Eat Your Heart Out San Sebastián
Tags: Basque Country, Travel, Freelance Writing, Foodies, San Sebastian

Donostia or San Sebastián as it’s more commonly known is a small town perched on the Bay of Biscay in the mountainous Basque Country. It may be small but goddamn does it have a lot to offer. From sun, sea and sand at its three gorgeous beaches to hipster cafes and wine bars that line the cobbled streets of the old town. But wait there is more! This isn’t just your standard beach town, oh no, there is one thing that San Sebastián does exceptionally well and that is FOOD!

Known for being ones of the worlds greatest culinary destinations, it doesn’t matter what restaurant or bar you choose to stop in, you can guarantee plates of delicious pintxos will be lined up waiting for you to sample. What are pintxos I hear you ask? If this is the first time you’ve come across pintxos then you are in for a treat my friend, they are the Basque countries very own answer to tapas, small plates jam-packed with flavour and goodness. From traditional tortilla and croquettes to more elaborate dishes like squid ravioli. If you’re a major foodie with a big appetite then San Sebastián should definitely be on your top places to visit.

With so many amazing choices in one place, it can almost be a bit overwhelming. My advice would be to go for it and make sure you try as much as you can, eat until your heart’s content. But just to make sure you don’t miss out on some the really really good stuff, here are some of my favourite pintxo bars:

Borda Berry

Fermin Calbeton, 12, 20003 San Sebastián — Donostia Spain

A lot of the places you walk into will have pintxos lined up along the bar ready for you to dive straight in but not this one, here you will have to order from the menu and wait as it’s prepared. But trust me it’s worth every minute. The food here is to die for, some of my personal favourites are the Pork Rib Kebab which literally melts in your mouth, the squid ravioli and the rich creamy risotto. Be warned this place explodes with people, so make sure you get there early and be prepared to battle the crowds.

Bar Sport

Fermin Calbeton, 10, 20003 San Sebastián — Donostia Spain

I know what you’re thinking, why is she sending me to a random sports bar in the middle of San Sebastián. Well, I’m here to tell you this is no ordinary sports bar, in fact, this place serves up some of the best pintxos around. This is the perfect place to grab yourself a glass of Txakoli, the locals favourite wine (watch out for that impressive long pour, you’ll know it when you see it), it’s very dry and slightly sparkling. Not to everyone’s taste but you have to give it a go. The Foie Gras here is something that definitely should not be missed. This is a must-visit when you’re in town, not just for the great food but also the friendly staff and buzzing atmosphere.

La Vina

Calle 31 de Agosto, 3 Casco Viejo, 20003 San Sebastián — Donostia Spain

Calling all you sweet tooths out there! If after all those delicious pintxos you thought you were finished, you were wrong! There is still one place that is an absolute must, even if you feel like you couldn’t possibly eat another thing, I know you’ll find room for this, trust me. As you walk into La Vina you will see the room is lined from wall to wall with their famous Tarte De Queso (Cheesecake). This thick creamy yet light fluffy cheesecake with a caramelized top is not to be missed. You might want to share this plate as the portions are huge, or perhaps you’ll find it’s just too good and keep it all for yourself.

Those are just a few of my favourites of mine but I’m sure you will have no problem finding lots of your own. As I have already said, when it comes to food in San Sebastián you can’t really go wrong, every corner you turn leads the way to new and exciting pintxos to try.

*Originally Published on PlugPlug