Donostia/San Sebastián is paradise for sybarites, and home of three of the world’s culinary giants: Martín Berasategui, Juan María Arzak and Pedro Subijana, all three blessed with the coveted three Michelin stars. Mere mortals may find their restaurants out of financial reach, but saving the pennies and making a once-in-a-lifetime visit has to be at the top of any foodie’s wish list.
www.martinberasategui.com
www.arzak.info
www.akelarre.net
At the helm is Andoni Luis Aduriz. The season begins on 10 April and, following tradition, no hint is given as to what will be on the menu. The carefully selected ingredients vary according to what nature has to offer, taking advantage of the caprices of each season. The result is a personalised menu of 20 dishes, the fruit of years of research.
Closed: Sunday night and Monday.
Price: approx €150
www.mugaritz.com
This simply decorated spot has played host to many a cinematic film legend, thanks to its position right in front of the Teatro Victoria Eugenia, one of the venues of the San Sebastián film festival, and the Hotel María Cristina, which accommodates many of the celebrities that take part each year. Glenn Close, Robert De Niro, Michael Caine and Martin Scorsese are just a few of the big names who have rested their elbows on the marble-top bar, and there are photos to prove it. You can take a break – as the movie-makers say – with a pintxo or a dish from the more than decent menu. During the festival, the tablecloths are printed with the faces of the film-makers and actors who are visiting the city.
Donostia/San Sebastián is world famous for its pintxos, and for its high-quality kitchens, awarded a total of 16 Michelin stars. Its better-known gastronomic highlights aside, there are an increasing number of alternative dining options making waves among locals. One such place is Garraxi, a wallet-friendly cosy vegetarian restaurant located in the Egia neighbourhood. The kitchen serves up only organic grains and vegetables, and has a selection of vegan dishes. It opens at lunchtime (1.30pm-3.30pm) and at night (8.30pm-11pm). For a break from pintxos and steaks, this is the place.
A place that is as fresh as the cakes that come out of its oven. La Guinda Deli & Coffee, both modern and comfy, opened in October 2011 with the aim of producing healthy and home-made fare. The three-course lunch menu is carefully balanced, and throughout the day you can get snacks, salads and toasted bread with various toppings – the perfect accompaniment to a good wine selection. La Guinda is open daily from 7.30am to 10pm (and with an extra hour, until 11pm, at weekends).
Its motto is ‘the fifth element of food in miniature’. There are various set menus, among them the Gusanillo (which means ‘Itch’ and is designed to tickle the taste buds); a more traditional workaday menú del día; a tasting menu; and a deluxe tasting menu. There are aperitifs, salads and various snacks, along with elaborate and addictive pintxos that include cod and salmorejo.
Closed: Monday
www.afuegonegro.com
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