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. 

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 !!

Superb apartments for rent in the heart of the city

Next to the San Sebastian Cathedral (and superbly located for all trips and plans) you find these two brand new fully equipped apartments as a great accommodation option for families or singles to rent. They are located in Moraza Kalea, in a fully refurbished old building  El Balcón del Buen Pastor next to Reyes Catolicos pedestrian walk.

I went to the upper floor deck one and enjoyed the views of the Cathedral and the Reyes Cartolicos pedestrian street. The deck surrounds the whole apartment and the high ceilings provide a great light.

It has a very modern and comfortable decoration with Air conditioned in place and even bikes included in the rental. Owners are basque and very nice open minded guys and they could help you with your travel arrangements .

The price is really fair for what you get, it is worth every single buck.

I do not have many pictures of the place but the owners have a wonderful blog where you can check both apartments. I did not have the chance to visit the small one but it seems the quality is the same and the decor looks great. They sent me the picture below with the updated deck decor. Wow !!

San Fermines- Pamplona

Uno de Enero, Dos de Febrero, Tres de Marzo, Cuatro de Abril, Cinco de Mayo, Seis de Junio, Siete de Julio San Fermin !!! A Pamplona hemos de ir con una bota con una bota!!

This is the classic song you will hear at San Fermin Bull runs (they are called Encierros). 
It is difficult to describe this Fiesta, you have to live it !!.
Worldwide famous Fiesta in Pamplona is just 45 minutes driving from San Sebastian.

In spanish they say "A picture is worth a thousand words" but I say a video even more!! 
Don't miss it if you are party souls, but do not bring your kids there and try to avoid the Big Fiesta day (7th of July) as it is very crowded....

If you are coming back to sleep in San Sebastian be sure to have a designated driver......

San Sebastian Food - Arzak michelin star

San Sebastian is famous for food as it is embedded in the basque culture. This is a great video about this issue and how basques join Gastronomic Societies. 

Enjoy this video about basque traditions, food, famous Michelin chef Juan Mari Arzak and fishermen concerns. 

The Londres Hotel in San Sebastian Kontxa beach

If you visit San Sebastian, one of the best chances to stay at is Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra. Enjoy the balconies with superb ocean view of La Kontxa Bay. A nice terrace called Swing is a great place to meet with friends and grab a beer. If you want to go for a casual dinner you could try Brasserie Mari Galant, which specializes in traditional Basque food with hints of modern cuisine.  Try the duck salad with pickled foie txipirones or the grilled squid with noodles. Apple pie with Idiazabal cheese or creme brule are the best desserts.

The Londres Hotel is my favorite, has a charming character from many generations, and the service/price ratio and the superb location worth every single penny.

If you choose to stay at the Londres Hotel it is a must you make a reservation for an ocean view room. Do not stay at the back street rooms as they are ok but it is not the same experience.