Best pintxos in San Sebastian
Here are some of the best pintxo bars in San Sebastian, focusing mainly on the Parte Vieja, the city’s old town.
Of course, there are plenty of other spots serving amazing food, but this is the selection I’ve chosen:
1. Borda Berri
Let’s start with one of San Sebastian’s most iconic bars, and one of my personal favorites, Borda Berri. It’s located in the Parte Vieja and has a warm, inviting atmosphere.
This isn’t the kind of place where you pick pintxos displayed on the counter. Instead, they have a small menu, and each dish is prepared fresh when you order it.
Some of Borda Berri’s signature dishes include their pork rib kebab, the “fake” Idiazabal risotto, and their crispy pig’s ear.
We went for the Idiazabal risotto and the braised beef cheek, and both were absolutely outstanding. They’re the kind of dishes that make you want to come back again and again.
📍 Location: Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12
🛏️ If you haven’t booked accommodation in the city yet, I want to recommend the two hotels I’ve stayed at. The first is a beautiful hotel in the Parte Vieja, right by the port, with lovely rooms. The second is this hotel located in the Antiguo neighborhood, on the outskirts of the city, great if you’re traveling by car and planning to explore the surrounding area. You can find more recommendations on where to stay in San Sebastian if you need them.
2. Bar Gorriti
Next, let’s stop by another pintxo bar I highly recommend: Bar Gorriti, located right next to La Bretxa Market. It opened its doors in 1921, making it one of the oldest bars in the Parte Vieja.
They offer more than 50 different pintxos, both hot and cold. Some of the classics you simply can’t miss are the gildas, along with other seafood specialties. There’s so much variety that choosing can be a real challenge.
📍 Location: San Juan Kalea, 3
3. Bar Sport
Bar Sport, located in the Parte Vieja, is one of the most famous pintxo bars in all of San Sebastian, popular with both locals and tourists.
Some of the bar’s most renowned pintxos include the seared foie with pepper and the sea urchin cream, though there are plenty of other options. We tried the sea urchin and baby squid, and we loved both.
📍 Location: Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 10
4. Bar Antonio
We left the Parte Vieja to try some of the best pintxos in San Sebastian, this time at a bar located in the city center. Even if you’re staying in the Old Town, it’s definitely worth walking a few minutes to sample some of their specialties.
At Bar Antonio, you’ll find a great selection of pintxos and larger dishes, all made fresh to order. The place is very small, so you’ll need a bit of luck or patience to get a seat. Highlights include the Spanish omelette, prawn ravioli in Martini sauce, and the crispy oxtail.
We asked the waiter for recommendations and tried the igeldo (a pintxo with tomato, tuna belly, anchovy, and chili), the prawn ravioli, and the crispy oxtail. Everything was amazing. It’s not the cheapest bar in town, but the quality and flavor of the dishes make it well worth it.
📍 Location: Bergara Kalea, 3
💡 Besides enjoying the amazing pintxos, you might also be interested in knowing where to find the best breakfasts in the city. That’s why I’ve put together this selection of cafés in San Sebastian, perfect for breakfast or a delicious brunch.
5. Txuleta
We head back to the Parte Vieja to try the pintxos at Txuleta, a bar located in Plaza de la Trinidad, very close to the Basílica de Santa María del Coro.
In addition to the bar and high tables, the place has a dining area for anyone who wants to enjoy a full lunch or dinner, either from the daily menu or the à la carte selection.
This time, we’re here to try Txuleta’s pintxos, so make sure to try the txuleta croquette and the txuleta pintxo. There are plenty of other options, but these are the most traditional and the ones we tried. Highly recommended!
📍 Location: Pl. de la Trinidad, 2
6. Gandarias
Just a short walk from Txuleta, you’ll find another of the best pintxo bars in San Sebastian and one of the most popular: Gandarias. The bar has both a pintxo counter and a restaurant area for a more relaxed lunch or dinner.
On the pintxo menu, you’ll find options like tenderloin, prawns, Idiazabal risotto, txuleta skewers, seared foie, artichoke with pork cheek, baby squid, pork cheek, and gratinated shellfish. Two of the most traditional choices are the tenderloin with green pepper and the prawn skewer.
We tried the baby squid skewer, the tenderloin pintxo, the duck pintxo, and the Idiazabal risotto. Except for the risotto, we really enjoyed the rest and would definitely recommend them.
📍 Location: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 23
7. Bar Néstor
Bar Néstor is also home to some of the city’s most famous pintxos. We wanted to visit, but time, and our already-full stomachs, got in the way! Still, I wanted to make sure it’s included in this selection of San Sebastian bars.
Bar Néstor is also located in the Parte Vieja and has been delighting locals and visitors alike since 1980. Their Spanish omelette is legendary, but their seasoned tomato, Gernika peppers, and txuleta are just as famous.
📍 Location: Arrandegi Kalea, 11
8. La Viña
What better way to end this pintxo tour of the Parte Vieja than with one of the most delicious desserts around? I’m talking about the Donostiarra cheesecake, and there’s no more iconic place to try it than La Viña.
Their cheesecake consistently ranks among the best in Spain, and it’s an experience you don’t want to miss. A full serving comes with two slices, so if your stomach isn’t very roomy, it’s a good idea to share it or order a half portion.
📍 Location: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 3
Map: pintxo bars in San Sebastian
In the map below, I’ve marked all the bars we’ve recommended:
If you haven’t planned your city itinerary yet, don’t miss these routes where I break down what to do each day.
- What to see in San Sebastian in 1 day.
- What to see in San Sebastian in 2 days.
- What to see in San Sebastian in 3 days.
I hope this article on the best pintxos in San Sebastian has been helpful in choosing which bars to visit. Enjoy your time in the Basque Country!
