Otegi's guidebook about Donostia - San Juan
Food Scene
This is the place in town when it comes to crave a tasty & tender T-bone; In Gandarias you'll be asked about the size of your desire and they'll show you the piece before it goes to the grill.
Be aware about how popular it is and therefore, you may want to book to get a table in their dining room; if more of an informal dinner suits you, there's hight tables right outside the restaurant.
Their pintxo bar is always crowded as well.
They're masters in grilled seafood plus you can go safe into anything, everything is so tasty and well cooked in here.
136 locals recommend
Gandarias
23 31 de Agosto KaleaThis is the place in town when it comes to crave a tasty & tender T-bone; In Gandarias you'll be asked about the size of your desire and they'll show you the piece before it goes to the grill.
Be aware about how popular it is and therefore, you may want to book to get a table in their dining room; if more of an informal dinner suits you, there's hight tables right outside the restaurant.
Their pintxo bar is always crowded as well.
They're masters in grilled seafood plus you can go safe into anything, everything is so tasty and well cooked in here.
A tiny tavern with a little terrace in the narrowest street in town, quite narrow actually. The place is tiny too and normally is super crowded, we believe it is because their mind-blowing cuisine, with really sophisticated suggestions, pushing forward the basque traditional gastronomy. No food on display but their variety of portions is just art:
- Salted cod barbels with curry of seeds, herbs and roots
- Roasted rock octopus with chimichurri and taboulle
- Creamy risotto with black boletus mushrooms, goat's cheese and parsley
-Raviolis of confit du canard and leeks
-and many more
135 locals recommend
La Cuchara de San Telmo
4 Santa Korda KaleaA tiny tavern with a little terrace in the narrowest street in town, quite narrow actually. The place is tiny too and normally is super crowded, we believe it is because their mind-blowing cuisine, with really sophisticated suggestions, pushing forward the basque traditional gastronomy. No food on display but their variety of portions is just art:
- Salted cod barbels with curry of seeds, herbs and roots
- Roasted rock octopus with chimichurri and taboulle
- Creamy risotto with black boletus mushrooms, goat's cheese and parsley
-Raviolis of confit du canard and leeks
-and many more
Ganbara has a formal touch compared to the rest of the places, probably more elegant and exquisite than the rest, as well as its clients, the atmosphere and the general vibe.
Highest quality of products are a standard either in their restaurant and in their pintxo bar.
Oysters, mushrooms with slow cooked egg, chill peppers, monkfish and prawn brochette, etc. It just feels like starving while writing this!
And their cellar is quite espectacular with choices for the most exquisites.
50 locals recommend
Ganbara
21 San Jeronimo KaleaGanbara has a formal touch compared to the rest of the places, probably more elegant and exquisite than the rest, as well as its clients, the atmosphere and the general vibe.
Highest quality of products are a standard either in their restaurant and in their pintxo bar.
Oysters, mushrooms with slow cooked egg, chill peppers, monkfish and prawn brochette, etc. It just feels like starving while writing this!
And their cellar is quite espectacular with choices for the most exquisites.
Best cold meat in town by far. Jamón ibérico, jamón de bellota, lomo ibérico, a variety of chorizos, etc. And of course they also have the typical pintxos and dishes that are common in the rest of the places. The decoration of the place won´t let you indifferent at all.
41 locals recommend
LA CEPA
7 31 de Agosto KaleaBest cold meat in town by far. Jamón ibérico, jamón de bellota, lomo ibérico, a variety of chorizos, etc. And of course they also have the typical pintxos and dishes that are common in the rest of the places. The decoration of the place won´t let you indifferent at all.
This is 'The Place' for seafood/shellfish lovers. Perfectly located in front of the docks of the tiny harbour and with splendid views to the seafront from their cosy terrace, Mariñela is a gem for its delicious simply grilled (following the traditional basquefish and seafood plates. Good place to taste the local basque wine called 'Txakoli'
9 locals recommend
Mariñela-Igeldo
15 P.º del MuelleThis is 'The Place' for seafood/shellfish lovers. Perfectly located in front of the docks of the tiny harbour and with splendid views to the seafront from their cosy terrace, Mariñela is a gem for its delicious simply grilled (following the traditional basquefish and seafood plates. Good place to taste the local basque wine called 'Txakoli'
Located in an antique family house reconverted into a restaurant and out of the busiest areas of the city, it features one of the best terraces in town. It's cuisine is loyal to the basque tradition with very high standards on either grilled meats and/or seafood. Take a look on their expense menu and feel suddenly starving!
31 locals recommend
Restaurante Zelai Txiki
79 Rodil kaleaLocated in an antique family house reconverted into a restaurant and out of the busiest areas of the city, it features one of the best terraces in town. It's cuisine is loyal to the basque tradition with very high standards on either grilled meats and/or seafood. Take a look on their expense menu and feel suddenly starving!
Akelare
56 Padre Orkolaga IbilbideaRekondo
57 Igeldo PasealekuaBar Zeruko
11 Arrandegi KaleaCasa Valles
10 Reyes Catolicos KaleaZazpi
1 Plaza ZuloagaLa Rampa
26-27 Kaiko PasealekuaArzak
273 Alcalde J. Elosegi HiribideaLa Viña
3 31 de Agosto KaleaTopa Sukaldería
7 Agirre Miramon KaleaBar Txepetxa
5 Arrandegi KaleaGalerna Jan Edan Jatetxea
46 Kolon PasealekuaBotanika
8 Gernikako Arbola PasealekuaCASA CÁMARA
79 Donibane KaleaBar Astelena
1 Iñigo KaleaAtari Gastroleku
18 C. MayorGoiz-Argi
4 Fermin Calbeton KaleaPaco Bueno
6 C. MayorCasa Urola
20 Fermin Calbeton Kalea*** For some reason that we ignore, both the name of the bar as a tittle and the picture are wrong. Instead, look for a place called 'Gorriti Taberna'***
This is our favourite by far among all pintxo bars in town. Food quality and variety are top, croquetas, a range of omelettes, marinated seafood, jamón, etc.
Still preserves and old school touch and keeps free from modernity. Local customers are majority, people who's been going there for so many years thus you'll find the real pinxto culture. And the music is unexpected and amazing! Undoubtedly, we'd start any pintxo experience/tour from Gorriti.
13 locals recommend
Bar Korneer
3 San Juan Kalea*** For some reason that we ignore, both the name of the bar as a tittle and the picture are wrong. Instead, look for a place called 'Gorriti Taberna'***
This is our favourite by far among all pintxo bars in town. Food quality and variety are top, croquetas, a range of omelettes, marinated seafood, jamón, etc.
Still preserves and old school touch and keeps free from modernity. Local customers are majority, people who's been going there for so many years thus you'll find the real pinxto culture. And the music is unexpected and amazing! Undoubtedly, we'd start any pintxo experience/tour from Gorriti.
Geralds Bar
13 Iparragirre KaleaManojo
Kofradia - Itsas Etxea
1 Kaimingaintxo PlazaBells taberna
Sagardotegia Iruin
12 Petritza BideaDrinks & Nightlife
Tiny little bar in one of the most spectacular corners in the old town, right at the feet of Monte Urgüll and facing the entire bay of La Concha, the island of Santa Clara, the old harbour.
Since it is a bit out of the mainstream streets, you're very likely to be surrounded by locals. Not a place for fancy cocktails but for great beers, wines, gin & tonics ...
Their musical ranges oscillates from classic and contemporary rock & roll, rhythm and blues, funk, pop ...
21 locals recommend
Akerbeltz
19 Mari KaleaTiny little bar in one of the most spectacular corners in the old town, right at the feet of Monte Urgüll and facing the entire bay of La Concha, the island of Santa Clara, the old harbour.
Since it is a bit out of the mainstream streets, you're very likely to be surrounded by locals. Not a place for fancy cocktails but for great beers, wines, gin & tonics ...
Their musical ranges oscillates from classic and contemporary rock & roll, rhythm and blues, funk, pop ...
We go very often to Pokhara, for afterwork drinks, when going out at night, for after lunch coffee and/or even during the morning. It always works!
Located in one of the most charming corners in town and out of the main touristic routes, it features a very pleasant decoration with many details even if it is quite cosy.
Very good vibe at all times, they offer a good selection of music (contemporary pop & electronic) during all day long and a very interesting program of local dh's during weekends. A must in San Sebastian nightlife.
15 locals recommend
Pokhara
1 Sànchez Toca KaleaWe go very often to Pokhara, for afterwork drinks, when going out at night, for after lunch coffee and/or even during the morning. It always works!
Located in one of the most charming corners in town and out of the main touristic routes, it features a very pleasant decoration with many details even if it is quite cosy.
Very good vibe at all times, they offer a good selection of music (contemporary pop & electronic) during all day long and a very interesting program of local dh's during weekends. A must in San Sebastian nightlife.
Our favorite bar in town and one of the oldest one with more than a century of history. I (Jon) use to work there when I was in university and that's also a reason why this is a place we love so much.
The decoration is classy and beautiful, specially their large and precious alpaca bar. Very frequented by locals, go and taste one of the bests Gin & Tonics in town. They offer a quite large variety of drinks anyway and great selection of music (specially 80's & 90's pop-rock)
16 locals recommend
El Nido
13 Larramendi KaleaOur favorite bar in town and one of the oldest one with more than a century of history. I (Jon) use to work there when I was in university and that's also a reason why this is a place we love so much.
The decoration is classy and beautiful, specially their large and precious alpaca bar. Very frequented by locals, go and taste one of the bests Gin & Tonics in town. They offer a quite large variety of drinks anyway and great selection of music (specially 80's & 90's pop-rock)
Baga Biga Faktoria
8 Ramón María Lili PasealekuaLa Bodeguilla
3 Easo PlazaVictoria Café
S/N República Argentina KaleaGU San Sebastian
9 Ijentea KaleaUdaberri
8 Larramendi KaleaTaba
46 Mandasko Dukearen PasealekuaLe Bukowski
18 Egia KaleaEtxekalte
11 Mari KaleaTánger
12 Okendo KaleaKoh Tao
2 Bengoetxea KaleaChiringuito de la isla Santa Clara
Five young friends refurbished and old billiard hall into a concert hall/nightclub with so much success. Close from city centre but far enough to make you feel you're in another city. They offer a very balanced and eclectic program of live concerts and live dj's during all week long. But also they do organize expo's, markets, exhibitions, etc. Have a drink on their terrace in front of the train rails.
55 locals recommend
Dabadaba
8 Mundaitz KaleaFive young friends refurbished and old billiard hall into a concert hall/nightclub with so much success. Close from city centre but far enough to make you feel you're in another city. They offer a very balanced and eclectic program of live concerts and live dj's during all week long. But also they do organize expo's, markets, exhibitions, etc. Have a drink on their terrace in front of the train rails.
BAR
2W Subida CastilloMonpas taberna
10 Paseo de José Miguel BarandiaránSightseeing
The city was burnt down more than two centuries ago as a fatal consequence of the War of Spanish Independence, being 'Calle 31 de agosto', the only street in town which survived the fires. Consequently, it's the oldest street in town, in between the two oldest churches in town too. Each 31st of August locals remember that horror day with a touching ceremony coming down from 'Monte Urgüll'. You'll find so much of the history of the city among the stone facades of the street. Full of pinto bars & restaurants, it is one of the main hotspots of the Old Town.
35 locals recommend
31 de Agosto Kalea
31 de Agosto KaleaThe city was burnt down more than two centuries ago as a fatal consequence of the War of Spanish Independence, being 'Calle 31 de agosto', the only street in town which survived the fires. Consequently, it's the oldest street in town, in between the two oldest churches in town too. Each 31st of August locals remember that horror day with a touching ceremony coming down from 'Monte Urgüll'. You'll find so much of the history of the city among the stone facades of the street. Full of pinto bars & restaurants, it is one of the main hotspots of the Old Town.
A collection of three steel sculptures on the cliff at the western end of La concha Bay, as a dialogue of the surrounding nature, by local iconic artist Eduardo Chillida. In addition, a viewing area was created on the nearby that includes wave-driven outlets for air and water.
151 locals recommend
Comb of the Wind
s/n Eduardo Chillida PasealekuaA collection of three steel sculptures on the cliff at the western end of La concha Bay, as a dialogue of the surrounding nature, by local iconic artist Eduardo Chillida. In addition, a viewing area was created on the nearby that includes wave-driven outlets for air and water.
Parque de Atracciones Monte Igueldo
183 Igeldo IbilbideaUrgull
8 Calle de Euskal HerriaConstrucción Vacía (Eraikuntza Hutsa)
Pasealeku BerriaPaloma de la paz
Miramar Palace
48 Paseo MiraconchaFunicular Monte Igueldo
4 Funikular PlazaParks & Nature
In the area of Egia, find this urban park of 95.000 m2 which follows the British tradition. It features the 'Palacio de Duque de Mandas', as a tribute to the duke of Mandas, who at his death, donated the entire park to the city for its public use. Currently the building is used for environmental research.
There is two elevated platforms at the south and southwest of the park that connects the park with the southern neighborhoods of the city.
56 locals recommend
Kristinaenea
66 Mandasko Dukearen PasealekuaIn the area of Egia, find this urban park of 95.000 m2 which follows the British tradition. It features the 'Palacio de Duque de Mandas', as a tribute to the duke of Mandas, who at his death, donated the entire park to the city for its public use. Currently the building is used for environmental research.
There is two elevated platforms at the south and southwest of the park that connects the park with the southern neighborhoods of the city.
The Bay of La Concha and its beaches are worldwide recognized but there you go a spot that not even many locals know. Behind the cliffs of Monte Igeldo, there's an interesting and a bit demanding hike to reach the cove. Full of big rocks, having a swim is only recommendable when there's no waves and the sea is totally in calm. Please make sure that you take care of yourself anyway. It is very uncommon to meet other people over there, however in summer there can be other hiker with the same plan and itinerary as you! Sometimes there is also people practicing nudism, in fact it is an ideal place for that.
Tximistarri Bidea
Tximistarri BideaThe Bay of La Concha and its beaches are worldwide recognized but there you go a spot that not even many locals know. Behind the cliffs of Monte Igeldo, there's an interesting and a bit demanding hike to reach the cove. Full of big rocks, having a swim is only recommendable when there's no waves and the sea is totally in calm. Please make sure that you take care of yourself anyway. It is very uncommon to meet other people over there, however in summer there can be other hiker with the same plan and itinerary as you! Sometimes there is also people practicing nudism, in fact it is an ideal place for that.
Aquarium de San Sebastián
Pasealeku Berria
Pasealeku BerriaAiete Park
76 Morlans PasealekuaMonte Ulia
309 Ulia PasealekuaArts & Culture
Tabacalera is a contemporary cultural centre in a huge antique building which was previously used as a massive tobacco factory.
Its main purposes are to promote local artists production and also to offer and interesting and diverse cultural program.
There's a variety of cultural labs, expositions, a cinema hall, a concert hall, a bookshop, a library, a very nice coffee shop, food outlets, and an outstanding terrace with breathtaking views of the city on the fourth level.
139 locals recommend
Tabakalera
1 Pl. de las CigarrerasTabacalera is a contemporary cultural centre in a huge antique building which was previously used as a massive tobacco factory.
Its main purposes are to promote local artists production and also to offer and interesting and diverse cultural program.
There's a variety of cultural labs, expositions, a cinema hall, a concert hall, a bookshop, a library, a very nice coffee shop, food outlets, and an outstanding terrace with breathtaking views of the city on the fourth level.
San Telmo Museoa
1 Plaza ZuloagaChillida-Leku
66 Jauregi BailaraEuskal Itsas Museoa
24 P.º del MuelleKAXILDA
2 Arroka KaleaTobacco Days Liburudenda
7 Secundino Esnaola KaleaVictoria Eugenia Theatre
Antzoki Zaharra
3 Kale nagusiaKursaal
1 Zurriola HiribideaShopping
Featuring a neoclassical style, the building of Mercado de la Bretxa was finished in 1870. On the western side of the building (outside), farmers from the countryside offer fresh products and veggies on their colorful stands. In the inside, head downstairs to find a variety of stands/shops with the best local products. There's a LIDL, a budget supermarket for daily shopping.
53 locals recommend
Mercado de la Bretxa
3 Boulevard ZumardiaFeaturing a neoclassical style, the building of Mercado de la Bretxa was finished in 1870. On the western side of the building (outside), farmers from the countryside offer fresh products and veggies on their colorful stands. In the inside, head downstairs to find a variety of stands/shops with the best local products. There's a LIDL, a budget supermarket for daily shopping.
This is a lovely niche perfumery in the heart of the city with a wide selection of exclusive perfume, make up, cosmetics and candles/fragancies for home.
In fact, we do buy here mikados and fragrances for our apartments, as well as perfumes for ourselves.
The owners Maddalen and Eva take great care and time for each customer until they find the product that really matches the needs of any client.
9 locals recommend
Hunky Dory Laboratory
1 Zaragoza PlazaThis is a lovely niche perfumery in the heart of the city with a wide selection of exclusive perfume, make up, cosmetics and candles/fragancies for home.
In fact, we do buy here mikados and fragrances for our apartments, as well as perfumes for ourselves.
The owners Maddalen and Eva take great care and time for each customer until they find the product that really matches the needs of any client.
Dela
7 Reyes Catolicos KaleaLOREAK
27 Hernani KaleaMANILA SHOP SAN SEBASTIÁN
10 Hondarribia KaleaThe Bohemian Shop
N1 Iñigo KaleaSombrerería Leclercq
18 Narrika KaleaDonosti
2 De Bilbao PlazaPukas Surf Shop San Sebastian
5 C. MayorEssentials
It takes around 10 minutes walk from home but even though there's supermarkets closer, we believe it is worth it to spend some extra time to do shopping in this supermarket.
Moreover, it is in the same building as Mercado San Martin, thus you are sure you will not miss anything you may need.
Their supermarkets offer the best products, the best displays, they are so clean and organized and they also can take your bags back home in real short notice.
33 locals recommend
SUPER AMARA San Martín
9 Urbieta KaleaIt takes around 10 minutes walk from home but even though there's supermarkets closer, we believe it is worth it to spend some extra time to do shopping in this supermarket.
Moreover, it is in the same building as Mercado San Martin, thus you are sure you will not miss anything you may need.
Their supermarkets offer the best products, the best displays, they are so clean and organized and they also can take your bags back home in real short notice.
Udaltzaingoa Guardia Municipal
1 Morlans PasealekuaFarmacia Alberdi Álvarez
11 Narrika KaleaFarmacia Álvaro Cremades
23 Narrika KaleaBM Supermercados
Solbes Aldamar
4 Aldamar KaleaPolicía Nacional
17 Urumea PasealekuaSan Sebastian City Hall
1 Ijentea KaleaEdificio de Correos
7 Urdaneta KaleaSan Sebastian Tourism
8 Alameda del Blvd.