What to order in San Sebastian
When dining out in San Sebastian, you’ll need to know what to order to ensure you’re getting the best taste of local Basque country. While the majority of Spain eats tapas, in the Basque country, small plates are referred to as pintxos. Being able to order pintxos is a great way to sample several different offerings, and especially great if you’re traveling with friends.
One of the most popular pintxos in the Basque country is bolinhos de bacalhau, or fried cod fritters, which can be found on nearly every menu in town and is simply a must. Another major staple in San Sebastian dining is La gilda, a “green” skewer, usually with an olive, a pickled guindilla pepper, and an anchovy on a piece of toast. La gilda is often referred to as one of the first pintxos of the Basque Country.
You’ll also find plenty of seafood on menus throughout the city. Proteins like clams, seabream, squid, hake, baked spider crab, and even baby eels are commonly used in Basque country cuisine.
Food tours and restaurants
Because there are so many great eateries in town, it can feel overwhelming to decide where to go. For a surefire way to get the best tastes of the city, booking a food tour with Devour Tours is a great option. They offer private tours as well as a combination of sightseeing and eating, so you can customize your trip to your liking without sacrificing any of the city’s culinary offerings.
If there is one elegant restaurant you simply must try to visit, it’s got to be Mugaritz. Mugaritz is the only restaurant in San Sebastian that was voted one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants on the prestigious annual list, coming in at number 30. For more casual bites, try local hotspots such as Antonio Bar for the ultimate pintxo experience and La Viña to try the classic Basque burnt cheesecake at the place it originated. You also won’t want to miss Bar Txepetxa, solely dedicated to anchovies.
