We visited San Sebastian (Donostia), Spain in 2017 and have some reviews for more casual restaurants in this review. If you are a foodie, you definitely need to visit this beautiful area. Also checkout our reviews of legendary gastronomy temples: Arzak Martín Berasategui What are Pintxos? San Sebastian is notorious for this fun way to eat! Think of it as a buffet spread that you can pick from. Pintxos are small snacks eaten in bars or taverns. One of the ‘novelties’ of pintxos is that you don’t order, you take it from the counter. It’s a bit of fun to order wine or beer and just start nibbling at what you see on the bar. You then normally just tell them at the end how many you’ve had and the barman will charge you accordingly. Some use toothpicks to tally the bill. A typical snack of the Basque Country, “pinchos” consist of small slices of bread upon which an ingredient or mixture of ingredients is placed and fastened with a toothpick, which gives the food its name “pincho”, meaning “spike.” Places to get Pintxos and other food in San Sebastian   atari gastroteka Calle Mayor, 18 20013 San Sebastián Guipúzcoa, Spain TripAdvisor 4.5 out of 5 […]

This post originally from San Sebastian, Spain Pintxos Reviews

Some call this place the Best in the world! San Sebastian is teeming with Michelin Stars, some of the higher number in one area.  We chose two 3 star restaurants for our trip, Arzak and Martín Berasategui. This was primarily driven from research and recommendations from others.  Mugaritz was one 3 star restaurant that many people discouraged us from dining at. Arzak is a legendary 3 Michelin star foodie outpost run by a Father – Daughter team.  Just outside of San Sebastian, about 10 minutes from city center.  Elena Arzak was very cordial, welcoming us during the meal and said goodbye as we were leaving. Keep in mind: you need to reserve well in advance and probably build your plans around the booking!  Decor More on the modern side with lots of abstract pictures and glasses in the dining rooms. The restaurant was clearly filled with well-heeled foodies and wine fans. We did not have enough time for the tasting menu, instead we opted for 3-4 half sided courses.  These do come with several Amuse Bouches and a round of Petit Fours. The food at Arzak was definitely deserving of 3 stars.  The food was innovative, cooked well, and […]

This post originally from Arzak Review, San Sebastian, Spain

One of the Best Meals We’ve ever had! In Lasarte-Oria(Gipuzkoa) about 15 minutes from foodie heaven San Sebastian, Spain, Martín Berasategui has been awarded three Michelin stars since 2001. Most people think about Arzak or Mugaritz, but you need to dine HERE! The chef holds eight stars in total, more than any other Spanish chef with many restaurants around the world.  He has 3 stars at this restaurant, 3 stars in Barcelona at Restaurante Lasarte, and 2 stars in the Canary Islands. Martín Berasategui’s decor was modern, elegant and understated.  The tables are well spaced to give a sense of privacy and decorated with beautiful orchids.  They even have handbag pedestals at each table. You can make reservations online in English.  You confirm the reservations by clicking on a link in email. Really easy! Menu: The Great Tasting Menu is priced pretty reasonably at 225€ for a 3 Michelin star restaurant. Several places are more expensive in the San Francisco area. This changes from time to time, with the menu showing the year that many items were added, an interesting detail we have not seen before. You can order 1/2 portions of the fish courses and meat entrees, very handy because this are […]

This post originally from Martín Berasategui Review, San Sebastian, Spain

Where the locals go in San Sebastian! Mercado laBretxa, San Sebastian is a food market in the old town of San Sebastian where mostly locals go to do their everyday shopping. The market is not very large and focuses on locals. There is not a lot of ready to eat food or Restaurants, unlike the other main market. There is a Lidl supermarket attached to the complex. It has some super cheap prices on items from bread to jamon to wine. Jamon shops Fruit stands with juices Seafood stalls Any other tips?

This post originally from Mercado laBretxa, San Sebastian