SAN SEBASTIAN FOOD TOURS
Nestled on the northern coast of Spain, San Sebastian is a city where history, culture, and gastronomy converge. With its stunning beaches like La Concha and Zurriola, the city is a year-round destination, offering warm summers and mild winters. While May to September is ideal for beachgoers, the autumn months bring vibrant festivals and the winter season offers a quieter, yet equally charming experience. San Sebastian is a city steeped in history, from its humble beginnings as a fishing village to its evolution into a culinary capital. The Basque culture is palpable, especially in its food scene, which ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to bustling pintxos bars, making this vibrant city one of the gastronomic capitals of Europe and perfect for food and wine lovers of all ages and sizes.
The Food
In San Sebastian, food is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The city is a gastronomic wonderland, renowned for its diverse culinary offerings that range from Michelin-starred restaurants to the bustling pintxos bars that line the streets of the Old Town.
Pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, are small but flavour-packed bites that showcase the region’s finest ingredients—from fresh seafood to locally sourced meats and vegetables. Whether it’s the traditional ‘Gilda,’ a skewer of anchovy, olive, and pepper, or a modern fusion dish that blends Basque and international flavours, each pintxo tells a story of San Sebastian’s rich culinary heritage.
The city is also a haven for fine dining, boasting more Michelin stars per capita than almost any other city in the world. From avant-garde tasting menus to hearty Basque stews, the food in San Sebastian is a celebration of tradition, innovation, and above all, exceptional taste.
Where to Stay
Villa Favorito
Overlooking the iconic La Concha, one of the world’s most beautiful seaside promenades, Villa Favorito is situated in one of the most scenic parts of the city. Housed in a 19th-century mansion, this intimate and charming boutique hotel has been meticulously restored to offer a blend of history and style.
La Concha is an adult-only hotel that offers a range of world-class amenities including a wellness centre and spa by the renowned La Perla Centro Talaso Sport and an in-house restaurant with 2 Michelin stars with a menu crafted by chef Paulo Airaudo. Each of its 23 unique rooms and suites is tastefully decorated, blending modern comfort with a light and breezy style. Most of them have panoramic views across La Concha promenade and sea.
Nobu Hotel
Also overlooking the stunning Concha Bay, Nobu Hotel is within walking distance of many of San Sebastian’s key attractions. Nobu Hotel is part of a global chain known for its unique fusion of Japanese and local cuisines and the hotel is a showcase for the brand’s excellence in service and gastronomy, paired with sleek design and style.
For the foodies, the hotel features an in-house Nobu ground-floor restaurant with views over La Concha, a 2nd floor bar and terrace, as well as giving guests the opportunity to order Nobu food directly to their room including signature dishes such as Black Cod Miso and Tuna Sashimi Tacos. The 17 stylish and spacious guest rooms and suites offer beach views, designed with a blend of traditional Basque craftsmanship and contemporary Japanese sophistication.
Villa Soro
Set in a peaceful neighbourhood, Villa Soro offers a tranquil and private retreat from the city’s bustling centre. A designated Historical Heritage Building, this former 19th-century family home offers a unique blend of history and comfort, with high ceilings, fireplaces, a wooden staircase and large lounges.
The hotel boasts lush gardens (designed by the gardener of the Royal Palace), a bar with garden terrace, a fitness centre, and complimentary bicycles for guests to explore the city, with the city’s 75km network of bike lanes running past the hotel. Its 25 rooms and suites are spacious and elegantly furnished, featuring modern amenities while retaining all the charm of the 19th-century villa. Certain suites also boast their own private garden and sun loungers.
Food Tours
Pintxos Tour
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned San Sebastian pro, a round of pintxos is a must when visiting the city. This fun and social tour begins in the historic Old Town, where you’ll meet your expert guide to learn about the history and culture of pintxos. As you hop from bar to bar, you’ll not only taste a variety of house-favourite pintxos but also learn about the culinary techniques and local ingredients that go into each bite. The tour includes tastings of excellent Basque wines and ciders, as well as options for beer lovers.
Basque Food Tour
This tour is a comprehensive exploration of Basque culinary traditions. Starting at Elkano1, you’ll sample innovative soft cheeses crafted by young local cheesemakers. Next, you’ll head to the fish market to explore the day’s freshest catches. A stop for cured beef and artisanal oils follows, before visiting farm stands offering fresh vegetables and hard cheeses. The tour also includes a visit to Zaporejai for Iberian ham and local pig products. As the focus is increasingly on hyper-local produce, you might also stop at an organic food market. The tour concludes with a pintxo and wine, offering a fitting end to this gastronomic adventure.
San Sebastian is fast becoming one of Europe’s gastronomic capitals, a city that promises an unforgettable experience, from its rich history and vibrant culture to its world-famous pintxos. Whether you stay in a historic seaside villa or a modern boutique retreat, you’re in for a treat. Add to that culinary tours that take you deep into the heart of Basque gastronomy, and you have all the ingredients for a trip of a lifetime. So why wait? Contact us today and discover the foodie wonders of San Sebastian.
