Last Updated on May 6, 2026 by Emma Fajcz | Published: June 22, 2017
The historic center of San Sebastián (Old Town or Parte Vieja) is near all the major sights, but best of all, it’s one of the top areas to eat in the city! Between the traditional pintxo bars and the avant-garde gastro bars, there’s something for everyone here. Here’s where to eat in San Sebastián’s Old Town–whether you’re looking for vegetarian options, seafood, or local meat dishes.
Old Town San Sebastian is also known as “Parte Vieja,” Photo credit: David Vives
Restaurante Kokotxa
Michelin-starred Restaurante Kokotxa (Calle del Campanario, 11) is a classic and contemporary choice, serving top-notch dishes and wines from its own cellar. Think dishes such as hake fish with saffron rigatoni and sea broth or Iberian pork with roasted hazelnuts and smoked pear crumble.
Don’t forget to try their signature kokotxas, or hake cheeks, which are a Basque specialty. For dessert, the restaurant’s homemade caramelized brioche toast with pumpkin and spiced caramel ice cream is also particularly good. It’s definitely one of many amazing Basque desserts in San Sebastián!
📍 Address: Calle del Campanario, 11
La Cuchara de San Telmo
This busy little bar is nearly always crowded, as the locals certainly know where to eat in San Sebastián’s Old Town. Unlike other pintxos bars in the city, La Cuchara de San Telmo (31 de Agosto Kalea, 28) doesn’t line the food up along the bar; it writes up its menu on a blackboard and cooks dishes to order. Plates include black pudding with sautéed pear or foie gras with apple compote and cider.
📍 Address: Santa Korda Kalea, 4
Bodegón Alejandro Restaurante
One of San Sebastián’s many Michelin-starred restaurants, Bodegón Alejandro (Calle de Fermín Calbetón, 4) offers authentic Basque cuisine made with local and seasonal produce. Head Chef Iñaxio Valverde cooks up a menu including fillet of cod with spider crab cooked in a pil-pil (herb and olive oil) sauce.
There’s also a six-course tasting menu and a seasonal menu, which you can enjoy while looking at a historic 360-degree painting of the city.
📍 Address: Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 4
Ganbara
Step inside Ganbara, and you know you will have found your perfect spot to eat in San Sebastián. Right in front of you, you’ll see a bar piled high with everything from various types of wild mushrooms to small green peppers and asparagus. Choose your ingredients and they will cook them freshly for you.
Play a part in creating delicious bites such as sautéed mushrooms with egg and prawns, mushrooms with paté or fried green peppers sprinkled with salt. They also serve a range of charcoal-grilled fish (big enough for two), including monkfish, sea bass, red bream, and hake.
Insider’s Tip: This spot was one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite places to eat in San Sebastian, so don’t skip it!
📍 Address: San Jeronimo Kalea, 19
La Muralla
Light and modern in decoration, La Muralla (Calle Embeltrán, 3) is situated in the location of the old city walls. This restaurant serves traditional Basque cuisine with a touch of innovation. The menu features dishes such as rice with clams, asparagus and parsley and garlic mayonnaise, and duck confit with Pedro Ximenez wine sauce.
📍 Address: Enbeltran Kalea, 3
Taste the Best of the Old Town on Tour With Us!
Want to discover more about the Old Town and its famous cuisine? Join us on our Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour, where you’ll explore the magic of this gorgeous historic neighborhood in the company of a local expert!
Featured Review: Ultimate Pintxos & Wine Tour
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Our tour was wonderful. Christina was a fabulous host and took us to amazing bars. She explained so much about the pintxos culture that we were confident going around by ourselves later. Highly recommend this tour.”
– Chris
Where to Eat in San Sebastián’s Old Town FAQs
Where should you eat in San Sebastián’s Old Town?
San Sebastián’s Old Town (Parte Vieja) is packed with top places to eat, including iconic pintxos bars and traditional restaurants. Popular spots include Bar Nestor, Ganbara, La Cuchara de San Telmo, and Borda Berri, all known for standout dishes and local atmosphere.
What is the best food to try in the Old Town of San Sebastián?
The best foods to try in the Old Town include pintxos like gildas (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewers), grilled meats, seafood, and specialty bites unique to each bar. Cheesecake, foie gras, and slow-cooked pork are also must-try dishes.
How does a pintxos crawl work in San Sebastián’s Old Town?
A pintxos crawl involves visiting multiple bars, ordering one or two small bites and a drink at each, then moving on to the next spot. This allows you to sample a wide variety of dishes and experience the social dining culture of the Old Town.
Do you need reservations for restaurants in San Sebastián’s Old Town?
Reservations are recommended for popular sit-down restaurants, especially during peak travel seasons. However, most pintxos bars operate on a walk-in basis, making them ideal for spontaneous dining.
What time do people eat in San Sebastián’s Old Town?
Locals in Spain typically eat later than in many other countries. Lunch usually starts around 1:30-3:30 pm, while dinner often begins after 8:30 pm. Pintxos bars may serve food throughout the day, but they’re busiest in the evening.
