San Sebastián isn’t just a beach paradise—it’s the culinary capital of Spain! With its cobblestone streets, ocean breezes, and an appetite for gastronomic greatness, it’s no surprise this Basque city is bursting with Michelin stars. Ready to drool? Let’s explore 20 of San Sebastián’s best, each with its unique sparkle, story, and dish that’ll change your life forever.
1) Arzak
Year Founded: 1897
Address: Av. del Alcalde José Elosegi, 273, 20015 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: 3
Cost for a Meal: €200–€350
Dishes They Prepare: Modern Basque cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Red Mullet with Edible Scales
Instagram: @arzakrestaurant
Website: arzak.es
Renowned Chef: Juan Mari Arzak & Elena Arzak
Arzak is the stuff of culinary legends. Family-run for over a century, it’s where Basque tradition meets cutting-edge innovation. Elena Arzak, one of the world’s best chefs, elevates dishes like the Red Mullet with edible scales into an art form. Each plate is a masterpiece, and the hospitality feels like a warm hug from an old friend.
2) Mugaritz
Year Founded: 1998
Address: Aldura Aldea, 20, 20100 Errenteria, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Michelin Stars: 2
Cost for a Meal: €220–€275
Dishes They Prepare: Avant-garde gastronomy
Most Iconic Dish: Edible Stones
Instagram: @mugaritz
Website: mugaritz.com
Renowned Chef: Andoni Luis Aduriz
Mugaritz isn’t just a meal—it’s a theatrical journey. Known for its bold and imaginative dishes like Edible Stones, this restaurant challenges your senses. Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz thrives on pushing boundaries, creating a dining experience that feels more like a culinary dream than dinner.
3) Akelarre
Year Founded: 1974
Address: Padre Orcolaga Ibilbidea, 56, 20008 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: 3
Cost for a Meal: €250–€330
Dishes They Prepare: Modern Basque cuisine with a seaside twist
Most Iconic Dish: Turbot with Its “Kokotxas”
Instagram: @akelarre_restaurante
Website: akelarre.net
Renowned Chef: Pedro Subijana
Akelarre combines jaw-dropping ocean views with some of the most refined cuisine in Spain. Chef Pedro Subijana’s Turbot dish is a highlight, perfectly marrying Basque tradition and modern elegance. Plus, it’s hard to resist a restaurant with its own luxury hotel.
4) Martín Berasategui
Year Founded: 1993
Address: Loidi Kalea, 4, 20160 Lasarte-Oria, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Michelin Stars: 3
Cost for a Meal: €275–€320
Dishes They Prepare: High-end Basque cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Mille-feuille of Smoked Eel, Foie Gras, and Apple
Instagram: @martinberasategui
Website: martinberasategui.com
Renowned Chef: Martín Berasategui
The man, the myth, the legend! Martín Berasategui has more Michelin stars than fingers on one hand, and his namesake restaurant is the crown jewel. The Smoked Eel Mille-feuille? It’s pure culinary poetry that you’ll think about for weeks.
5) Amelia by Paulo Airaudo
Year Founded: 2017
Address: Prim Kalea, 34, 20006 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: 2
Cost for a Meal: €180–€300
Dishes They Prepare: Fusion of Basque and Italian cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Blue Lobster with Yuzu
Instagram: @amelia_restaurante
Website: ameliarestaurant.com
Renowned Chef: Paulo Airaudo
Amelia is where Basque traditions meet global inspiration. Chef Paulo Airaudo’s creations, like Blue Lobster with Yuzu, balance innovation and familiarity. The sleek, intimate setting adds to the magic, making every bite unforgettable.
6) Kokotxa
Year Founded: 2002
Address: Campanario Kalea, 11, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: 1
Cost for a Meal: €100–€160
Dishes They Prepare: Contemporary Basque cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Hake Kokotxas in Green Sauce
Instagram: @restaurantekokotxa
Website: restaurantekokotxa.com
Renowned Chef: Daniel López
Nestled in the old town, Kokotxa offers a cozy, modern dining experience. Chef Daniel López specializes in elevating humble Basque ingredients, as seen in his legendary Hake Kokotxas dish. It’s a Michelin-starred gem that’s as welcoming as it is delicious—proof that fine dining can feel like home.
7) Eme Be Garrote
Year Founded: 2016
Address: Igara Bidea, 33, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: 1
Cost for a Meal: €90–€140
Dishes They Prepare: Rustic Basque with a modern twist
Most Iconic Dish: Slow-Cooked Egg with Black Truffle
Instagram: @eme_begarrote
Website: emebegarrote.com
Renowned Chef: Martín Berasategui
Yes, Martín Berasategui strikes again—this time with a more casual, yet equally brilliant concept. Eme Be Garrote is housed in a converted cider house, and the Slow-Cooked Egg dish is a divine embrace of earthy truffle and creamy yolk.
8) Rekondo
Year Founded: 1964
Address: Igeldo Pasealekua, 57, 20008 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (but highly acclaimed)
Cost for a Meal: €70–€120
Dishes They Prepare: Traditional Basque cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Txuleta (Basque Ribeye Steak)
Instagram: @rekondorestaurante
Website: rekondo.com
Renowned Chef: Iñaki Rekondo
Rekondo may not flaunt a star, but it’s a Michelin-worthy experience, especially for steak lovers. The Txuleta is perfection on a plate, paired with one of the best wine cellars in Europe. Rustic vibes and legendary flavors make this a must-visit.
9) Narru
Year Founded: 2007
Address: Zubieta Kalea, 56, 20007 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (rising star alert!)
Cost for a Meal: €50–€100
Dishes They Prepare: Contemporary Basque with global influences
Most Iconic Dish: Grilled Octopus with Potato Foam
Instagram: @narru_restaurante
Website: narru.es
Renowned Chef: Iñigo Peña
Narru’s unpretentious charm lies in its bold flavors and innovative techniques. Chef Iñigo Peña’s Grilled Octopus will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about seafood. Bonus points for its prime location near La Concha Beach!
10) Alameda
Year Founded: 1942
Address: Gurutze Kalea, 3, 20110 Hondarribia, Spain (near San Sebastián)
Michelin Stars: 1
Cost for a Meal: €70–€120
Dishes They Prepare: Seasonal Basque cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Monkfish with Leek and Squid Ink Sauce
Instagram: @restaurantealameda
Website: restaurantealameda.net
Renowned Chef: Txapartegi Family
A short trip from San Sebastián, Alameda is run by the third generation of the Txapartegi family. Their dedication to local, seasonal ingredients shines in the Monkfish dish, a delightful harmony of land and sea.
11) Txepetxa
Year Founded: 1897
Address: Pescadería Kalea, 5, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (but iconic!)
Cost for a Meal: €20–€40
Dishes They Prepare: Anchovy-based pintxos
Most Iconic Dish: Anchovies with Blueberry Sauce
Instagram: @txepetxa
Website: barrestauranetxepetxa.com
Renowned Chef: Family-run
Anchovies as the star? Absolutely! Txepetxa elevates the humble fish to gastronomic glory. Their Anchovies with Blueberry Sauce is a creative marvel that proves even small bites can deliver big flavors.
12) Gerald’s Bar (Hondarribia)
Year Founded: 2010
Address: Kale Nagusia, 12, 20110 Hondarribia, Spain (just outside San Sebastián)
Michelin Stars: None (but beloved!)
Cost for a Meal: €30–€60
Dishes They Prepare: Basque comfort food with a twist
Most Iconic Dish: Gilda Pintxo (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewer)
Instagram: @geraldsbar
Website: geraldsbar.com
Renowned Chef: Gerald Diffey
This cozy spot is a mecca for pintxo lovers. Gerald’s playful take on the classic Gilda is worth the trip alone. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed meal in an intimate setting with stellar wine pairings.
13) Mugaritz
Year Founded: 1998
Address: Aldura Aldea, 20, 20100 Errenteria, Spain (near San Sebastián)
Michelin Stars: 2
Cost for a Meal: €250–€300
Dishes They Prepare: Experimental avant-garde cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Edible Stones
Instagram: @mugaritz
Website: mugaritz.com
Renowned Chef: Andoni Luis Aduriz
Mugaritz is not just a restaurant—it’s a culinary playground. Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz crafts dishes that challenge your perception of food, like the famed Edible Stones, which look exactly like rocks but melt in your mouth.
14) Aratz
Year Founded: 1994
Address: Avenida Ategorrieta, 34, 20013 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (hidden gem alert!)
Cost for a Meal: €50–€80
Dishes They Prepare: Basque seafood specialties
Most Iconic Dish: Grilled Turbot
Instagram: @aratzrestaurante
Website: aratzrestaurante.com
Renowned Chef: Family-run
Aratz is a love letter to the sea, with dishes that honor local seafood. Their Grilled Turbot is smoky, tender, and simply unforgettable. If you’re seeking authentic Basque flavors, this is your place.
15) Bodegón Alejandro
Year Founded: 1973
Address: Fermín Calbetón Kalea, 4, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (but Basque royalty!)
Cost for a Meal: €40–€70
Dishes They Prepare: Traditional Basque comfort food
Most Iconic Dish: Lamb Stew with Vegetables
Instagram: @bodegonalejandro
Website: bodegonalejandro.com
Renowned Chef: Martín Berasategui (former chef)
This humble eatery helped launch Martín Berasategui’s illustrious career. Their Lamb Stew is a hearty hug in a bowl, perfect after exploring the old town’s charming streets.
16) Gandarias
Year Founded: 1948
Address: 31 de Agosto Kalea, 23, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (pintxo powerhouse!)
Cost for a Meal: €20–€40
Dishes They Prepare: Pintxos, grilled meats, and seafood
Most Iconic Dish: Sirloin Steak Pintxo
Instagram: @gandariasjatetxea
Website: gandariasjatetxea.com
Renowned Chef: Family-run
A lively spot in the heart of the old town, Gandarias is a go-to for pintxo perfection. Their Sirloin Steak Pintxo is tender, juicy, and topped with a touch of flaky salt—pure bliss!
17) Akelarre
Year Founded: 1970
Address: Padre Orcolaga Pasealekua, 56, 20008 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: 3
Cost for a Meal: €250–€300
Dishes They Prepare: Haute Basque cuisine
Most Iconic Dish: Pasta Carpaccio
Instagram: @akelarre
Website: akelarre.net
Renowned Chef: Pedro Subijana
Akelarre offers not just a meal but an experience, perched atop a cliff with jaw-dropping views. Chef Pedro Subijana’s Pasta Carpaccio is as creative as it is delicious, proving why this place is a 3-star wonder.
18) Ganbara
Year Founded: 1984
Address: San Jeronimo Kalea, 21, 20003 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (but legendary!)
Cost for a Meal: €30–€60
Dishes They Prepare: Seasonal Basque delights
Most Iconic Dish: Wild Mushroom Pintxo
Instagram: @ganbarataberna
Website: ganbarataberna.com
Renowned Chef: Family-run
Ganbara is a temple to mushrooms, with their Wild Mushroom Pintxo standing as a testament to nature’s bounty. Add a glass of local cider, and you’ve got a perfect Basque bite.
19) Zuberoa
Year Founded: 1964
Address: Calle Pilotalekua, 1, 20180 Oiartzun, Spain (near San Sebastián)
Michelin Stars: 1
Cost for a Meal: €150–€200
Dishes They Prepare: Classic Basque-French fusion
Most Iconic Dish: Pigeon with Foie Gras
Instagram: @zuberoarestaurante
Website: zuberoa.com
Renowned Chef: Hilario Arbelaitz
Housed in a 600-year-old farmhouse, Zuberoa is a magical blend of tradition and innovation. The Pigeon with Foie Gras is indulgent and unforgettable, like stepping back in time with a Michelin-starred twist.
20) Agorregi Jatetxea
Year Founded: 2004
Address: Portuetxe Bidea, 14, 20018 San Sebastián, Spain
Michelin Stars: None (but a rising star!)
Cost for a Meal: €60–€100
Dishes They Prepare: Creative Basque fusion
Most Iconic Dish: Cod with Pil-Pil Sauce
Instagram: @agorregijatetxea
Website: agorregi.com
Renowned Chef: Jesús Íñigo
Agorregi Jatetxea is a culinary haven that combines Basque roots with global influences. Their Cod with Pil-Pil Sauce is a silky masterpiece that captures the spirit of San Sebastián on a plate.
Starry food!
