Best Kokotxas (Fish Cheeks) in San Sebastian

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Verdict

A modern "atelier" that takes the pintxo experience and elevates it with sophisticated cooking and great drinks. — Old Town

Queue

Go

Evening; for a modern, cocktail-paired pintxo.

Price

$$$

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Verdict

A very popular, stylish spot. The food is excellent, but it's also famous for its drinks and the social scene on the church steps. — Old Town

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Go

Evening; for Gin & Tonics and premium pintxos.

Price

$$$

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Often cited as one of the best 'modern' bars in the city. Their attention to detail and flavor balance is world-class. — San Martin Market

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Go

1:30 PM; for modern award winners in the New Town.

Price

$$$

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Verdict

A more unpretentious but equally high-quality alternative to the big names in Getaria. Their turbot is exceptional. — Getaria (Day Trip)

Queue

Go

Afternoon; for a local Getaria favorite.

Price

37982$

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Verdict

A high-end restaurant with an exceptional bar area. Their focus is on wood-fire grilling and seasonal Basque produce. — Old Town

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Go

Evening; for a refined sit-down or bar experience.

Price

$$$

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A historic spot that feels like an old-school bodega. Their 'Indurain' (tuna, anchovy, olives, peppers) is a city icon. — Gros

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Go

1:00 PM; popular for its 'Indurain' pintxo.

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$$

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A local favorite that serves a very high-quality Chuletón in a classic, white-tablecloth environment (or as pintxos at the bar). — Old Town

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Go

1:30 PM or 8:30 PM; for a traditional Basque steak.

Price

37982$

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A great spot to enjoy a traditional Basque steak while overlooking the entire city and coastline. — Monte Igueldo

Queue

Go

Sunset; for steak with the city's best view.

Price

37982$

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Verdict

Famous for molecular gastronomy at pintxo prices. A visual and sensory feast that is highly popular with international visitors. — Old Town

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Go

Opening; for visual masterpieces.

Price

$$$

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Verdict

A temple of gastronomy where the grilled turbot is as world-class as the wine list. — Monte Igueldo

Queue

Go

Evening; for wine-paired perfection.

Price

3798237982

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Verdict

Another made-to-order specialist. Their flavors are bold, rustic, and incredibly consistent. — Old Town

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Go

Opening hours; it's standing room only.

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$$

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Verdict

A classic seafood house where the catch of the day is always fresh and simply prepared. — Old Town

Queue

Go

Afternoon; for seafood in the harbor.

Price

37982$

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Verdict

Widely considered the best grilled turbot on earth. They use Every part of the fish, including the head and the 'kokotxas' (cheeks). — Getaria (Day Trip)

Queue

Go

Afternoon; the global temple of grilled turbot.

Price

3798237982$

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Verdict

Despite the name, it's a serious food spot. Their seared foie gras is one of the most popular items in the entire Old Town. — Old Town

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Go

Evening; for a lively, international crowd.

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$$

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While a fusion spot, their respect for the quality of local fish like turbot is evident in their innovative preparations. — Gros

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Go

Evening; for a Basque-Mexican fusion take.

Price

37982$

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Verdict

The pioneer of modern, made-to-order pintxos. No cold items on the counter here—everything is hot and exceptional. — Old Town

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Go

12:30 PM or 7:30 PM (Opening); it gets incredibly crowded.

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$$

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While famous for fish, their mastery of the charcoal grill extends to their exceptional steaks. — Getaria (Day Trip)

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Go

Afternoon; for grilled perfection by the sea.

Price

3798237982

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Verdict

The birthplace of New Basque Cuisine. Their treatment of traditional items like Kokotxas is both revolutionary and deeply rooted in heritage. — Alto de Miracruz

Queue

Go

Reservation only.

Price

3849538495$

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Verdict

A shrine to quality. While famous for pintxos, their sit-down restaurant is exceptional for seasonal grilled fish. — Old Town

Queue

Go

Evening; for high-quality seasonal fish.

Price

37982$

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Verdict

A multi-award winner that blends traditional ingredients with creative presentation. More space here than in the Old Town. — Gros

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Go

1:30 PM; for Gros's most award-winning bar.

Price

$$

Dietary