A word you’ll need to know for dining out in Donostia is jatetxea [HAH-TEH-CHAY-AH], which means “restaurant” in Basque. The reason that this is important is because there are many pintxo bars that also have restaurants in the back, which are not always obvious. So, if you see the word jatetxea written on a bar’s sign, you know you can also consider it for a full meal.

Whatever you try, and there are many delicious options, three specialties worth trying – aside from the ones I mentioned in my A weekend in San Sebastian: pintxo-hop like a local post – are:

Now, let’s dig in!

Kokotxa €€€

Kokotxa is the word on everyone’s lips in the context of the city in Europe with the most Michelin stars per square metre.

Situated in the Old Part of the city, it’s the most central restaurant of the nine Michelin star restaurants in the area, which boast 16 stars in total.

The word kototxa refers to the fleshy underpart of a fish’s jaw, which is used in a number of dishes in the Basque country, as it’s the most gelatinous, and is considered to be the most delicious part of the fish.

Check out Head Chef Dani López whip up merluza en salsa verde – hake in green sauce, in the Guardian video below:

I used to know the Kokotxa team when I lived in San Seb, and I’ve dined there a couple of times. It’s an experience not to be missed.

Mirador de Ulía €€€

Named for its fabulous view overlooking Zurriola beach from the East (mirador = lookout/viewpoint), the Mirador de Ulía is a special treat in a city where space is tight and views are few and far between, even in the fanciest of places.

The restaurant does have a cheaper menu on offer at 90€ a head for 6 courses (drinks not included).

I went many years ago where I took some unblogworthy, fuzzy pictures, so you’ll have to take my word for it on this one. I’d recommend this for a special lunch, as by the time things liven up in the evening, you’ve lost that glorious view to darkness.

Elosta €€

Elosta’s head chef is Mikel López, brother of Dani López, who heads up Kokotxa. The restaurant and sushi bar produces exquisite Japanese, Peruvian and Basque fusion food.

I used to go a lot when I lived in San Seb, but don’t have any recent photos!

Ikaitz €€

Situated in the heart of Gros, Ikaitz is THE place to go if you want to experience exceptional food at a very reasonable price.

Casa Urola €€

Casa Urola is in the heart of the old town, making it the perfect destination point after a (light!) warm up pintxo tour. It produces food of an incredibly high quality.

Order the bacalao al pil-pil or bacalao con pimientos fritos here.

Mariñela €

Mariñela is in the port and it’s a great place for simple and very tasty seafood, with views of La Concha beach.

Casa de Galicia €

Octopus is not a Basque specialty, meaning that you’ll want to be selective about where to eat it if you’re a fan. Look no further than Casa de Galicia in Gros, which does simple, traditional Galician food.

Bodega Donostiarra €

Bodega Donostiarra is a really popular spot with locals. On my most recent visit I only had a few pintxos here but their main dishes are sensational too. Check out their menu here to see what I mean. Whether you’re after fresh seafood or perfectly cooked steak, they’ve got it covered.

Petritegi €

Petritegi is a cider house that is a 20-minute drive outside the city (get a taxi!). This is a no-frills Basque dining experience. You get unlimited cider refills, where you can try different varieties from a number of barrels.

There are a number of set menus that cater to meat and fish lovers, vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians and children.

I always go for the classic cider house menu, where you get what you’re given.

They won’t ask you how you like the steak done, and if you try to specify anyway, they’ll vaguely acknowledge what you’ve said and still serve you the steak alive.

Bread needs no plate and neither do you for cheese and walnuts! If you want a rustic experience, this is where to go.

If you’re a “comelón” or “comelona” (big eater), then the Basque Country is the place to be. I’d love to know if you’ve visited and have been to any of these restaurants; comment below!

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