San Sebastian, a coastal city in Spain's Basque Country, is a food lover's dream. This picturesque spot boasts more Michelin stars per person than any other place worldwide, making it a top pick for food enthusiasts.

Located on the Bay of Biscay, San Sebastian blends city life with natural beauty. Its gorgeous beaches, including La Concha, draw sunbathers and surfers alike. The city's history shines through its buildings, museums, and events. San Sebastian's small size makes walking around easy, letting visitors soak up its relaxed vibe and lively streets.

• San Sebastian is known for its pintxos, the Basque take on tapas
• The city has an impressive collection of Michelin-starred eateries
• Local favorites include Basque cheesecake and txakoli wine

What's so special about pintxos

Pintxos (say "peen-chos") are the core of San Sebastian's food world. These small bites are like tapas but with a Basque spin. Originally, pintxos were placed on bread slices and held with a toothpick, which is why they're called "pintxo" – it means "spike" in Basque.

Stepping into a pintxos bar in San Sebastian is a treat for the senses. The counters often show off colorful, detailed creations that look almost too good to eat. But eat them you should!

Here's how to enjoy pintxos like a local:

1. Get a drink first (try the local txakoli wine)
2. Pick one or two pintxos at a time
3. Eat while standing at the bar
4. Go to the next bar and do it again

Some pintxos you must try:

• Gilda: A stick with anchovy, olive, and pickled pepper
• Tortilla de bacalao: Salt cod omelet
• Txangurro: Filled spider crab

Where can I find great pintxos bars

The Old Town (Parte Vieja) is the place for pintxos. Check out these top spots:

1. La Cuchara de San Telmo: Known for new-style pintxos
2. Borda Berri: Famous for its slow-cooked beef cheeks
3. Gandarias: Try their solomillo (sirloin) pintxo

For a more local feel, go to the Gros area. Bar Bergara is popular with locals for its creative pintxos.

"The best way to see San Sebastian is to hop from bar to bar, trying different pintxos and meeting people." - Local food guide

What else should I eat besides pintxos

While pintxos are the stars in San Sebastian, there's more to taste. The city's seaside location means fresh seafood is always available.

Don't skip these local dishes:

• Kokotxas: Hake or cod chin, often served in green sauce
• Txuleta: Big grilled beef chop, usually from older dairy cows
• Percebes: Gooseneck barnacles, a valued (and costly) treat

For dessert, you must try the famous Basque cheesecake. Unlike regular cheesecake, this one has no crust and is purposely "burnt" on top, giving it a unique caramel taste.

How can I enjoy Michelin-star food without spending too much

San Sebastian has many Michelin-starred restaurants. While a full meal at these places can be expensive, there are ways to taste top-notch food without emptying your wallet.

Many fancy restaurants have lunch menus that cost much less than dinner. Arzak, one of San Sebastian's three-star Michelin spots, has a lunch menu that's about half the price of dinner.

Another option is to visit the more casual restaurants run by Michelin-starred chefs. For example, Bodegón Alejandro is managed by the same team as the three-star Michelin restaurant Martín Berasategui, offering similar quality food at lower prices.

What local drinks should I try

No food trip to San Sebastian is complete without tasting the local drinks. Here are some you should sample:

1. Txakoli: A lightly fizzy, dry white wine
2. Sidra: Basque cider, usually poured from high up
3. Patxaran: A sloe-flavored liqueur

Many bars in San Sebastian make their own vermouth. It's usually served over ice with an orange slice and olive – great before dinner.

Where can I buy local food products

To see local life, visit San Sebastian's markets. The La Bretxa Market in the Old Town is a good place to start. You'll find fresh fruits and veggies, meats, cheeses, and seafood here.

If you want to buy food gifts, visit Zapore Jai. This shop sells many Basque and Spanish products, from canned seafood to local wines.

For something sweet, stop at Chocolates de Mendaro. This old chocolate shop has been making tasty treats since 1850.

How can I stay active after eating so much

After all that food, you might want to move around. Luckily, San Sebastian has plenty of ways to be active.

• Walk up Monte Urgull for great views of the city
• Go surfing at Zurriola Beach, known for good waves
• Ride a bike on the city's many cycle paths

If you're up for a longer walk, think about hiking part of the Camino de Santiago that goes through San Sebastian.

When are the food festivals

San Sebastian hosts several food events throughout the year. Here are a few to remember:

1. San Sebastian Gastronomika (October): A big food conference with top chefs
2. Basque Culinary World Prize (July): An international food award ceremony
3. Santo Tomás Fair (December): A traditional market with local produce and crafts

How can I save money while eating well

Eating well in San Sebastian doesn't have to cost a lot. Here are some tips to save money:

• Eat mostly pintxos – they're filling and cheap
• Look for "menú del día" (daily set menu) at restaurants
• Buy picnic food at local markets and eat on the beach

Remember, many pintxos bars charge different prices for food eaten at the bar versus at a table. Eating at the bar is usually cheaper (and more fun!).

FAQs

Is San Sebastian expensive?

San Sebastian can be costly, especially during busy tourist times. But with some planning, you can enjoy the city's great food without spending too much. Stick to pintxos bars, look for lunch deals, and think about staying in nearby towns for cheaper places to sleep.

Do I need to know Basque to order food?

While Basque is widely spoken in San Sebastian, you don't need to know it to order food. Spanish is understood everywhere, and many restaurants and bars have staff who speak English. But learning a few basic Basque words like "eskerrik asko" (thank you) can be helpful.

Can I find vegetarian food in San Sebastian?

While Basque food usually has a lot of meat and seafood, vegetarian options are becoming more common. Many pintxos bars have vegetarian choices, and there are some vegetarian-friendly restaurants in the city. But it's a good idea to check menus beforehand if you have special food needs.