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Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
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"What's that incredible aroma?" I whispered to myself as I turned the corner into San Sebastian's Old Town. The scent of sizzling seafood and caramelized onions drifted from open doorways, mixing with the salty sea breeze and the animated chatter of locals enjoying their evening ritual. Standing there, surrounded by centuries-old buildings bathed in golden sunset light, I knew I was about to embark on one of Spain's most authentic culinary adventures.
Wondering where to find the best pintxos in San Sebastian? I asked myself the same question when I arrived in this food-obsessed coastal city, the epicentre of one of the world's most concentrated culinary hotspots (there are 8 Michelin-starred restaurants within a 25km radius of the city, which is one of the highest concentrations of Michelin stars in the world!).
I'm not a professional food critic, but after spending several evenings hopping between the narrow, bustling streets of San Sebastian's pintxos bars, sampling everything from delicate seafood creations to rustic bread-based bites, I've compiled this authentic guide based entirely on my personal experiences.
As an independent traveller who prioritizes genuine local experiences over tourist traps, I'll take you through the pintxos scene exactly as I discovered it - no sponsored recommendations, just honest insights from someone who arrived as clueless as you might be and left completely transformed by the Basque Country's food culture.
If you're planning your own self-guided pintxos crawl through San Sebastian's Old Town, you're in the right place. I'll share the exact bars where I found the most memorable bites, what to order, and even how to properly pair them with the region's drinks. Let's dive in!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if discovering the best Pintxos in San Sebastian appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the cuisine of San Sebastian, or indeed, a general tour of The Basque Country.
What are Pintxos?
So, what exactly are Pintxos, I hear you say? Pintxos (also known as pinchos or pinxtos) are a type of snack that originated in the Basque Country of northern Spain. They are similar to tapas but are usually ‘spiked’ with a skewer or toothpick, often to a piece of bread.
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Pintxos Pronunciation
You will be ordering plenty portions of Pintxos in San Sebastian, so you’d better articulate it correctly – it is pronounced ‘PEEN-chos’.
Pintxos History
The history of pintxos dates back to the 1930s, particularly in San Sebastián, the foodie capital of Spain. The trend of serving small, delicious foods to accompany drinks was brought to the Basque Country by visitors from Madrid. Not content with ordinary tapas, some bars in the city started to create miniature portions of their dishes, and displayed them along the bar, so that customers could take them by themselves. To make it easier for their clients and to keep them together, they speared them with wooden cocktail sticks.
Over time, pintxos evolved from being a practical solution to a flavourful delight. Today, pintxos San Sebastian-style are not just pieces of bread, they can be all kinds of various savoury treats on sticks, or even in mini bowls.
Pintxos have become a cornerstone of local culture and society in the Basque Country. They are used as an excuse for socializing, and it’s typical for a group of friends to go from one tavern to another, drinking small glasses of wine or beer and eating pintxos. The pintxo has also become associated with Basque gourmet cuisine, and many top Michelin-starred chefs across the region are pushing boundaries with flavours and ingredients, bringing the pintxo fully into the 21st century.
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Pairing Drinks with Pintxos
The Basque Country has produced the perfect pairing for Pintxos – a glass of Txakoli (tcha-koh-lee). This dry, lightly sparkling wine has a very pale yellow to greenish colour. Typically, it has a low alcohol level of between 9% and 11%, with this wine being drunk young, as it doesn’t last for much more than a year.
Alternatively, try the cider made in the Basque Country – Sagardoa. It's traditionally made from local apples and has a tart, slightly funky taste. It is usually poured from a height to aerate the liquid and enhance its flavour, while putting on a show for the customers.
Read on to discover the best Pintxos bars in San Sebastian.
Tips on How to Navigate the Pintxos Scene
Pintxos bars in the Old Town can be very busy, especially during the weekend. Expect to have to elbow your way to the bar, or just go to the next bar – there are plenty to choose from.
The best time to visit a Pintxos bar to taste their delicacies in my experience was late lunch time. Most bars open around noon, but it can take them a little time to prepare and display some of the dishes. As mentioned, the evenings are busy, but the atmosphere is electric.
Some Pintxos bars are also restaurants with table service, but in general, just go to the bar and order your Pintxos.
Look out for the menus boards, since there are usually a number of dishes cooked to order and are not on display at the bar.
Each bar has its own specialties, so it's a good idea to hop from one bar to another, trying different pintxos at each place.
Pintxos are only small bites and ideal for tasting, so be adventurous and try something you wouldn’t normally eat.
Where to find the best Pintxos bars? Well, the highest concentration and arguably the best, are to be found in the Old Town. There are dozens to be found in this small enclave of San Sebastian, and the competition ensures that serve the best Pintxos. A poor Pintxos bar in the Old Town soon closes down!
Pintxos prices vary depending on the dish and the bar, but I found that I could eat enough Pintxos and be full for the price of a standard restaurant dinner.
The Best Pintxos Bars in San Sebastian
I enjoyed an incredible culinary journey through the Old Town. Over a number of nights, I wandered through the narrow streets, hopping from one lively bar to the next, relishing each unique creation. Here’s a snapshot of my mouth-watering escapade, highlighting six restaurants where I experienced the best pintxos in San Sebastian.
Gandarias
Gandarias is a popular bar restaurant located in the heart of the Old Town, near the Koruko Andre Mariaren basilika. It offers traditional Basque cuisine and is well-known for its pintxos. Gandarias has an extensive menu that specializes in meats, Iberian hams, and seafood, along with a wide range of national and international wines. Gandarias is open all day and provides gluten-free options, making it accessible to a variety of dietary preferences.
What I Tried: Crab Pie, Stuffed Sea Urchin, Salt Cod, and Pork Cheeks
Bare Bare
Bare Bare, also known as Asador Bare Bare, is located on Portu Kalea, just a few paces along from Constitución Plaza. It is famous for its grilled meats and seafood and offers a variety of dishes, including fresh seafood, meats from local farms, and seasonal produce.
Bare Bare have a wide selection of pintxos and raciones (literally ‘ration’ or larger servings), and it was here that tried pairing the food with a glass of Txakoli. I am normally not a fan of wine, but I was pleasantly surprised how well it went with the pintxos.
What I Tried: Calamari Tempura and Pork Cheeks.
Jose Mari
Jose Mari Taberna is a charming restaurant located on the eastern edge of the Old Town. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. While there, I sampled a number of their bread-based nibbles – the Basque Country definitely knows how to make excellent bread!
What I Tried: Ham on Toast with Mayonnaise, and Matrimonio (two types of anchovies: boquerones (white anchovies marinated in vinegar) and anchoas (salt-cured anchovies)).
Beharri
Beharri is a well-known cider house located next to the exquisite San Bizente Eliza church (one of the Old Town’s more overlooked gems). Some of their specialties include natural charcoal-grilled dishes like monkfish and premium T-bone steak. Throughout the year, you can also enjoy their traditional cider menu, accompanied by kupela cider, with which you can toast the cry of "Txotx!".
What I Tried: Squid, Black Pudding, Salt Cod and Cheese Balls.
Sirimiri
Sirimiri is a delightful spot located near the City Hall in the Old Town. This cozy and inviting restaurant offers a unique blend of traditional Basque cuisine and innovative dishes. They also have an impressive selection of cocktails, making it a great place to enjoy a drink with your meal.
What I Tried: Iberian Ham Croquettes and Blue Cheese with Walnuts.
Bixigarri
My discovery of Bixigarri was unplanned, but what a find! Despite its size, this small, narrow bar offered a diverse selection of delicious pintxos. It was also here where I sampled my first cheesecake.
What I Tried: Iberian Ham Croquettes, Squid Croquettes, Calamari, Stuffed Mushrooms, Cheese Croquettes, and San Sebastian Cheesecake.
Conclusion
San Sebastian is a city that captivates with its rich culinary traditions and vibrant pintxos culture. From the mouth-watering seafood at Gandarias to the unexpected delights at Bixigarri, each bar offers its own unique take on these iconic Basque snacks. My pintxos journey through the Old Town was more than just a series of meals—it was an immersive experience that deepened my appreciation for the region's food and hospitality. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious traveller, San Sebastian's pintxos bars are sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and your heart. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab a glass of Txakoli, and prepare to discover the best pintxos in San Sebastian.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on The Basque Country and how to visit these locations, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
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Where to stay in San Sebastian Â
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San Sebastian is a very popular, if not a somewhat pricey resort. If you wish to experience the life of one of the Hollywood stars that descend on the San Sebastian International Film Festival, book your room at the Hotel Maria Cristina. Alternatively, the Nobu Hotel San Sebastián and the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra will also keep you in the lap of luxury and are some of the very best San Sebastian hotels.Â
Small pensions and apartments can be found throughout San Sebastian, especially in the Old Town. I chose a budget option for my stay, having a very comfortable time at the Pension Aussie Guesthouse and found it perfectly located, right in the very heart of the Old Town.Â
There are several mid-priced options in the Centro district. As the name suggests, a stay in this area puts you with an easy walking distance of most of the city’s attractions. Consider staying at the likes of the Loaldia or the Hotel Arrizul Catedral. As for budget options, there are hostels available, like The City Hostel.Â
Comment below and let me know what was your favourite Pintxos bar in The Basque Country.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if discovering the best Pintxos in San Sebastian appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the cuisine of San Sebastian, or indeed, a general tour of The Basque Country.
Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
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Barry
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Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
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Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous and curious travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
The Best Pintxos Bars in San Sebastian
