Where to Eat in San Sebastian: The Gros Neighborhood

If you’re staying in the Gros area of San Sebastián, you won’t be short of places to dine. We’re here to help you work out where to eat in San Sebastián’s Gros neighborhood with our list of amazing restaurants, whether you’re looking for vegetarian options or a hearty steak!

view of san sebastian from above
Cross the bridge, and you’ll be in the beautiful Gros neighborhood! Photo credit: Mikel Arrazola

Gros: a Hub of Basque Cuisine

The Gros neighborhood is a relaxed, lazy area away from the buzz of the city center. It is also one of the most popular surfing spots in San Sebastián, as it is home to the beautiful Zurriola Beach.

However, this sleepy neighborhood is not just for relaxing; it’s also a hub of innovative Basque cuisine and a wonderful place to experience must-try foods in San Sebastián. Whether you’re staying in the neighborhood or not, it’s a great option if you’re wondering where to eat in San Sebastián. Here’s our top Gros neighborhood restaurant recommendations!

cheesecake
This iconic cheesecake is a symbol of Basque cuisine. Photo credit: Kezia Lynn

Restaurante Ama-Lur

Ama-Lur Bar and Restaurant has been open since 1978 and is run by the Lertxundi brothers. Focused on traditional Basque cuisine, they serve everything from pintxos and rations to sandwiches and skewers. Chicken fans are in for a treat, as this place specializes in roast chicken and roast chicken knuckles. Such a great option if you’re looking for where to eat in San Sebastian’s Gros neighborhood.

Insider’s Tip: Paella in San Sebastián is not typically easy to find, but Restaurante Ama-Lur does an amazing paella every Friday. Definitely worth checking out if you’re in the city on a weekend break!

📍 Address: Karkizano Kalea, 7

Overhead shot of a pan of seafood paella with a small amount served out onto a white plate.
Seafood paella: Spain’s most iconic rice dish! Photo credit: Giulia Verdinelli

Bar Bergara

A classic San Sebastian pintxos bar, Bar Bergara offers plenty of gourmet treats in miniature. With its funky and modern interior, Bar Bergara has won many awards for its mouthwatering pintxos.

The innovative team at Bergara deviate from the typical pintxo style of placing ingredients on small pieces of bread. Dishes here range from beef chunks cooked in red wine to a mini risotto of wild mushrooms or a large spoonful of seafood stew.

Insider’s Tip: Don’t leave without trying their scrumptious Basque desserts, including raspberry cheesecake and local Idiazabal cheese with walnuts and quince jelly.

📍 Address: Calle del General Artexe, 8

Idiazabal cheese perfect San Sebastian gift guide
Idiazabal cheese is a typical Basque dessert that you’ll love. Photo credit: Artizone

Tedone

Tedone is where to eat in the Gros neighborhood if you want something a little different. An organic, slow food and ecological restaurant, it serves many vegetarian options. It also serves some of the best dishes for gluten-free eaters in San Sebastián.

Plates include brown rice with sautéed vegetables and tofu, avocado with prawns and red berries, and Iberian pork with baked potatoes. Presented artfully and creatively, the dishes are always photo-worthy and taste as good as they look.

Insider’s Tip: Tedone also holds events, workshops and live music nights.

📍 Address: Corta Kalea, 10

green beans with cheese on a white plate with lettuce.
The dishes at Tedone are not just beautifully presented, they taste amazing too! Photo Credit: Tedone Restaurante

La Txuleteria del Iraeta

La Txuleteria del Iraeta is a friendly place, particularly well known for its large juicy T-bone steaks. Each steak arrives at your table sizzling on a hot griddle. This is where to eat in San Sebastian’s Gros neighborhood if you’re the ultimate meat lover.

It’s also an ideal place to try the much sought-after Basque delicacy of percebes (goose barnacles)—a tube-shaped crustacean, which is boiled in seawater.  

📍 Address: Calle del Padre Larroca, 2

piece of cooked steak with a bowl of red peppers and a bowl of thin fried potatoes.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try a fabulous cut of local Basque steak! Photo Credit: Basco Fine Foods

Experience San Sebastián Through Its Food

Looking for an unforgettable experience while you’re visiting? Join us for an Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Gros neighborhood! In this hands-on experience, a professional chef will guide you through creating an aperitivo and four beloved Basque dishes. You’ll come away from your San Sebastián cooking class with a better understanding of the city’s culture and the role food plays in it—plus a handy repertoire of new recipes to impress your family and friends back home!

A group of people in a cooking take a moment to cheers with their wine glasses before the starts
Looking for something a little off the beaten path during your travels? A cooking class is the perfect plan.

Featured Review: Authentic Basque Cooking Class

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “We had a great time and learned a lot about Basque cooking. We made several dishes, tasted wines of the area as well as Cider and enjoyed eating all the dishes we prepared. It was a very relaxed environment, we made new friends and had all our questions answered about visiting the area. Everything was well organized and ready to go when we arrived. We would do it again!”
– Sharon

Where to Eat in Gros Neighborhood FAQs

Is the Gros neighborhood a good place to eat in San Sebastián?
Yes, Gros is one of the best neighborhoods to eat in San Sebastián, especially if you want a more local, less touristy experience. Known for its surf culture and laid-back vibe, it’s packed with pintxos bars, modern restaurants, and innovative cuisine just across the river from the Old Town.

What kind of food can you find in Gros, San Sebastián?
Gros offers a mix of traditional Basque cuisine and modern, creative dishes. You’ll find everything from classic pintxos and seafood to innovative small plates, vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and high-quality grilled meats.

What are the best restaurants in Gros for first-time visitors?
Top restaurants in Gros include Bar Bergara for creative pintxos, Restaurante Ama-Lur for traditional Basque dishes, and La Txuleteria del Iraeta for gorgeous steaks.

Is Gros better than the Old Town for food in San Sebastián?
Gros isn’t necessarily better than the Old Town; it’s simply different. While the Old Town is famous for its dense concentration of pintxos bars, Gros is more relaxed, less crowded, and often more local, making it ideal for visitors who want a slower, more authentic food scene.

Can you do a pintxos crawl in Gros?
Yes, Gros is an excellent place for a pintxos crawl. The neighborhood has a growing number of high-quality bars within walking distance of each other, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes without the crowds found in the Old Town.