Why San Sebastian Spain is the ultimate Foodie destination

Move over sun-drenched beaches and art museums. Spain’s true treasure lies on a plate, and nowhere shines brighter than San Sebastian. This Basque Country gem, where Michelin stars rain down like confetti and pintxo perfection beckons from every corner, will have your taste buds dancing and your heart stolen. San Sebastian is a foodie heaven on earth, a delicious labyrinth whispering promises of epicurean adventure in the heart of Parte Vieja.

Forget the dusty tapas guidebooks and sun-faded postcards. Spain's culinary scene isn't just about paella and gazpacho. Nestled close to the French southern border is a place, San Sebastian, they call it – "Donostia" in its ancient tongue, a city that'll steal your heart (and stomach) faster than a rogue txakoli wave. Bilbao might leave you breathless with its verdant hills, but trust me, San Sebastian's charm hits different. Wander its cobbled streets, past Belle Époque beauties and meticulously manicured plazas, until you reach the Paseo de Urumea. Take a deep breath, let the ocean air fill your lungs, and prepare to be swept away by a city that's as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the soul.

The many parks around San Sebastian Donostia and along Playa De La Concha

The Concha promenade is one of many vantage points offering picturesque sandy views out to the bay, and a most romantic walk if there ever was one. You also have Playa de la Zurriola where more experienced surfers tend to hang out, and for more breathtaking views, head to the top of Monte Urgull and Monte Igueldo.

Playa de la concha Donostia San Sebastian

San Sebastian has all the charm of Paris but with the beauty and earthy ambiance of a beach side town. It’s sort of what Noosa is to Brisbane, but so much more. Where this city really captures you though, is the food. It's why foodies flock from all over the world. The city centre has the most concentration of bars in the world, and is home to 16 Michelin stars, more than any place in the world (per square metre). That might be impressive, but it's also what the world's best chefs think. Ferran Adria (of El Bulli fame, world's best restaurant for many many years), has said that San Sebastian is quite possibly the best place on the entire planet, to eat.

La Concha Promenade Donostia San Sebastian

But you don't have to go to a Michelin star restaurant to eat good food here. San Sebastian (and the Basque region in fact), are known for their Pintxos (pronounced “peenchos”). These are different and distinct from what you would associate the rest of Spain with; tapas. Think of pintxos as specifically prepared miniature dishes, more elaborate than tapas, with tradition having them on bread and a skewer keeping them in place. These days Pintxos vary slightly in size and type, but rest assured, these delicious morsels will leave you wanting more, and won't break your budget (being only €1 - €2 Euro).

For more information on the distinctions between Pintxos and tapas, check out :

Main Square, Centre of Parte Vieja, the Old Town in Donostia San Sebastian

For the best of the best, head to the essence of San Sebastian in the old town of Parte Vieja. This area is always lively but comes alive at night as you walk through its cobblestone streets, and the heart of it; Plaza de la Constitucion. The scene for busy comings and goings; look around and be impressed by the quintessential Spanish life of late nights with the whole family (from Grand parents and young toddlers). You'll be wondering if people actually work, go to school, or just enjoy the art of living. Parte Vieja is a feast for the senses, with pintxo bars aplenty. You'll find yourself Pintxo hopping from one bar to another, each one seemingly as good, if not, better than the last, and you'll wish the night would never end.

Where Donostia San Sebastian comes alive is the Old town of Parte Vieja

The art of pintxos is serious here, and as a foodie, its pure culinary heaven to experience. One jewel in the Parte Vieja crown that one can not miss is Bar Borda Berri. Double, triple check their opening time, and get there early, as the crowds form quickly. Once they open, you'll rush into a space not much bigger than a small living room amid mustard-coloured walls hung with old photos and strands of garlic.

Borda Berri in the old town of San Sebastian is a must do for delicious Pintxos

Unlike other Pintxo bars, in Borda Berri, you won't find any pintxos sprawled across the counter. Instead, pay attention to the blackboard menu behind the bar and the staff are more than happy to assist. We found ourselves in the tiny corner of the bar, with enough room for two wine glasses. Once you order expect not to be able to order again, (it's that busy), so make sure you make it worthwhile. Get multiple serves of the unctuous risotto of mushroom idiazabal, and the melt-in-your-mouth braised veal cheeks (cooked for 6 hours in wine) which explodes with flavour on your first bite. Of course, go for whatever specials they have on offer as its bound to be amazing. Equally impressive is Borda Berri's staff who are able to remember every order, without taking down any notes, and serving everyone in the room in the correct order.

Borda Berri specialty. The Braised veal cheeks.

If your budget warrants it, make time for another gem in Parte Vieja, Bodegón Alejandro. Tucked down the steps away from the streets, this cellar restaurant, has a small but brilliant menu geared towards seafood. It’s a sit-down only restaurant that serves seasonal and hearty basque cuisine. If you don’t want to pay hundreds of euros per meal, this is an excellent bang-for-your-buck alternative venue. There are two main dining areas dominated by an enormous luminous mural of the San Sebastián coast, and gleaming wooden tables are engraved with maps and quotes, with the lighting adding to the classy ambiance. The tasting menu is a must do and you won't be disappointed.

Bodegon Alejandro Donostia San Sebastian

Foodie heaven with an abundance of seafood in Donostia San Sebastian

Fun fact: This restaurant was once owned by the parents of multi-Michelin-star chef Martín Berasategui and it was here, at the tender age of 13, that he started learning his trade. He has since held 10 Michelin Stars, the most of any other Spanish chef.

So, are you ready to visit San Sebastian?