Basque Country is a food lover's paradise. And the perfect way to explore the bounty of this region is by enjoying the best pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself into a new country is through its food. And there are fewer places more well-suited for foodies than Basque Country.
In particular: San Sebastian, Spain.
My husband and I recently spent a week in this vibrant food city, and fell in love with all things pintxos.
Pintxos are not just a type or style of food; it's a lifestyle. The pintxos culture in San Sebastian is perfect for food lovers!
After a lot of first-hand experiences (research, people!), we're excited to share the best pintxos in San Sebastian.
Jump to:
- 🍢 What are pintxos?
- 🇪🇸 Where are the best pintxos bars in San Sebastian, Spain?
- 🥂 Best wine pairing for pintxos: txakoli
- 🍽️ How to enjoy pintxos in San Sebastian
- How to order pintxos
- How much do pintxos cost?
- Book a pintxos tour
- 🥘 Pintxos FAQs
- Best pintxos bars in San Sebastian
- 🥩 Bare Bare Steakhouse
- 🍖 Casa Alcalde
- 🍤 Casa Gandarias
- 🍷 Casa Vergara
- 🍻 Sidreria Beharri
- 🚡 More food & drink in San Sebastian, Spain
- 🏨 Where to stay
- ✈️ More Europe travel
🍢 What are pintxos?
Pintxos (pronounced "pinchos") are small, flavorful bites typically enjoyed with a glass of cider or the local favorite wine, txakoli. You'll find them displayed right on top of the bar or counter, ready to eat as soon as you order.
Pintxos are a relatively new food concept in Spain. The first official pintxos, known as the "Gilda," (read about its origins on our 12 Best Pintxos to Try article) was invented in 1946.
Restaurant and bar owners in Basque Country began serving these little bites at the bar counter as a way to combine socializing and eating.
The word "pintxo" comes from the Spanish "pinchar," meaning to pierce. So most of these delicious morsels are held together by a toothpick or skewer.
Over time, pintxos have evolved from simple snacks to sophisticated, sometimes elaborate, and always creative culinary masterpieces.
Now, pintxos are a delicious, integral part of Basque culture.
🇪🇸 Where are the best pintxos bars in San Sebastian, Spain?
We found the best pintxos in San Sebastian throughout the storybook streets of Old Town. Known as "Parte Vieja," this is the historic heart of the city.
I also find it to be one of the most enchanting neighborhoods in Spain. It's a network of narrow cobblestone streets, lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. Here, you're just a short walk from La Concha Bay and the Urgull Mountain.
Nestled between the scenic La Concha Bay and the Urgull Mountain, Old Town is a vibrant area brimming with history, culture, and culinary delights.
And, it's famous for its pintxos bars. I stopped count at 20 different bars while walking through Old Town; I am sure there are at least twice as many in the neighborhood!
Each bar has its own pintxos specialties that its known for. And part of the fun is moving from one to another, experiencing a culinary journey through Basque flavors.
🥂 Best wine pairing for pintxos: txakoli
If you know me in real life (or even on Instagram), you know I am OBSESSED with Txakoli!
Txakoli is a slightly sparkling, dry white wine that's made mostly in Basque Country. They export very little of this wine, and that's probably because they drink so much of it in Spain.
It's usually poured from a great height, making it pintxos and a show! The pouring method reportedly helps activate and enhance the effervescence of the wine. But it's also just a fun way to pour the wine.
Txakoli's high acidity makes it the perfect pairing for pintxos. It's crisp and refreshing qualities balance the rich and diverse flavors of pintxos. Each sip is a nice palate cleanser between bites.
When you visit a pintxos bar, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a glass of txakoli with your food!
🍽️ How to enjoy pintxos in San Sebastian
When walking into a pintxos bar, have no fear: these are casual, lively places where the staff and most locals around you are happy to help if you need assistance.
Here are some tips we picked up during our time in San Sebastian:
- Do explore various bars. Pintxo hopping is part of the fun. Try a couple of pintxos at one bar, then move to another.
- Do ask for recommendations. Bartenders often know the best and freshest pintxos of the day.
- Do keep your toothpicks. Many bars still tally your bill based on the number of toothpicks left on your plate.
- Do enjoy the experience. Pintxos are meant to be savored slowly with good company and conversation.
Don'ts:
- Don't feel like you have to order everything at once. It's not like ordering dinner. Part of the pintxos experience is to sample and savor different options gradually.
- Don't be shy. It's perfectly acceptable to stand at the bar or move around to find a good spot.
- Don't forget to pay! While it's common to pay at the end, make sure you ask about each bar's system if you are unsure, as some might prefer payment upfront when you order.
How to order pintxos
You can usually pick pintxos directly from the bar display or order hot pintxos from the kitchen. Simply tell the bartender which ones you'd like.
How much do pintxos cost?
The cost is another great thing to love about pintxos. Each pintxo typically costs between €2 to €5. That's it! Some more elaborate dishes can be slightly pricier.
Book a pintxos tour
Alain and I did a 3-hour walking tour that ended with some pintxos in Old Town. It's a great way to enjoy pintxos, learn more about the history and culture, and meet new people!
Here are a few tours to consider:
🥘 Pintxos FAQs
Yes! Although they are not as plentiful as the seafood or meat pintxos, you can find vegan pintxos. Just ask and you will be directed to the pintxos options that are vegan.
Most pintxos bars in San Sebastian are generally family-friendly. Especially places that have outdoor tables, either for standing around or for seating. The vibrant and informal atmosphere makes them an enjoyable place for people of all ages, including children.
Pintxos bars can get very crowded, especially during the peak hours of 8-10 PM. Visiting earlier in the evening or during lunchtime is a good option for families, as they are less crowded.
Casual attire is perfectly acceptable. Pintxo bars are informal, so comfort is key.
In Spain, including at pintxos bars in San Sebastian, tipping is not as customary or expected as it is in some other countries like the United States. However, leaving a small tip is always appreciated if you receive good service. Consider these options:
Small change: It's common to leave the small change from your bill. For example, if your bill is €9.50, you might round up to €10 and leave the extra €0.50 as a tip.
Percentage: If you want to leave a more substantial tip, 5-10% of the total bill is considered generous.
Exceptional Service: If you receive exceptional service or have a large group, leaving a bit more is a nice gesture.
How to Tip
At the Bar: When paying your bill, you can hand the tip directly to the bartender or leave it on the counter.
Table Service: If you're sitting at a table and have a server attending to you, you can leave the tip on the table when you leave.
Best pintxos bars in San Sebastian
Here are some of the best pinxtos in San Sebastian that we had the pleasure of eating.
🥩 Bare Bare Steakhouse
Bare Bare restaurant is a lively pintxos spot in the heart of San Sebastian's Old Town. They offer both hot pintxos and cold pintxos. They also offer a full menu and a group menu.
Address:
Portu Kalea, 7
20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa
HOURS: Monday: 12:00 – 24:00
Tuesday: 12:00 –
24:00 Wednesday: 12:00 – 24:00
Thursday: CLOSED
Friday: 12:00 – 24:00
Saturday: 12:00 – 24:00
Sunday: 12:00 – 24:00
For more information, visit the Bare Bare website.
🍖 Casa Alcalde
Another lively spot in the heart of Old Town, Bar Case Alcalde has some amazing Iberico ham pintxos and incredibly crispy pork belly. I also loved the bacon-wrapped shrimp.
There are an average amount of seating available inside the bar, and there are a few standing tables outside.
Address:
C. Mayor, 19
20003 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
HOURS: Sunday-Thursday 11am - 12am, Friday & Saturday 11am - 12:30am
For more information, visit the Bar Casa Alcalde website.
🍤 Casa Gandarias
Casa Gandarias has more formal seating with full menus inside. Outside, there are several tables perfect for enjoying pintxos.
This was one of our stops with our TBEX conference Devour Tours, where our awesome guide also poured a glass of Txakoli for everyone. We feasted on the prawn skewer (the prawns were so fresh!), mushroom tower, and seasonal artichokes.
Address:
31 de Agosto Kalea, 23
20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Hours: 11am - 12am daily
For more information visit the Casa Gandarias website.
🍷 Casa Vergara
Our first pintxos stop during our trip to San Sebastian was at Casa Vergara. We chose it on a whim while walking around Old Town San Sebastian, and it was one of our favorite pintxos bars of the whole trip!
We ordered: surimi with prawns, an Iberian ham sandwich, and this gorgeous tour of massive mushrooms and quail egg with a sheet of truffle.
To drink, we ordered Txakoli and then a glass of Spanish Rioja wine.
Casa Vergara
C. Mayor, 21, 20003
Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
HOURS: 11am - 12am
For the latest information, please visit the Casa Vergara website.
🍻 Sidreria Beharri
This is a cider house restaurant in Old Town that was also a stop on our Devour Tour walking & pintxos tour. Like most pintxos bars in the area, when you walk in it looks like a pretty tight space. But there is also a lower level with a lot more seating available.
Here, we enjoyed some prawns, squid, and blood sausage. All of this accompanied by some delicious house cider.
Address:
31 de Agosto Kalea, 23
20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Hours: Thursday - Sunday 11am - 12am; Friday Saturday 11am - 12:30am
For more information, please visit the Sidreria Beharri website.
🚡 More food & drink in San Sebastian, Spain
As they say here in Basque Country, "Topa!!🥂
I hope you enjoyed a look at some of our personal favorite pintxos bars in San Sebastian, Spain. There is, of course, so much more food & drink than just pintxos and txakoli (although those are the best parts!).
We've got a whole list of more fun things to do in San Sebastian. But here are a few more ideas while you're in the area:
- Take a tour of a cider house.
- Sign up for a tour of Rioja wine country.
- Visit Getaria and learn more about how Txakoli is made.
🏨 Where to stay
During our time in San Sebastian, we stayed at the Abba Hotel San Sebastian. We highly recommend it!
This hotel has rooms that are well furnished, with spacious bathrooms and we had a corner room that got lots of sunlight. There is also a rooftop terrace and bar that has stunning views of the city.
Plus: it's a short 10-15 minute walk from Old Town. Perfect for your pintxos adventures!
✈️ More Europe travel
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
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