Best Pintxos (House Specialties) 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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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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A shrine to high-quality seasonal produce. Their 'Surtido de Setas' (mushroom platter with egg yolk) is legendary. — Old Town

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Go

Evening; for the city's best wild mushrooms.

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.

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$$$

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Dedicated almost entirely to anchovies. Try the 'Antxoa con Crema de Centollo' (anchovy with spider crab cream). — Old Town

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Go

Evening; for the city's undisputed anchovy kings.

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$$

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A creative bar that has won many awards for its 'Volcán de Morcilla'. A must-stop in the Gros district. — Gros

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Go

Evening; for the 'Volcán de Morcilla'.

Price

$$

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A local favorite for their prawn skewers served with a secret, slightly spicy vinegar-based sauce. — Old Town

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7:30 PM; for the Brocheta de Gambas.

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$$

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

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$$

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The punk-rock of pintxo bars. Dark, cool music, and very creative dishes that push the boundaries of traditional Basque food. — Old Town

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Go

Night; for the city's most avant-garde pintxos.

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$$$

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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.

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$$$

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A classic spot famous for its perfectly battered prawns and mushrooms. A must-stop on any traditional crawl. — Old Town

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Go

Afternoon; for the 'Gambas a la Gabardina'.

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$$

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

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Opening hours; it's standing room only.

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$$

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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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One of the oldest bars in the city (opened 1942). It maintains a beautiful counter of traditional items that represent the city's history. — Old Town

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Afternoon; for a classic counter experience.

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$$

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Famous for the "holy trinity": Tortilla (only 2 made a day, must reserve a slice 1 hour early), tomato salad, and peppers. — Old Town

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1:00 PM or 8:00 PM; for the "Tortilla Ritual."

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$$

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A local secret known for its 'Brick de Bacalao' (crispy pastry filled with cod) and incredibly warm atmosphere. — Old Town

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Go

Afternoon; for the 'Brick de Bacalao'.

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$$

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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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No fancy plating here—just high-volume, perfectly fried prawns that many locals swear are the best in the city. — Old Town

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Go

Evening; for the no-frills local favorite.

Price

$

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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