On this page you'll find the best San Sebastian pintxos bars.
San Sebastian is the most famous city in the Basque Country for traditional Basque pintxos (the local word for tapas). However, in many cases lesser bars cash in the fame by putting a few sandwiches on the bar-top and claiming that is what counts for pintxos.
The bars on this page are the ones that I found to be a cut above the rest of San Sebastian's pintxos bars.
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If you've had your fill of pintxos at lunchtime, a great evening meal can be had at a Basque Cider House.
1. La Cuchara de San Telmo
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
A great balance between high-end Basque cuisine and decent size portions.
See some of the pintxos you can try here:
Fried Octopus | Foie Gras | Cod 'Tempura'
Address: Calle del Treinta y Uno de Agosto, 28
2. A Fuego Negro
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
This restaurant takes its food presentation to a new level. It's practically molecular gastronomy! Pity they didn't give the same attention to the bar, which resembles a tacky nightclub. Portions are on the small side, but you come here to be impressed, not feel stuffed.
See pictures of the pintxos you can tried here:
Salmorejo 'Txerry' | Pigeon Breast | Shrimp Broth
Address: C/ 31 De Agosto 31
3. Borda Berri
Image: (c) San Sebastian Food
Similar in quality and quantity to La Cuchara de San Telmo, this San Sebastian pintxos bar always has a good selection of freshly-prepared dishes.
See pictures of the pintxos you can tried here:
Fried Cod | Wild Mushroom Risotto
Address: Fermin Kalbetón 12
4. La Viña
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
Not such a great selection of freshly prepared dishes, but one of the better bar-top selections in San Sebastian. And their cheesecake is one of the most delicious things I have ever tasted.
See pictures of the pintxos you can tried here:
Cheese Cake (whole) | Cheese Cake (portion) | Bar-Top Pintxos
Address: Calle del Treinta y Uno de Agosto, 3
5. Paco Bueno
Image: (c) Damian Corrigan
A simple pintxos bar with no menu - you just pick from the bar top. The selection is limited, but that's because it's always fresh, unlike what you will find in many other San Sebastian pintxos bars.
See some of the pintxos you can eat here:
Address: Calle Mayor, 6
