San Sebastian Food Guide: 12 Must-Try Basque Dishes And Culinary Experiences

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San Sebastian, the food capital of Spain, is a culinary jewel in northern Spain.

San Sebastian food is famous worldwide for pintxos or Basque tapas and a high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants.

Our trip to the Basque country was to learn about San Sebastian traditional food and what makes it so renowned.

In our detailed San Sebastian food guide, discover the foods, drinks, and culinary experiences not to miss.

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Top San Sebastian Foods Not To Miss

1. Gilda – Anchovies, Olive, and Pickled Guindilla Pepper Pintxos

Gilda Pintxos San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
The most iconic San Sebastian pintxo

No visit to San Sebastian would be complete without mention of the pintxo “Gilda.” 

Salty, melt-in-the-mouth anchovies are combined with green olives and olive oil-soaked spicy pickled guindilla peppers.

It’s said that Gilda may be the first official Basque pintxo. 

This famous Gilda pintxo can be found in almost all pintxos bars throughout the Basque Country. 

The story goes that this pintxo was first created in the 1940s by a group of two brothers in Bar Casa Vallés in San Sebastián.

A regular customer is said to have coined the pintxos, naming it after the 1946 film, which starred Rita Hayworth as the spicy, salty “Gilda.”

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: To sample many pintxos at once without having to fight the crowd, we took a pintxos food tour with Devour Tours. Check our full review here: Pintxos Paradise: The Most Epic San Sebastian Pintxos Tour To Take 

2. Bonito del Norte or Hegaluzea – White Tuna

White Tuna San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Albacore tuna caught in the Cantabrian Sea

White tuna, locally known as bonito, is a beloved San Sebastian food. Not every tuna is “tuna,” and the one found in San Sebastian is caught in the Cantabrian Sea.

The fish are caught using traditional fishing methods with high respect for the fish, yielding the highest quality Basque tuna.

Throughout the Basque country, you’ll find bonito or tuna in a variety of dishes, from pintxos to main meals.

The best bonito experience is when the tuna is in season and at its freshest. The tuna season usually starts in the middle of July and ends when the quota is met.

During this time, you will eat some of the most delicious San Sebastian food made with tuna in creative ways.  

3. Mejillones – Fresh Mussels

Mejillones Tigres Fresh Mussels San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Spicy Mejillones Tigres

San Sebastian is home to some of Spain’s freshest and best seafood, and fresh mussels are part of the delicacies.

Mussels are served in a variety of different styles with different flavors. Two particular local favorites are Mejillones Vinagreta and Mejillones Tigres.

The Mejillones Vinagreta combine mussels with a vinaigrette and diced onions.

The Mejillones Tigres, also known as spicy mussels, are loaded with a spicy red sauce.

Mejillones Fresh Mussels San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Delicious Mejillones Vinagreta

We savored these two particular mussel styles on a San Sebastian food tour. I preferred the vinagreta style while Claire devoured the tigres spicy mussels.

Even though mussels are a staple of San Sebastián food throughout the year, the best is having them while in season.

Mussel season in the Basque Country typically runs from July through to February of the next year.

RELATED: 10 Best Food Tours in San Sebastian for a Gastronomy Feast

4. Kokotxa Al Pil Pil – Cheeks of Hake or Cod Fish 

Kokotxa Al Pil Pil San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Fresh Hake fish cheeks at the market

Kokotxa is a Basque word that refers to Hake cheeks. No matter where you are in San Sebastian, you are guaranteed to see “Kokotx” on the menu.

This delicacy is located in the lower part of the hake’s chin. The fish cheeks are delicately removed, and this is one of the most exquisite pieces of the fish.

Hake fish cheeks are used widely in Basque cuisine. The flesh is very sweet and delicate. It’s soft and gelatinous in texture and melts in the mouth. 

You will also find cod fish as a popular alternative to hake fish called Kokotxa de Bacalao.

Kokotxa is usually prepared with a salsa verde or green sauce called Pil Pil. While other popular recipes usually prepare it sauteed with olive oil. 

Hake is one of the most popular fish in Spain, and the Basque country is considered home to some of the best hake recipes.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: We learned to make this traditional dish with cod fish in a cooking class in San Sebastian. Focusing on Basque cuisine, we made four local dishes and  paired them with various Basque wines. You can read more about our experience here:  Top Cooking Class in San Sebastian to Taste Basque Flavors.

5. Piparras – Guindilla Peppers

Piparras San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Lightly fried Guindilla peppers

Guindilla peppers are tiny, semi-sweet peppers from the Basque country. They are also used in the Gilda pintxos.

Also known as Guindillas la Vasca, they are long, slim, and yellow-green in color. 

The flesh is thin and tender and has a spicy-sweet flavor with mild to moderate heat. 

Guindilla peppers are typically used to add flavor and heat to a range of San Sebastian food. You’ll no doubt enjoy them in pintxos bars around the city.

One of the ways we enjoyed them was lightly fried and topped with a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt.

These peppers are a highly prized and a star ingredient in Basque cooking. 

Piparras are abundant from July onwards and must be savored on your San Sebastian travels.

Another option is to try Guindilla peppers at home when you order them from Amazon.

6. Txuleta or Chuleta – Basque Steak

Txuleta Basque Steak San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Txuleta pintxo-style

Txuleta (pronounced chuletah) is a Basque steak to behold

Also known as Txuleton, this is one of the most sought-after cuts of beef that originated in the Basque country.

Prized for its rich depth of flavor and increased marbling, this aged grass-fed beef is typically served rare and by the kilo.

The meat comes from more mature cows, typically over eight years old. By contrast, American beef comes from cows slaughtered between 18 and 24 months. 

In San Sebastián, you’ll find Txuleta at the city’s best restaurants, pintxos bars, and Basque cider houses.

The Txuleta started in the nearby Astigarraga village, where Basque farmers would traditionally exchange their beef for cider.

The Txuleton steak is massive and is best enjoyed in a group. It is traditionally cooked over a charcoal fire and is incredibly delicious.

Head to a Basque cider house when in Donostia San Sebastian and be prepared for a trip to “steak heaven.”

7. Idiazabal Cheese

Gaztagune Cheese Shop by Authentic Food Quest
Buttery, nutty flavored cheese

Idiazabal cheese is the most famous cheese from the Basque country.

It is a hard, unpasteurized sheep’s milk cheese that comes from the raw milk of the Latxa or Carranza breed of sheep. 

Idiazabal cheese is pale yellow in color, with an aromatic, sweet scent and a buttery, nutty flavor.

A distinctive and aromatic hard cheese, Idiázabal was awarded the prestigious Spanish D.O. or Denominacion de Origen in 1987.

This sheep’s cheese gets its name from the village of Idiazabal. If your travels take you to northern Spain, you can hike the Idiazábal Cheese Trail.

You’ll have a chance to visit where the sheep graze, see where the cheese is made, and the local markets selling the different varieties.

Throughout San Sebastian and the region, you’ll find Idiazabal cheese used in a variety of ways. 

From eaten raw on cheese boards to pintxos and dishes, this sheep cheese is an integral part of Basque cuisine.

To savor the flavors of Idiazabal cheese, order it online and enjoy it with a glass of Spanish wine.

8. San Sebastian Cheesecake or Basque Burnt Cheesecake

San Sebastian Cheesecake San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Homemade Basque cheesecake in cooking class

While not a traditional Basque dish, the famous Basque cheesecake was propelled into popularity in the 1980s by a journalist.

The cheesecake was originally created at La Viña restaurant in San Sebastian by two brothers and their wives in 1959. 

Today, the burnt Basque cheesecake is a dessert you’ll find throughout Donostia San Sebastian.

It’s a creamy and smooth dessert that is also light at the same time. It’s made with only five ingredients, including cream cheese, eggs, cream, sugar, and flour.

The center is custard-like and smooth in texture, while the crust is burned to a brown flaky top.

We learned to make this typical Basque dessert in a San Sebastian cooking class, and instead of cream cheese, we used Idiazabal cheese instead. Absolutely divine!

Pastry chefs in San Sebastian have become quite creative with the Basque burnt cheesecake, and whatever version you’ll have, it will be splendid.

9. Panxineta or Panchineta – Puff Pastry and Almonds Cake

Panxineta Panchineta San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Star dessert in San Sebastian

Panchineta is a classic San Sebastian dessert we were glad to have discovered.

It’s a delightful puff pastry with a custard cream center and topped with toasted almonds.

Expecting the dessert to be sugary, we were pleasantly surprised that it was not too sweet.

This typical dessert has been made in the city for over 80 years with a secret recipe passed down through generations.

The best place to try it in San Sebastian is at Casa Otaegui, a renowned bakery that dates back to 1886.

10. Gâteau Basque – Basque Cake

Gâteau Basque San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Gateaux Basque with melting pastry cream

The Basque region is made up of seven provinces found in both Spain and France.

Despite straddling two countries, the Basque Country on both sides share the same language, culture, and traditions from long before the borders were defined.

Gâteau Basque or Basque cake originated from the French Basque region and is enjoyed on both sides of the border.

It is sort of like an enclosed cake where a flaky crust surrounds a smooth custard-like pastry cream and is baked to golden brown perfection.

Every family has their own recipe. While the traditional recipe uses pastry cream, you’ll find some version with black cherry or almond cream.

The Basque cake is a cultural and culinary symbol of the Basque region and is unmissable on your trip to northern Spain. 

11. Sagardoa or Sidra – Basque Cider

Sagardoa Sidra San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Sidra produced at local cider houses

The cultivation of apples in the Basque country dates back centuries, though the origins of the apples are unclear.

The cider, known as Sagardoa, is made from fermented apple juice using traditional methods. 

In taste, Basque cider is dry and tart due to the local apple varieties, which have a high acidity level.

From mid-January to the end of April, the “Txotx” (pronounced”‘choach”) ritual begins.  

Basque family and friends gather at cider houses to taste the new season’s cider before bottling.

Along with the crisp and refreshing cider, a traditional menu consisting of cod, beef, nuts, cheese, and quince jelly.

Some cider houses are open year-long, where you can enjoy this unique dining experience.

Visiting a cider house is one of the most unique experiences we enjoyed in San Sebastian.

12. Txakoli, Txakolina or Chacoli – Iconic Basque Wine

Txakolina Wine San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Iconic white wine

Txakoli is a beloved Basque country local white wine. It’s a slightly sparkling white wine made from the local hondarrabi zuri grape variety.

The wine is pale yellow in color, with the aromas and flavors of citrus and herbs. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the wine is the way in which it is poured.

In keeping with Basque tradition, the wine is poured from a great height into tall, flat-bottomed glasses. 

This helps to create the effervescence light bubbles that enliven the wine’s fresh, fruity, slightly acidic taste.

Easy to drink with an alcohol level of about  10.5 to 11.5 percent, we enjoyed Txakoli with everything from pintxos to meals.

There are plenty of local producers, primarily found in the coastal provinces of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia.

The town of Getaria, easily accessible from San Sebastian, is known for fishing and vineyards that produce Txakolí Basque wine. In 1994, the town was given its Denominación de Origen for Txakolina DO. 

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you would like to learn more about Txakolí and visit the vineyards in Getaria, consider taking a wine tour. This Txakolí wine tour from San Sebastian takes you to two Txakolí-producing coastal towns to learn about the wines. At a Getaria winery, you will dive into the production method and taste three different kinds of Txakolí, paired with pintxos. With transportation provided, this half-day tour will be one of the highlights of your trip.

San Sebastian Culinary Experiences To Explore

1. Go on a Pintxos Crawl

Gandarias San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Txuleta pintxos is their specialty

Pintxos, invented in San Sebastian, is the city’s most famous food. 

There are more than 200 colorful pintxos bars selling these creative little bites or Basque tapas.

With so many options and places to choose from, we offer a few tips to guide your diy pintxos crawl.

When to go: Go early when the pintxos open to avoid a crowd. Most bars open at about 6:00 pm. Monday is a quieter day, but some San Sebastian pintxos bars are closed.

How to order: Elbow your way to the bar to place your order. If the pintxos bar is busy, you’ll be required to pay when you place your order. If it’s a casual or local bar, you can pay after your meal.

When at the bar, wait to get served and find a seat if you can. You’ll most likely be standing, so be prepared for that.

Pintxos Crawl San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Taste the best pintxos in San Sebastian

Insider tip: Start with the cold pintxos if you’re really hungry. Choose the freshest-looking ones and then move on to order the warm ones. Order a drink to enjoy as you eat pintxos.

Every pintxos bar has a “star pintxos,” to know what it is, see what the locals are eating, or ask at the counter. Be sure to try it. You can also use the Pintxos app to find “must-eat” San Sebastian pintxos.   

Rinse and repeat: don’t order too much at once. Try 1 or 2 pintxos in each bar and go to 4 to 5 bars for a fun and delicious pintxos do-it-yourself crawl.

Our Favorite Pintxos Bars

In Old Town – Parte Vieja
Cervecerías La Mejillonera San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
An iconic spot in San Sebastian

Txepetxa Taberna

This spot is one of the best in San Sebastian’s Old Town to enjoy Gilda and seafood pintxos.

The anchovies used in the Gilda pintxos are marinated in a special, secret sauce. Expect to find crowds at this popular pintxos bar.

Gandarias

Amongst the wide variety of pintxos, the specialty here is the Txuleta pintxos. The red meat pintxos are exceptionally prepared, and in our opinion, the best in Old Town.

Cervecerías La Mejillonera

This is a small, no-frills bar dedicated to serving only mussels, which come in a wide range of flavors and with different toppings. The bar is local, full of character, and the best place for mussel pintxos.

In Gros Hipster Neighborhood

Dish at Bar Bergara San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
One of our favorite hot pintxos at Bergara

Bergara

For San Sebastian pintxos with Michelin Star approval, head to Bergara for some of the best hot and cold pintxos. The venue is relaxed and typically very busy – you may need to share tables.

Zabaleta

This pintxos bar is worth visiting for its freshly-made Spanish tortilla pintxos, which you can also take larger pieces to go. The bacalhau or salt cod pintxos are also worth enjoying. The place has a local vibe, and it’s not as crowded as other pintxos bars.

Ricardo Tapas

This was our first pintxos bar and the most local we visited. You’ll find tasty traditional pintxos, with the shrimp and tortilla being particularly impressive. Not much English is spoken here, but the staff is very friendly.

In Antiguo Traditional Neighborhood

Drinka Bar San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
A great spot for a quick bite

Drinka

Located a short walk away from La Concha beach, this is a great spot for a quick bite. The piparras or guindilla peppers are particularly good, as are the croqueta pintxos. It can get busy at the bar, so we recommend heading to the back for a quieter table.

2. Take a Pintxos Tour

Pintxos Tour in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Unique tastings in San Sebastian’s Old Town

If you don’t want to do your own pintxos bar crawl or are short on time and want only the best pintxos, consider taking a pintxos tour.

This ultimate pintxos and wine tour with Devour Tour takes you to the heart of the local food scene in the Old Town. 

With an expert local guide, you’ll try a fascinating range of San Sebastian specialty pintxos, from traditional to modern interpretations.

We took this pintxos food tour and loved every bite of it. Diving into the local culture in a small, intimate group made it an unforgettable experience.

READ MORE: Pintxos Paradise: The Most Epic San Sebastian Pintxos Tour To Take 

3. Visit La Bretxa Market

La Bretxa in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
The most famous market in San Sebastian

Any culinary visit to San Sebastian should most definitively include a stop at the city’s most famous market.

Located in San Sebastian’s Old Town, La Bretxa Market is the most famous historic market in the city.

You’ll find local producers selling fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, and flowers to purchase outside the market.

The lower floor is full of food stalls selling local produce like olive oil, cheese, and cured meat. 

Many of the Michelin-starred restaurants in the city purchase their ingredients from La Bretxa.

There’s also an impressive fresh fish market inside the building on the lower level filled with freshly caught local fish for sale.

La Bretxa Fish Market San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
La Bretxa fresh fish market

The market’s name, “La Bretxa,” stems from the 18th century. Invading troops would try to gain access into San Sebastian through a break – or “bretxa”, in Basque,  in the walls where the market is now located. 

The market dates from 1870 and has since been refurbished. 

4. Eat at a Michelin Star Restaurant

Bodegon Alejandro in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Michelin-starred restaurant – Photo credit: Bodegón Alejandro Facebook page

San Sebastian, or Donostia, has the highest concentration of Michelin Stars worldwide. 

There are 16 Michelin stars within a 25 km (15.5 miles) radius around the capital city.

In San Sebastian, gastronomy is an art form, a hallmark of creativity, and a symbol of identity.

If you fancy treating yourself while in the area, why not consider eating at a Michelin-star restaurant?

Here are some of the Michelin-star restaurants to consider.

Top Michelin Star Restaurants

Arzak – 3-Star Michelin Restaurant
Arzak San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Arzak was next door to our apartement

Arzak, run by a father-daughter team, is one of the elite three-starred Michelin restaurants. It’s held a Michelin Star since 1974 and remains a San Sebastian institution.

Chef Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena create innovative dishes rooted in Basque culinary traditions. 

The result is delicious, high-quality food and impressive set and tasting menus. Be sure to book your reservation in advance.

Kokotxa – 1-Star Michelin Restaurant

Kokotxa San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Excellent fine dining experience in Old Town – Photo credit: Kokotxa Facebook Page

Kokotxa, a one-starred Michelin restaurant, is located in San Sebastian’s Old Town.

More reasonably priced than other Michelin-starred restaurants, Expect Basque signature dishes, artful presentations, and an Asian flair twist.

One of the unmissable plates is named after the restaurant “kokotxa.” This local delicacy, the fleshy Hake fish cheeks, is divine. 

Two tasting menus are available, and advanced reservations are recommended.

Bodegon Alejandro – Michelin Reviewed

Dish at Bodegon Alejandro San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
Delicious Iberian pork at Bodegon Alejandro

Bodegon Alejandro, a Michelin-reviewed restaurant, offers one of the most affordable tasting menus.

We had the pleasure of dining at Bodegon Alejandro and enjoyed a tasting menu with incredibly delicious dishes made with Basque seasonal ingredients.

Located in a historic building in the heart of the old town, this is one of the best restaurants that combines history and exquisite cuisine.

As Bodegon Alejandro is a popular restaurant, be sure to make your reservations in advance.

5. Taste and Stock up on the Best Serrano Ham at Zapore Jai 

Zapore Jai San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
The best cuts of ham

Some of the best ham in the world comes from Spain. There are many different types of jamón, or ham, based on the breed of the pig and how it was raised and processed.

In San Sebastian, you want to visit Zapore Jai for some of the best cuts of ham. 

This delicatessen specializes in succulent, acorn-fed Iberian ham from the best Spanish producers.

Located in San Sebastian’s Old Town, you’ll also find a range of other regional Basque specialty products.

Owners Aurkene and Silvan are knowledgeable and friendly and will guide you through the different cuts of jamón.

6. Savor Izabadial Cheese

Idiazabal Cheese San Sebastian Food by Authentic Food Quest
The star Basque cheese at Gaztagune

Cheese fans will want to include a stop at Gaztagune Cheese Shop to sample local Basque cheeses.

With Izabadial cheese being the most famous Basque cheese, you don’t want to miss taking some home with you.

At Gaztagune Cheese Shop, you’ll find different styles of Izabadial and more than 40 different artisanal cheeses.

The owner is knowledgeable and will help you sample and choose a cheese to take home and savor.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you want to go outside of San Sebastian, you can take an Idiazabal cheese tour to the rural Basque country to learn more about this iconic cheese. With pick up and drop off in San Sebastian included you’ll spend 4 hours, in an intimate group of eight, visiting a cheese farm and learning about the production of this DO cheese. You’ll sip on Basque cider with your cheese while enjoying fresh mountain air and landscapes.

7. Enjoy Traditional Basque Desserts

Casa Otaegui Pastry Place in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
“Window shopping” at Casa Otaegui

Casa Otaegui has been a cornerstone of San Sebastián since it opened in the late 19th century.

The best pastries and cakes are made every morning at this family-run bakery. A stop here is a must for anyone looking for the sweet side of San Sebastian food.

This is where the city’s favorite dessert, Panxineta or Panchineta puff pastry with almonds, was created.

The bakery also makes Basque Cake also known as Torta Vasco, or Gâteau Basque.

It’s worth visiting Casa Otaegui to try these two traditional Basque desserts.

8. Stop at La Viña For World Famous Cheesecake

La Vina San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Taste Basque burnt cheesecake at La Viña

Savoring the burnt Cheesecake, where it was first created in San Sebastian, should be on your culinary itinerary.

The original Basque burnt cheesecake was first made at La Viña, a small, family-run bar.

La Vina Restaurant in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Tasting cheesecake and a glass of wine in La Viña

La Viña is located in San Sebastian’s Old Town and is extremely popular. While the delicious whiffs of freshly baked cake will stop you, the long lines will be confirmation that you are in the right place.

Savor the burnt cheesecake while In San Sebastian and eat it like a local alongside a  glass of Pedro Ximenez sherry wine.

9. Visit the Cider Museum – Sagardoetxea or Sagardoaren Museoa

Cider Museum San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Learn about and taste different types of cider

Visiting the Cider Museum is a fascinating experience we enjoyed immensely.

While you’ll find cider everywhere in San Sebastian, we recommend visiting a Cider House and the Cider Museum to learn more about this traditional drink.

Head to the nearby town of Astigarraga, located about 30 minutes from San Sebastian.

Take the BU12/13 bus from the city center, which will drop you in Astigarraga.

From there, it’s easy to walk for 15 minutes to the museum and cider houses in Astigarraga.

At the museum, there are three areas you can visit: the apple orchard, the production demonstration area, and the tasting room. 

Guided tours are available in Basque, Spanish, English, and French and are included in the 5 euros entry cost.

The apple orchard is open-air, and you’ll discover how apples are cultivated for cider production in the Basque country.

At the end of the tour is a cider-tasting experience where you’ll learn about “Txotx” and taste three different types of cider.

10. Visit A Sideria Saragoteria or Cider House

Cider House in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Sideria Saragoteria in San Sebastian

Here are the top Cider Houses in Astigarraga and San Sebastian to check out for traditional Cider House drinks and food. 

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you want the convenience of visiting a Cider House from San Sebastian, consider taking a Basque Cider House tour with a meal included. This 4-hour experience takes you to a family-run cidery in Astigarraga, where you will learn about cider making. Tastings of cider from the barrel or “Txotxl” is also included as well as a traditional cider house meal. Dive into Basque ciders on this half-day tour from San Sebastian.

Lizeaga Cider House

Clare Rosemary at Lizeaga Cider House in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Enjoying cod omelet with cider

Open all year round, Lizeaga Cider House is easy to walk to from the museum.

From the traditional Cider House menu, the cod omelet or tortilla de bacalhau is especially renowned.

The cider is a particular highlight and famous in the region.  Lizeaga has been producing cider since the 16th century and takes pride in its history and heritage. 

Gartziategi Cider House

Gartziategi Cider House in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Known for the best txuleta beef chops

Txuleta, or Basque steak, is one of the traditional Cider House menu items. Gartziategi is known to make the best txuleta beef chops.

Go for the beef and the traditional atmosphere. The cider is delicious and produced with tradition and heritage in mind.

Zapiain Cider House

Zapiain Cider House in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Zapiain natural cider

Zapiain is one of the oldest Cider Houses and is one of the most popular brands of Basque cider. Cider-making dates as far back as the 16th century, and the commitment to excellence has continued over the years.

This was our preferred brand of Basque cider while we were in San Sebastian. At Zapiain, their natural cider is the star. Guided tours of the cider house are available, where you’ll learn about the history of Zapiain and Basque cider. 

One thing to note is that the restaurant is only open during the traditional txotx season, from January to April.

Sidreria Beharri San Sebastian Old Town

Sidreria Beharri in San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Cider pouring the traditional way

If you can’t make it outside of San Sebastian city, you can still enjoy a Cider House experience in the old town.

Sidreria Beharri serves Basque cuisine, traditional cider house food, and a range of delicious pintxos.

The vibe is not quite the same as being in Astigarraga, but the selection of cider and delicious food is extensive.

It’s worth visiting Sidreria Beharri for a cider house experience in the city.

11. Sample Basque Local Wines

Rioja Wines San Sebastian by Authentic Food Quest
Delicious Rioja wine

You will find both local white and red wines served in bars and restaurants in San Sebastian. Here are the types of wines you shouldn’t miss.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If you are a wine lover and would like to visit local wineries, consider taking a wine tour from Sebastian. This Rioja wine tour takes you to two wineries to explore these iconic wines. At each wine estate, you’ll visit the vineyards, learn about the production methods, and sample various Rioja wines. Each of the tastings are paired with small bites and local specialties. 

Txakoli Basque White Wine

Txakoli is a traditional and emblematic Basque white wine you’ll commonly find in the Basque region.

It is a light, refreshing, slightly sparkling wine grown under the appellation “Getariako Txakolina.”

As you savor classic Basque dishes, start out with Txakoli wine. This light freshness pairs exceptionally well with fresh seafood, particularly plump local anchovies.

Rioja Wines

Red wines from the Rioja wine region or La Rioja, are popular in San Sebastian.

The Rioja wine region is located less than an hour and a half from San Sebastian.

Given the close proximity, the city’s restaurants and pintxos bars serve some of the most delicious Rioja wines.

Rioja red wines pair exceptionally well with Basque Steak or Txuleta and are well worth diving deeper into these elegant and luscious red wines.

12. Get Invited to a Gastronomic Society – Basque Cooking Class at Gandaria

Basque Cooking Class at Gandaria by Authentic Food Quest
Making Spanish potato omelet

Gastronomic societies are a part of the local culture in San Sebastian. Known as “Txoko” in the Basque language, the tradition of secret food societies has existed since the 19th century.

Members of these societies will meet in the club space with a fully functioning kitchen and enjoy good food and social time together. 

The gastronomic societies are private and closed to the public. They are open only by invitation, mainly on San Sebastian Day.

One way to get exclusive access to a gastronomic society is to take a cooking class at Gandaria.

In this historic restaurant-like kitchen, we learned to make four typical Basque dishes guided by a professional chef.

We learned the secrets of how to flip the Spanish potato omelet, how to make the famous Basque cheesecake and delicious fish recipes with cod.

All the dishes were paired with local wines, including plenty of Basque cider, Txakoli, and Rioja wines.

For an insider experience in a San Sebastian gastronomic society, consider getting access through a Basque cooking class.

READ MORE: Top Cooking Class in San Sebastian to Taste Basque Flavors

FAQs – Food in Sebastian

San Sebastian traditional food by Authentic Food Quest
Sample traditional food in San Sebastian

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Why Is The Food In San Sebastian So Good?

San Sebastian food is so good because it’s made with the freshest local produce. Food is cooked seasonally and with great respect for ingredients. The city’s gastronomic culture, history, and long-established traditions help to make the food in San Sebastian so exceptional.

What Are Tapas Called In San Sebastian?

Tapas in San Sebastian go by the name of pintxos (pinchos). This kind of finger food usually comprises one or two bites. Different foods are held together by a toothpick or “pintxo.” This skewers the food, making them into the famous pintxos enjoyed throughout.

Why Is San Sebastian So Special?

San Sebastian is special for a number of reasons. As part of the Basque Country, the city has a distinct heritage and culture that it fiercely celebrates and defends. The gastronomic scene is world-renowned, and the city also benefits from its unique architecture, friendly locals, and great beaches.

Does San Sebastian Have Good Restaurants?

San Sebastian gastronomy is world-renowned. Within Europe, San Sebastian has the most Michelin-starred restaurants per capita. Pintxos bars serve excellent pintxos, which combine delicious local ingredients in seasonal fare. With its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and exceptional pintxos bars, San Sebastian has been named the food capital of Spain.

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Have you had any of these delicious San Sebastian foods? What San Sebastian food or culinary experience would you like to have in the Basque country? Please let us know in the comments below.

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San Sebastian Food Guide by Authentic Food Quest

2 Comments on “San Sebastian Food Guide: 12 Must-Try Basque Dishes And Culinary Experiences”

  1. This San Sebastian Food Guide provides a delectable journey through the rich culinary tapestry of the Basque region, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the vibrant flavors and diverse gastronomic experiences that San Sebastian has to offer. From iconic Basque dishes to unique culinary adventures, this guide is a must-read for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic and unforgettable taste of this gastronomic haven.

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