Hello everyone, I’ll be traveling to San Sebastian & Bilbao for the first time, solo later this year. I’ve been reading about the wonderful food here for years and am really looking forward! I would appreciate some feedback on the places I’m thinking about checking out! I won’t be driving but reasonable cab rides are OK. Thanks!
San Sebastian
Pintxos: Borda Berri, Bar Nestor, Ganbara, Gandarias, La Cepa de Bernardo, Bar Sport, Txepeta, Bar Nestor, La Viña, Atari Gastroleku, La Cuchara de San Telmo
Restaurants:
Rekondo
Casa Urola
Martin Berasategui: I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews and am not sure
Casa Julian
Petritegi Sagardotegia
Bilbao
Late night, 1:00 AM’ish: NEED A PLACE
Restaurants:
Azurmendi
I’ve been trying to get a spot at Etxebarri but it does not look promising. Any suggestions for an alternative? Considering Mina, Irrintzi, Restaurante Aizian Jatetxea.
Pintxos: El Globo, La Vina del Ensanche
Any other must-visit places that I’m missing? Thank you very much!
Thank you Robert! Any dish recommendation at La Viña’s restaurant (or any of the other places)?
Re. Etxebarri, I’ve sent them requests for multiple dates but other than the automated email they send to acknowledge the request, nothing from them so far. At this point, I have no idea how does one get into that place these days If you have any suggestions, would love to hear. Thanks!
Great, thank you! I was planning to go to La Txuleteria del Iraeta and Casa Julian for Txuleta (plus, I guess it’ll be a part of the meal at Petritegi Sagardotegia). Any suggestion on which one to replace with the one at La Viña’s? Thanks!
A note on pintxos crawling in San Sebastián: Conditions on the ground are ever-changing. Check out todopintxos.com to get the latest on best bites at specific bars around town in any given week. The list is constantly being updated.
If you don’t mind a 25km trip to Getaria, the signature turbot at Elkano is worthy of the pilgrimage.
Akelarre and La Viña are still great meals.
Etxebarri used to be an easier rezzie. Now it’s easier to gain an audience with the Pope than to eat at the Asador…
Thank you! I’m not sure if I’ll be able to make it to Getaria this time around but definitely keeping Elkano in mind if I’m able to go. I few friends who’ve been highly recommended it as well!
Would you happen to have any thoughts on Martin Berasategui? People’s experiences seem to be all over the place - some say it was the best meal of their lives, others say it was really underwhelming. Can’t decide if I should try it or not, esp. given the price. Thanks!
Thank you for the suggestions! I had a delicious time in San Sebastian! I ended up going to the following places:
La Txuleteria del Iraeta: Great txuleta!
Rekondo: One of my fav meals. They were great and did half portions so that I could multiple things. Stellar wine list!
Petritegi Sagardotegia: This was a cool experience but nothing special in terms of food. I probably wouldn’t go back here.
Martin Berasategui: One of my fav. meals of 2022. I would definitely go back here.
Casa Julian: Great steak n a cool space but given the limited amount of time I was there, both this and La Txuleteria del Iraeta were too much. I should’ve just picked one in retrospect.
Azurmendi: This was good but I wouldn’t go back here.
Unfortunately Casa Urola was closed when I went but I would suggest going if you can.
I ate pintxos at Txepeta for anchovies, La Cepa, Bar Sport, Gandarias, Bar Bergara, Ganbara for spider crab tartlets, mushroom w/ eggs, kokotxas (hake cheeks), squid in ink sauce, La Viña for cheesecake, La Cuchara de San Telmo for razor clams, suckling pig, beef cheeks, Atari Gastroleku: torrija (bruleed french toast), octopus, brocheta de langostinos. Everything was great!
Unless I’m forgetting something, the ham I had at La Viña was the best I’ve ever had. According to Chef Rivera’s daughter, who was our server one night, he visits the farm and selects specific legs.
Martín Berasategui still owns his father’s old restaurant in the old section of town. It’s not a part of his larger restaurant group but has really good traditional food. Can’t remember the name off the top of my head but I’ll look it up later
If you have any suggestions, would love to hear. Thanks!