La Cuchara de San Telmo

La cuchara de San Telmo is a classic San Sebastian pintxos bar which opened 12 years ago and has became one of the favorite bars from people all around the world. Among my favorite pintxos there you should try the sauteed foie gras with apple compote, the duck magret (lovely), the veal cheeks in red wine, the tempura cod and of course the creamy risotto with goat cheese (what an awesome taste...) The lamb croquettes are also a must, and if you are still hungry try one of their innovative desserts like the cold strawberry cappuccino or the rice pudding with cinnamon.

Duck magret Pintxo

Ask the locals about the place if you do not want to get lost. It is really tiny and always crowded but its worth making a visit as the quality is among the best in town. Enjoy !!

Bar Martinez San Sebastian

The Martinez Bar is one of my favorites in la Parte Vieja (Old square san Sebastian). It was opened on May 1942 by Manuel Martinez. It is located at 13, 31 Agosto street. 
The famous pintxo in Martinez is the traditional cold pintxo "Gilda" composed by olives, anchovies and pickles. Hot garlic mushroons are also great. 

If you visit Martinez for dinner, try to get there early (around 8 pm), as otherwise it would be really difficult to get a good table to grab your pintxos. The bar is a little narrow as many others in Old San Sebastian. It could be a nice tour to start in Gambara, visit Casa Gandarias and finish in Bar Martinez (see my other posts).
Among other dishes I recommend the octopus, the fried anchovies and the grilled pork loin.  Great ham sandwiches and omelettes. Great wine selection. Enjoy !!

Semana Grande San Sebatian

Toro de fuego (Bull in Fire). photo shared by Jose Maria Moreno

Semana Grande is the Big Fiesta of the year in San Sebastian. If you like to party and bustle this is the week when you should visit San Sebastian. Fireworks Contest (probably one of the best contest in the world as many companies come from all around the world to the Concha Bay), firebull in the streets, beaches full of people, crowded and lively restaurants.

The city dresses up to receive a fllood of tourists from around the world.


During Semana Grande it is difiicult to find parking spaces around the city, so it is better if you avoid renting a car. Use the public transportation which is really good all around the city. Take also de Euskotrain  called Topo to visit Hendaye (France) or Bilbao. Buses are also available to visit nearby towns and beaches.

Ondarreta is a great option to lay on the beach these days. It is less crowded than la Concha or la Zurriola and you can easily walk or take a bus there. You should cross a mountain called "Pico del Loro" as it is shaped like a Parrot's peak.


Needless to say if you want to visit a Michelin star restaurant you should book it at least three months in advance for Semana Grande. But it is worth to simply grab a casual pintxo dinner in the Old Part of the city. As americans like to have dinner early, you will not have problems finding a place to eat, as basque people usually have dinner around 9 pm.


Lucky if you find a place to sleep in Semana Grande. Hotels are full, check apartments for rent or Hostales (inns) in towns around Sanse like Lasarte, Zarautz or Fuenterrabia (Hondarribi).

La Bretxa Farmers Market - Organic food

If there is a place where all senses are awaken, this is la Bretxa market. Like many farmers markets across the US, you will find all sorts of vegetables, fruits, basque cheeses and flowers.

It is located at the entrance of the Old Square (Parte Vieja), close to the one of the bridges that leads to the Kursaal.....

What a better way to explain it than leaving you this video....

St Jean de Luz - relax at the beach and enjoy basque artisan shopping Rue Gambetta

One of the best places to visit from San Sebastian on a day trip is of course St Jean de Luz (France). St Jean is also in the french side of the basque country so you do not feel crossing the border between France and Spain.

There are many things to do in St Jean. You can just grab a sandwich in a french cafe or take a look to the paintings in the square next to the fishermen port. The port is a nice place to start from before going shopping in the pedestrian Rue Gambetta street.

Rue Gambetta is well known for basque artisan clothing, towels and tablecloths. You could also buy basque style sandals at Pare Gabia famous shop and enjoy tasting french foie, cheeses and all type of  chocolates.

There are a few patisseries where you can grab a cupcake or a delicious basque gateaux with a coffee or tea. Crepes and waffles are also sold along the way and you can take delicious ice creams in summer.

If you got a car try to visit the Urtubie Castle nearby and also the Fort Sokoa.

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

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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.