Few cities in the world live and breathe gastronomy like San Sebastián. Cradled between rolling green mountains and the wild Cantabrian Sea, this Basque gem blends Michelin-starred innovation with the soul of time-honored pintxo traditions. Whether you’re drawn to rustic charm or haute cuisine, our editors at THL Tables have curated the must-visit restaurants in San Sebastián—each one an essential stop on any culinary pilgrimage.

Bertakoteka

Address: Calle Prim 20, 20006 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain

A newcomer with the confidence of an old soul, Bertakoteka celebrates the roots of Basque produce through a modern, minimalist lens. Expect line-caught fish, house-fermented vegetables, and an ever-evolving seasonal menu that pays homage to the land and sea. The stripped-back design and soft lighting make it a sanctuary for ingredient-driven creativity—fresh, honest, and distinctly of its place.

Best for: Modern Basque cuisine and design-forward dining.

Casa Cámara

Address: Calle San Juan 5, Pasajes San Juan (Pasaia), Gipuzkoa, Spain

Just across the bay from San Sebastián, Casa Cámara is a legendary seafood restaurant with a history as deep as the waters it overlooks. The menu reads like a love letter to the ocean—grilled spider crab, lobster from the tanks, and turbot kissed by the grill’s embers. Its terrace floats above the harbor, where sea breezes and fine txakoli complete one of the Basque coast’s most unforgettable lunches.

Best for: Classic Basque seafood and seaside dining.

Egosari

Address: Calle Fermín Calbetón 15, Parte Vieja, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain

In the bustling heart of the Old Town, Egosari is where locals and travelers come together for authentic Basque pintxos and flame-grilled specialties. The atmosphere hums with the rhythm of Donostia—grill smoke, laughter, and the aroma of seared txuleta. This is comfort food at its most genuine, a place that feels like it’s been here forever because it should be.

Best for: Pintxo hopping and traditional Basque flavors.

La Cuchara de San Telmo

Address: Calle 31 de Agosto 28, Parte Vieja, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain

Small, packed, and perpetually buzzing, La Cuchara de San Telmo is an institution among San Sebastián’s pintxo bars. Its open kitchen turns out exquisite small plates—slow-cooked veal cheek, seared foie gras, pork belly with apple puree—each one a burst of flavor and precision. There are no reservations and no pretense, just culinary perfection served one bite at a time.

Best for: Iconic pintxos and the city’s vibrant dining culture.

Rekondo

Address: Paseo de Igueldo 57, 20008 San Sebastián, Spain

Rekondo is a Basque dining legend and one of Europe’s great wine restaurants. Overlooking La Concha Bay, it pairs soulful, traditional dishes with an extraordinary cellar of more than 100,000 bottles. The roast lamb shoulder with aged Rioja has achieved near-mythic status among gourmands, but every dish is steeped in quiet mastery and heritage.

Best for: Wine lovers and classic Basque gastronomy.

Ganbara

Address: Calle San Jerónimo 19, Parte Vieja, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain

At Ganbara, fine dining and family warmth converge beneath the vaulted stone arches of the Old Town. Their mushroom and egg yolk pintxo is legendary, as is the family’s devotion to showcasing the region’s finest seasonal ingredients—truffles, wild mushrooms, and gleaming seafood. This is the Basque table at its most intimate and genuine.

Best for: Seasonal pintxos and local hospitality.

La Viña

Address: Calle 31 de Agosto 3, Parte Vieja, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain

The name La Viña is synonymous with the world-famous Basque cheesecake—creamy, caramelized, and endlessly imitated. What began as a humble family bar has become a global culinary landmark. Order a slice fresh from the oven with a glass of txakoli and understand why this dessert has become part of San Sebastián’s identity.

Best for: Dessert lovers and culinary pilgrims.

Amelia by Paulo Airaudo

Address: Calle Prim 19, 20006 San Sebastián, Spain

With two Michelin stars, Amelia by Paulo Airaudo embodies the future of San Sebastián’s fine dining scene. Chef Airaudo’s tasting menus traverse continents while staying rooted in Basque emotion and precision. Each plate is a composition of artistry and intention, offering a masterclass in modern gastronomy that remains deeply personal.

Best for: Michelin-starred tasting menus and contemporary elegance.

Where Passion Meets Perfection

San Sebastián remains one of Europe’s most magnetic dining destinations—a city where passion, produce, and precision collide. From the smoky bars of the Parte Vieja to sleek Michelin-starred sanctuaries overlooking the sea, these THL Tables Picks reveal the culinary heart of the Basque Country, one extraordinary bite at a time.