San Sebastián, affectionately known as Donosti in Euskera, is a destination that takes its gastronomy seriously. From bustling bars to traditional cider houses, food is central to the city’s local identity. And for visitors, that means that there’s an extensive range of dishes and flavors to explore. So much so that it can be difficult to know where to start regarding what to eat in San Sebastián.
That’s where a game plan can make all the difference. Whether you’re hopping between taverns or enjoying a slower, more curated experience, like our San Sebastián Supper Club, having a sense of what to prioritize ensures you don’t miss the essentials.
Read on for a guide on what to eat in San Sebastián. Then you can make the most of your time and taste your way through the best bites the city has to offer.
Basque Basics
Foundations of San Sebastián’s Food Scene
For a first introduction to Donosti’s culinary realm, start with the classics.
Basque cider, known as Euskal Sagardoa, is a must-try for anyone visiting San Sebastián. This cider is protected by a denomination of origin designation and is made from local apples. It is a central part of the txotx ritual. This literally refers to the call that signals the opening of the kupela (barrel).
The cider house season is January to April. During this period, cider is poured directly from the barrel and shared alongside a traditional menu, which typically features:
- Tortilla de bacalao (Salted cod omelette)
- Bacalao con pimientos (Pan fried cod with pimiento peppers)
- Txuleta (Grilled Basque steak)
- Idiazabal con nueces y membrillo (Emblematic Basque sheep’s cheese, paired with walnuts and quince)
As part of our San Sebastián Supper Club, we experience these long-standing traditions in Gros –one of Donosti’s coolest areas– at a beloved neighborhood bar where locals across generations come together. Here, your expert guide will give you a foundation on Basque food culture, helping you understand the practices and flavors that define the region.
Pintxos
Pais Vasco’s Famous Skewered Snacks
San Sebastián can offer no shortage of options, but if there’s one thing no visitor should leave without trying, it’s pintxos. These are ideal if you do not know what to eat in San Sebastián, as they are smaller bites, so you can try one of each, instead of ordering a main course or specific full dish.
Often described as skewered tapas, pintxos are small bites, traditionally served atop bread and held together with a toothpick. The classic origin story begins with the gilda –a simple but flavor-packed combination of anchovy, olive, and pickled pepper– drawing from Rita Hayworth’s character in the film of the same name.
This is something you will get to experience at Supper Club; we dive into pintxo culture at a spot that’s reimagining pintxos with inventive twists. Since no pintxo experience is complete without a glass of wine, we pair ours with txakoli. This bright, lightly sparkling white has a high acidity and mineral taste, bringing together two quintessential elements of Basque gastronomy in one.
Contemporary Basque Cooking
San Sebastián’s Modern Table
While Donosti may have a long-standing culinary history, the city is also a destination that’s known for its creativity.
Another essential part of San Sebastián’s food scene is its innovative establishments. Stop at a bistro or gastrobar, and you’ll see a new generation of chefs redefining Basque cuisine while staying true to seasonality and local ingredients.
A great way to fully experience this is by sitting at the bar (as we do in our Supper Club dinners), so you can watch the chefs at work up close and appreciate the innovation behind each dish.
Order something seasonal, pair it with a local wine, and explore the city’s vibrant contemporary culinary scene.
Exploring Basque Cheese and Wine
Many of these cheeses you’ll find in Donosti are made from the milk of the Latxa sheep. This is a native breed that grazes on the green pastures of the Basque Country, that make for distinctive flavors. While Idiazabal cheese is of the most well-known, there’s a wide range of other varieties worth exploring, including:
- Otzara – An artisanal sheep’s milk cheese shaped in wicker baskets, which gives it a distinctive texture and rind
- Latxa Urdina – A blue cheese also made from Latxa sheep’s milk. It offers a balanced flavor and is typically milder and less pungent than other blue cheeses
- Saroi Unaiak – A lesser-known small-batch farmhouse cheese. Typically 75% cow milk and 25% sheep’s milk. There are recipes dating back to the earliest Basque pastoral communities
At Supper Club, we head to an under-the-radar wine bar led by a sommelier with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. Guests will enjoy a curated tasting of Basque cheeses paired with two wines rarely found outside of the region, offering an insider look into Donosti’s local food scene.
The Best Way to Discover What to Eat in San Sebastián
Knowing what to eat in San Sebastián is key to experiencing the city’s culinary highlights. With so much to taste and so little time, following a curated path through the food scene makes all the difference. Join us and discover what to eat in San Sebastián.
A guided experience like our Supper Club not only helps you prioritize but also provides insider information that brings each drink and dish to life. Our expert guide who connects you to the chefs, producers, and stories behind each dish.
FAQs – What To Eat In San Sebastián
What’s included in the Supper Club Tour ?
- 8 dishes and 5 drinks across 4 handpicked bars and restaurants in Gros, with wine pairings
- A tasting of Basque cuisine in evolution, from cider-house classics and pintxos to seasonal bistro plates and artisanal cheeses
- Local drinks, including Basque cider, crisp txakoli, and rare regional wines
- An expert Devour host, who introduces the people behind the food and explains the traditions and innovations shaping Basque cuisine
Is it possible to accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?
We’re happy to accommodate certain dietary needs! The tour works well for pescatarians, guests who prefer non-alcoholic drinks, etc. However, due to the nature of Basque cuisine and the tasting format, there may be limited options for vegans or celiac guests. Please let us know when booking so we can plan accordingly.
Is this a good tour for solo travelers or couples?
Absolutely! With a small group and a relaxed, conversational atmosphere, this tour is perfect for solo travelers, couples. In fact, anyone looking to connect with fellow food lovers while discovering a side of San Sebastián that most tourists miss.
What else is there to do in San Sebastián besides eating?
While San Sebastián is world-famous for its food, there’s plenty more to explore beyond pintxos bars. Wander through the charming streets of the Old Town (Parte Vieja). Relax on La Concha Beach, or take the funicular up Monte Igueldo for panoramic views over the bay. You can also visit local markets, stroll along the scenic promenade, or explore nearby coastal villages.
For a deeper dive into the city’s highlights, take a look at this guide to San Sebastián’s Old Town for inspiration on what to see and do beyond the plate.
Ready to experience San Sebastián’s food scene like a local?
Join our San Sebastián Supper Club: Food & Wine Tour and step inside the city’s vibrant culinary culture, from traditional pintxos bars to hidden local gems. Sip regional wines, taste unforgettable Basque dishes, and hear the stories behind every bite from your expert guide. It’s more than just a meal, it’s a true insider’s experience.
Book your spot now and discover why San Sebastián is one of the world’s ultimate food destinations.
