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    Bar Néstor

    4.7 (159 reviews)
    ModerateTapas Bars, Basque, Steakhouses
    Closed 1:00 pm - 3:00 PM

    Bar Néstor Photos

    BAR NÉSTOR ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

    Recommended Reviews - Bar Néstor

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    Reviews With Photos

    Ensalada tomate
    Anjolika B.

    Amazing tortilla de patata, the staff is friendly and helpful and the space is very cozy. Limited amount of spots per seating, but appreciated the system they have in place so there aren't long lines!

    Kim V.

    The tomatoes were delicious and the service was quick and fast. They bring out which steak you would like to grill so you have that option. Seating can be awkward bc it's a small bar but the locals are loyal so that adds a nice touch of ambience. The steak was good but I think a little pricey.

    Spanish Tortilla de Patata
    Trish M.

    Bar Nestor is widely popular for the Spanish Basque Tortilla de Patata. This amazing little place has been featured on television food shows and has plenty of YouTube followers. Nestor's specialty is in the unique way he prepares the tortilla de patata, which consists of seasoned potatoes, eggs, and caramelized onions. The torte is then inverted on a platter. It's similar to a quiche, but thicker, much more moist, and creamy on the inside. In order to eat here for lunch, we had to arrive by 10:00 am to sign up. I believe they only accommodate 30-40 people per meal service, so signing up in advance is a must. Once we were signed up, we went back at 11:15 am to wait in line to enter the small restaurant. The owner comes out about 11:30 and begins calling the names of those who are on the list. All others are turned away. Once seated inside, the doors are closed and the service begins. It's lively, fun and an experience of a lifetime. We were served the sliced tomatoes that are seasoned with olive oil, herbs and spices. Followed by a slice each of the long awaited and anticipated famous tortilla de patata! It did not disappoint. It was definitely the best one I had in Spain. Perfectly cooked, moist, flavorful, and creamy on the inside. We were then shown several cuts of xtuletas (t-bone steaks) to select from. After making our selection, it is seasoned, cooked and served on a sizzling hot iron plate. In Europe the steaks are served medium rare. I'm more of a medium person, but this steak was served on a piping cast iron plate, so I was able to cook a bit longer. I can honestly say that the steak was absolutely delicious! One of the best I've had! It was such a great experience dining at Bar Nestor. We were seated family style with people from London and Mexico, and had a great time eating, talking and enjoy our meal with a good glass of wine! Great food and great experience!

    Main dish
    Juan Pablo S.

    Excellent meat! Loved the bell peppers and tomatoes with olive oil and salt. The kids love it too. They only have two tables and it is impossible to get a reservation. They are also famous for their "tortilla española" which huge lines wait in the morning to get a bite. Definitely recommend as a must stop in your stay in Donostia!

    tomato salad
    Jefferson M.

    bar néstor was my favorite place in my one week spain trip! First off, the server managing the queue was extremely friendly and kind. It also helped that he was great at english to clear any confusions about how their waiting list works. We came twice - once in the afternoon for the steak and another around 11 to try the tortilla (they only make one a day). While the steak was great, the tomato salad was phenomenal. I've never been a fan of eating tomato's straight up, but the way these were seasoned made it slightly sweet and had a satisfying almost meaty chew to it. The fried peppers are also a great pungent accompaniment for the steak. Bar Néstor is a must try!!

    Our steak choices
    Stephanie H.

    This was a very adorable place that we waited 1 hour to get in to stand at the bar- it was a happening - I heard o should order a gin and tonic and sure enough it was big and great- I loved watching the waiters at this animated bar, plus getting to know my neighbors as we waited in anticipation of all the hype. We got to chose the steak we want when the waiter brought out 2 raw ones to chose from- of course hubby picked the biggest one. Finally the steak came back out in a sizzling platter but still looked raw. I guess that's how Spaniards like their steak - way to red for me. But, when I'm Spain do what the Spaniards do- so I cut into it with excitement and put the first morsel in my mouth- very chewy and not as great as it looked.

    Aurore A.

    Come for the food... stay for the food and service. The service is friendly and the food is simply delicious. The two highlights for me were the steak and the tomato salad. You get to choose your cut of steak and then they cook it to perfection. The tomatoes are the perfect compliment and the flakes of salt on both are chef's kiss.

    Daniel R.

    Nice little spot. Chuleta, Tomato salad, pimientos and tortilla de patatas if your early enough. Great food, a bit of a wait, so get there early. Friendly staff.

    Txuleta
    David K.

    4.5 stars There aren't many restaurants in San Sebastian that specialize in just a few menu items. Usually it's the more the merrier, when it comes to selections of pintxos! But Bar Nestor stands out from the crowd for offering just a few exclusive items (the menu isn't even written down and is just given verbally). First, there's the tortilla, of which they make just one for each lunch/dinner service, and it's so popular that you have to put your name down in advance of opening just to get a slice! Shortly after it was brought out, the server portioned out the huge round tortilla and doled slices out on small plates--this omelette made with potato slices was super juicy, such that you had to mop up the runny filling with the piece of bread. Another plate that Bar Nestor specialized in (and that every single table ordered) was the tomatoes, which were sliced, doused in olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. Nothing crazy, but the flavor of the tomatoes was definitely on point. Then there were the fried green peppers, which were simply seasoned with salt, but were definitely on the greasy side. But the star of the show here was the txuleta, a massive, thick steak cooked rare, cut into perfect slices, seasoned with salt, and served on a sizzling plate. When dinner service started, the waiters simply brought around plates of the raw steaks for each table to select from, and the steaks were weighed before being brought back into the kitchen. The huge, thick steaks were cooked to perfection and remained so juicy with tons of meaty flavor. This is not something you have every day, but it makes for an amazing carnivorous treat. On top of the great food experience, the servers here were extremely hospitable and welcoming both to locals and visitors, and the luxurious steak came at an unbelievable value!

    pimento pepper
    Gautham P.

    the peppers were some of the best i've ever had! so good and so easy to down with some beer. as an arsenal fan, i also loved seeing the mikel arteta jersey so bonus points for that

    Sarin P.

    All jokes aside, I would spend the rest of my life savings to have the opportunity to dine here once a year. There are three food items on the menu: 1) Tomatoes 2) Spanish style pimientos de Padrón 3) Txuleta (rib eye of an older cow) There is a secret item on the menu: the tortilla. But there is a running waitlist immediately after the bar opens. They only make two a day (from my understanding) and you better get your name on that list as early as you can. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to eat this! Luckily, the portions were more than enough for two and so damn good. I have been converted to a diehard carnivore. The best part about it is that you get to choose your desired slab of rib eye!!!

    Crowds hoping to get inside Bar Nestor in Donostia's historic old town.
    Robert L.

    I had heard all the hype about Bar Nestor: the best tortilla de patata, or potato omelette, in Donostia. So after three nights of trying unsuccessfully to get into this tiny place in the heart of this seaside city's historic old town, my wife and I got there an hour before the place opened and we got on our name on the list--one of 16 coveted spots that entitled us to enter the bar first and get a slice of the famed tortilla. We were not disappointed! The tortilla was amazing, freshly cooked in a style with the eggs soft and warm, which was out of this world! Then we were asked if we wanted the chuleta, or prime cut of T-bone steak. Of course, we said. Why not? We also ordered the tomatoes garnished in olive oil and salt and the Guernica green peppers sautéed in olive oil and covered with copious amounts of salt. We munched on these tasty entrees and washed them down with Basque sagardoa, or cider. Both dishes were fantastic. While enjoying these starters, we were entertained by the head bartender, who barked out orders to his underlings and enjoyed entertaining the diners with his theatrics and answering questions anyone had about the place. The chuleta came sizzling on a hot skillet, very rare, which I like. But my wife, who prefers her meat more cooked, was able to turn the pieces of steak around on the hot skillet and cook them some more. The entire experience was absolutely first rate! Make sure you get to this place 45 minutes to an hour early to get your name on the list, then when you come back they will call you in the order you are listed. As we enjoyed our meal, a crowd formed outside, all of them hoping to land a spot inside. I felt satisfied and lucky as I ate while the crowds peered inside. I went back a week later with my son, wife and niece. It was just as good, and we all were glad that we has come to this classic eatery.

    Tortilla!
    Paul S.

    This place was money! We went every day we were in San Sebastián. The menu is simple: Tomato salad Pardon Peppers Gilda Txuleta Iberico ham and cheeses Tortilla! A note on the tortilla, which is incredible! It's made with potatoes and onions and it is heavenly. They only make one a day. The first is cut at 13:00. You have to go in before they open and get your name on the list. Totally worth it! The Txuleta is delicious. Will be cooked rare plus and delicious. The tomato salad is a relief as most menus are meat heavy! I can not recommend this place highly enough. The employees are very nice and food is delicious.

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    Bar Néstor Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Bar Néstor

    25kg txuleta, padron peppers, tomate ensalada, 4 vinos = about €70 split amongst the 3 in my group.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Restaurante Aldanondo

    Restaurante Aldanondo

    4.7(10 reviews)
    0.1 km

    Ugh, I want to be honest but I also want to highlight the good part of the experience, for it was…read morenot a wasted meal. This was not a favorite flavorful experience, for the most part. We did however thoroughly enjoy the small sirloin steak. It was tender, perfectly cooked medium rare, delicious and the best part of the meal. It came with fries that were properly crispy and delicious. Perfect amount of salt and so good!! I would go back for the steak in a heartbeat!! We ordered the tomato and tuna salad, it was OK. Wouldn't order again. The poached egg was different and tasty. It had mushrooms and I enjoyed it. I would order this again. The clams were tasty but a bit larger than I usually like them. I wouldn't order them again. Absolutely did not like the crab. It had so much of the shell that had to be spit out. I would not order this again. I would go back for the steak!! The wine was not my favorite either, we got a bottle of Muga. I will ask for a recommendation next time. I also thought it was super strange that almost everyone with a jacket was asked to hang it on the coat rack (which we didn't notice when we entered), but ours hung from our chairs. This was a last minute trip and we booked what we could for dinner. While I loved the steak, the other things we ordered were a miss.

    We shared a majestic, 5-star tomahawk steak cooked perfectly inside a fire oven/grill. We also had…read morefries and a simple, much needed green salad - both were very good. Service was delightful because it was happy and frisky.

    Photos
    Restaurante Aldanondo
    Restaurante Aldanondo - Sidra al Txotx de Petritegi

    Sidra al Txotx de Petritegi

    Restaurante Aldanondo - Comedor Interior

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    Comedor Interior

    Atari Gastroteka - Foie gras with sweet corn and white chocolate

    Atari Gastroteka

    4.5(157 reviews)
    0.2 km
    €€

    Atari was one of our favorite pintxos stops in San Sebastián. We sat outside in the open-air…read moreseating directly across from the beautiful Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus, and the setting couldn't have been better. Watching the square come alive in the evening while dining beneath the illuminated basilica made for a memorable experience. We ordered several pintxos to share, and every dish was excellent. The standout was the Carrillera (slow-braised beef cheek with mashed potatoes), which was incredibly tender, rich, and comforting. The Platillo de Bonito with tuna, anchovies, green peppers, and olives was fresh and full of classic Basque flavors. The Panceta (pork belly) was another highlight, perfectly crisp on the outside and meltingly tender inside. We also loved the creamy Croqueta de Jamón Ibérico, and the Bacalao Confitado con Pil Pil de Piquillos was beautifully cooked, with delicate cod and a silky piquillo pepper pil pil sauce. We couldn't resist trying the Pintxo Especial as well, and it was a great addition to the meal. The staff were warm and accommodating, helping us get a table outside and making us feel welcome throughout the evening. Inside, the restaurant has a lively, authentic Basque atmosphere, but the outdoor seating overlooking one of San Sebastián's most iconic churches makes the experience even more special. If you're looking for traditional Basque pintxos in a fantastic location, Atari is an easy recommendation. We'd happily come back on our next visit.

    Service was good and restaurant was nice not too crowded and lots of options to choose from on the…read moremenu. They also had the menu in english which is helpful. We opted for a few pintxos for lunch while we were visiting town. We also had a couple of drinks my husband got whiskey with coke and I asked for a local cocktail since I'm not much of a wine drinker. I was handed a cup of pacharán which was a bit strong but was nice to try something different. The pintxos came out one at a time which was nice we were able to fully enjoy each on their own. The bao was the only one I didn't really like mostly the bun part. It didn't taste like it was cooked all the way and was a bit gummy and there was not a lot of meat filling. Next was the lamb which was really tender and flavorful. The couscous was ok nothing special and not much seasoning to it. Then the beef cheek and mashed potatoes came out which was the star of the pintxos that we had. It was also very tender and the mash was also cooked perfectly. All of this was shared between the two of us and was very filling. The waiter let us know that some of the pinxtos could also be ordered in a full size if we wanted. We enjoyed sampling the pinxtos and would definitely recommend coming here to get a taste of local cuisine.

    Photos
    Atari Gastroteka
    Atari Gastroteka
    Atari Gastroteka

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    Bar Néstor - tapas - Updated July 2026

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