Casa Gandarias, great place for Pintxos in San Sebastian Old Quarter

One of my favorite places for pintxos, iberian ham and fried hake in San Sebastian, is Casa Gandarias. You can just grab some pintxos (basque tapas) at the bar, or enjoy a formal dinner in the restaurant. It is always very crowded but you could make space for your group and try their great cold and hot pintxos. Simply delicious!!

Casual lunch Bokado restaurant San Sebastian

,

Bokado is a nice fast casual restaurant located above the San Sebastian's Aquarium. It is one of my favorites as it enjoys probably the best views of La Kontxa Bay and the city itself.

Very modern decor, with huge windows, wenge wood floors and spacious and bright rooms. 
The best way to get there is walking through the Old Port and taking the stairs or the new huge elevator. You can even get bikes inside the lift (if you rent them).

For casual lunch at noon take a seat in the terrace (no need to make reservation for this although it is normally very busy) and enjoy fried calamari, ommelettes, grilled foie and skewers....

After lunch I recommend taking a bike or walk tour through the Paseo Nuevo all around the Monte Urgull and enjoy the breaking waves. You may end taking a coffee in the Martin Berasategui kursaal terrace. 

Akelare restaurant. Great place and awesome food

Akelarre (Akelare in basque) is one of the best restaurants in the Basque Country. It enjoys a superb location which ensures a unique dining experience. Have dinner overlooking the Cantabrian ocean watching the fishing boats at a glimpse.
Being a fisherman is a risky work here as the ocean is so brave and they risk their lives to bring the best hake to our table.
Pedro Subijana is one of the best chefs in the Basque country. He mixes simplicity with great customer care and proximity. Innovation is all over the place from the kitchen to the new project as he has designed a new hotel with ocean view suites.
First class service and a classic decor with wood roofing. You should ask for a tasting menu   which combines different recipes. It is a little pricey but you wont regret going there, it is worth for a birthday or to celebrate a special family party or anniversary.

Last time I went there we took a light menu which was affordable for a Michelin starred restaurant (80 Euros approx). The crab dish and the cold salad were wonderful. After that we tried a superb dish of mushrooms with egg pasta and hake scalded with barnacles.

The most impressive thing was dessert . An apple pie wrapped in Akelare newspaper !! I will neve forget it, amazing texture, rich flavor and very innovative presentation.

Try this restaurant if you can afford it, niece service, great quality and wonderful setting !!