I almost skipped La Perla after reading some mixed reviews online, but I'm really glad we decided…read moreto experience it for ourselves. It ended up being a wonderful lunch with fantastic food and one of the best views in San Sebastián.
A special thank you to Javier from Tours Are Local, our walking tour guide, who kindly helped us secure a table after our tour. We didn't have a reservation, so we really appreciated his help.
The restaurant is perfectly located along La Concha Beach, with beautiful views of the bay and the iconic white pavilion extending over the water. It's the kind of place where you can relax, take your time, and enjoy the scenery while having lunch.
Before our meal, we were served a complimentary appetizer with fresh bread. It was a creamy chicken spread that was surprisingly delicious and a lovely way to start the meal.
For our starter, we had the Almadraba tuna with Nikkei dressing and avocado. The tuna was incredibly fresh, and the combination of the creamy avocado and lightly citrusy dressing worked beautifully together.
For our mains, we ordered the Monkfish with cockles in parsley sauce and the Hake with fennel beurre blanc, miso, and mushrooms. Both dishes were excellent. The monkfish was perfectly cooked, firm yet tender, while the hake was delicate, flaky, and beautifully complemented by the rich beurre blanc. Every dish showcased the freshness of the seafood without overpowering it.
I honestly don't understand some of the negative reviews. Of course, you're paying for the exceptional beachfront location, but the food certainly lived up to the setting during our visit. The service was attentive, the atmosphere was relaxed, and every course was thoughtfully prepared.
If you're looking for a leisurely sit-down lunch instead of hopping between pintxos bars, La Perla is an excellent choice. Enjoy the view, appreciate the fresh Basque seafood, and don't let a few mixed reviews stop you from trying it. We're certainly glad we did.