San Sebastián is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, blending traditional Basque cuisine with innovative gastronomic experiences. Known for having the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, the city offers a range of high-end dining options. However, we chose to explore the more laid-back, less expensive spots that offer incredible food without the formalities of fine dining, as that's the feel we enjoy most.

Here are some of the best restaurants in San Sebastián that you won't want to miss.

Gerald’s Bar

A Spanish tavern with a daily changing menu.

This wasn’t on our radar initially, but after our first surf lesson, we asked our instructor for local recommendations. Gerald’s Bar was his top pick, and we’re so glad we asked because it was delicious!

We went straight after our lesson and asked for a table—they were fully booked but had seats at the bar. We were more than happy with these as we love to see what’s happening.

We chose the set menu for lunch, opting for two courses each (though a three-course option is available, or pick and choose). We enjoyed tuna belly, grilled leeks, Atlantic horse mackerel, and peppers with labneh and pancetta. Though we're not vegetarians, we would have been completely satisfied with just the veggie dishes—they were all seasoned to perfection with fresh ingredients done so well!

The staff were lovely, and we appreciated the little touches like vinyl playing in the corner and various sketches/ artwork of Gerald’s Bar on the walls.

Another must-return restaurant for us! Book ahead at:

Website: geraldsbar

Instagram: @geraldsbars

Gandarias Jatetxea

Traditional Basque cuisine in a homely restaurant.

You may walk past and see a buzzy crowd standing outside enjoying pintxos and wine, but Gandarias is actually a restaurant and pintxos bar. Don’t let the crowds deceive you; your table is tucked away on the other side of the restaurant, so there’s no pushing shoulders or fighting for space. You’ll have your own space to enjoy your meal with other seated diners.

We thoroughly enjoyed this meal and highly recommend going for the fish and seafood options. The scallops were buttery and soft as they should be; my mouth is watering just thinking about them! We had the turbot for our main course; it was delectable. We savoured every bit of the fish from the bone, not wanting to leave anything behind. We also enjoyed the fillet steak with piquillo pepper and their special dessert: Pastry chef Rafa Gorrotxategi´s “Gandarias” cheesecake with butter ice cream. Gluten-free options are also available.

This was a memorable meal for us, and we definitely intend to come back here. We’ll be ordering the monkfish next time as we saw so many go past during the evening and it looked and smelt incredible!

Remember to book via their website:

Website: restaurantegandarias

Instagram: @casagandarias

Also, if you fancy having this cheesecake again; make sure to visit Rafa Gorrotxategi, a chocolate shop that sells it by the slice or whole, in the Old Town.

Address: Narrika Kalea, 13, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Bodega Donostiarra 16

A restaurant that has been delighting patrons since 1975, and it’s clear why. Simple ingredients are given the care they deserve to elevate them into something special. We enjoyed another great lunch here after surfing, starting with a delicious gilda pintxos to cleanse the palate before savouring a beautiful tomato and tuna salad and lots of other flavourful dishes.

Note that Bodega Donostiarra 16 is their restaurant, while Bodega Donostiarra Gros 13, which is just up the street, is their pintxos bar.

The restaurant specials include their Iberian or octopus skewer and the pintxo indurain.

Website: bodegadonostiarra

Instagram: @bdonostiarra

Ziaboga Jatetxea

Okay, so this isn’t technically in San Sebastián, but it’s just a 20-minute drive away. If you feel like hiking (approx 2hr 30mins), as we did, you’ll find some tempting food waiting for you in the charming fishing village of Pasia Donibane. We opted for a small lunch as we didn’t want to spoil our appetite for a tasting menu that evening but we were very happy with our choices: a fresh tomato salad and ceviche enjoyed outside in the sun, overlooking the water. Delicious!

Website: ziabogabistrot

Casa Cámara

If you’re looking for a great restaurant in Pasia Donibane make sure to book Casa Cámara Jatetxea; their Basque cuisine comes highly recommended. Given our last minute decision to hike on the day we visited this village, there were no tables available to book but it’s on the list for our next trip to Donostia.

Website: casacamara

San Sebastián’s culinary scene is truly exceptional. Whether you're a seafood lover or a fan of hearty meat dishes, this city has something to delight every palate. We hope this guide helps you find some of the best restaurants in and around San Sebastián, ensuring you have a fantastic culinary adventure in this beautiful city.

San Sebastián Restaurant Map

How to use our maps

Click on the menu icon on the top left to show a list of all places on the map. You’ll find our notes by clicking on each place.

Click on the fullscreen icon on the top right to open the map in Google Maps.

Restaurants to Book in San Sebastián