felt like we really got a taste of what each place was known for and it was helpful to be able to order on my own afterward.”
– Hannah on GetYourGuide

Vegetarian Guide to San Sebastián FAQs

Is San Sebastián vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, while San Sebastián is known for seafood and meat, it’s getting increasingly vegetarian-friendly. Many restaurants now offer plant-based options, and some are fully vegetarian or vegan, reflecting a growing demand for meat-free dining.

What vegetarian foods can you eat in San Sebastián?
Popular vegetarian dishes in San Sebastián include tortilla de patatas, padrón peppers, vegetable risotto, and salmorejo. Many traditional pintxos can also be adapted to be vegetarian, making it easy to enjoy local cuisine without meat.

Are there vegetarian pintxos in San Sebastián?
Yes, many pintxos bars offer vegetarian options, such as mushroom dishes, grilled vegetables, and cheese-based bites. While displays may seem meat-heavy at first, most bars have at least a few vegetarian choices or can prepare something on request.

Are there fully vegetarian or vegan restaurants in San Sebastián?
Yes, San Sebastián has several vegetarian and vegan restaurants, along with many others that offer dedicated plant-based menus. Spots like Km. 0, Garraxi, and Maiatza are known for high-quality vegetarian/vegan dishes made with local ingredients.

How do you order vegetarian food in San Sebastián?
To order vegetarian food, it helps to know a few Spanish phrases like “soy vegetariano/a” (I am vegetarian). Clearly communicating your dietary needs is important, as some dishes may include hidden ingredients like ham or fish unless you ask.