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    Borda Berri

    4.5 (123 reviews)
    InexpensiveBasque, Tapas Bars
    Closed 12:30 pm - 3:30 PM, 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM

    Borda Berri Photos

    BORDA BERRI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Casual
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Borda Berri

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    Right- crispy pork ears, Left- duck
    Evelyn H.

    We had the duck and the fried pork ears and they were so good!!!! the place is packed but don't let that stop you from trying this place, they have one of the best pinxtos at San Sebastian! Price is amazing with what you're gonna get!

    Bar
    Ed D.

    This is one of the few establishments in Old Town that offer fresh, hot tapas (not on display). The short rib was good as was the wine but small pours compared to other establishments. Servers were friendly and efficient. The bar wasn't too crowded or noisy when we arrived.

    Nick B.

    San Sebastián is unbelievable food everywhere you turn and we ate at Arzak but the Beef cheek and kabob were two of the most memorable bites of food. I had an all San Sebastián. I will remember this for the rest of my life and highly recommend.

    Devin B.

    In a city overflowing with extraordinary food, Borda Berri still managed to become one of our favorites. We went twice and planted ourselves at the bar both times, ordering off the chalkboard as one does in Donostia, and were never disappointed. The crispy pig ear was a small marvel, cooked to the exact point where the exterior shatters and the interior turns silky and springy, then rolled so each bite layered tenderness with that pleasurable cartilaginous chew. The foie gras terrine ranked among the best I've had anywhere, cool and impeccably seasoned, with just the right scatter of flaked sea salt to make the richness really pop. Asparagus was in season all over the city; here it arrived with a beautifully judged sauce that highlighted its sweetness instead of burying it. The ravioli stuffed with rich umami slow cooked pork was flawless. The gentlemen behind the bar treated us with unhurried care, guiding us through the board on both visits. If you're wandering the historic old town in Donostia, make a point of stopping in. It's the kind of place that reminds you why this city's reputation is so deserved. Highly recommended.

    "Kebab" ( basque pork rib)
    Evelyn M.

    This was one of several Pinxtos stops that was amazing! Standing room only and we were lucky to snag a counter space at 10:20pm! They close to new people at 10:30 but it was still packed then and they continue to serve past 10:30. Such an experience- the risotto was rich and sinful and the Kebab absolutely tender, rich in flavor and delicious! Don't plan to sit often in San Sebastián but you can eat & drink to your hearts content

    Kebab de costilla
    Pett O.

    The absolutely best pincho place in the Barque country and one of the most sophisticated establishments I've ever been. SERIOUSLY DON'T MISS THIS ONE, and order all pinchos. If you miss one from the menu, you will retreat for life. The kitchen is incredibly small, and works like a gunmachine. They send pinchos to the bar at a speed that you have a constant flow of delights since you arrive. The oreja al chimichurri is a total masterpiece. The callos de bacalao al pil-pil are a total experience. The fish and meat in all their versions are just perfect. Portions are small, so you can perfectly order all. The Standish Kent is just a bar, packed with people around it. Two people serving customers from the bar with such an oiled system of notation that everyone is happy and engaged. Is a perfect choreography. Bar and restaurant owners from around the el of should come here to learn the joy and beauty organization can provide. You can't be in Donosti and not come here.

    Tuna with a slice of pickle. Best choice. Also saw locals ask for veggie dishes.
    Sue J.

    Im quite disappointed with this place. The service was fine. The dishes recommended on Yelp, Google, and guidebooks were... well... terribly underwhelming. The only thing I liked was a dish that was NOT one of these items, which was the fish of the day. Very nice local tuna. Otherwise, risotto, pork rib, and ravioli all left something to be desired. Great prices though. I just didn't see anything amazing about this place. I feel as though you really need to go and spend some money on the big dishes in donastia- don't bother with these pinxho restos. They are all soso at best. Too much hype! I'd love to be with my entire family so that i can order a whole plate of turbot and a huge plate of shrimp!

    Grilled tomato stuffed with mozzarella and covered with olive oil and ground pistachios.
    Robert L.

    My wife and I spent a month is Donostia, or San Sebastián, and did our fair share of Pintxo crawling. Borda Berri was among the top spots we visited! The place is filled with character--bartenders shout out the orders to the kitchen crew as they pour glasses of cider, the bottles suspended several feet above the glasses to add bubbles to the drinks. We arrived as soon as it opened on a recent evening, and it quickly filled. We had a grilled tomato pintxo stuffed with mozzarella cheese and smothered with olive oil and ground pistachios. It was an excellent mix of textures and tased wonderful! We also tried the rib kabob pintxo, which was cooked perfectly and so tender that it broke apart as we stuck our forks into the meat. Located among the dozens of pintxo restaurants in the city's historic parte vieja, Borda Berri is a spot you do not want to miss.

    Risotto with sheep's cheese.
    Rebecca T.

    San Sebastian is famous for its pintxos/tapas scene, and it's no wonder when you visit Borda Berri! Small place, but it serves mind-blowing dishes that you'll remember for the rest of your trip. Dishes I ordered: 1) Risotto with sheep's cheese: one of my two favorites I ate. Normally, I don't like risotto, but I was surprised to find this dish made from orzo (which I like) and the sheep's cheese made it absolutely divine. Warm, creamy, and with the slightest chewiness from the orzo was a heavenly pairing. 2) Cod tripe on pil-pil: I like cod and I like tripe, but put together, I found it a bit too slimy for my palate. The pil-pil sauce was delicious, though. 3) Veal cheek cooked in red wine: the second of my two favorites. The veal absolutely fell apart upon cutting with a fork, and melted in my mouth before I could even chew it! Could taste the rich, red wine as well. So good! 4) Crispy pig's ear with romesco: I like pig's ear, and I enjoyed the crispy exterior/tender interior of this dish. It was a tad too gelatinous for my liking, but still tasty. I'm also told the lobster/sweetbread ravioli is a popular one, but I didn't order it. However, at Borda Berri, you can't go wrong with any dish you order!

    Top: crispy pork ear, bottom: veal
    Jenny S.

    Like many other users have noted, the risotto here is EXCELLENT. Initially I was skeptical, and upon the first third I almost thought it might be a tad salty? However, after the second and third bites I realized it's not too salty, it's just part of the flavor profile and it's amazing. Light for a risotto, but full of flavor. We also had the veal which was delicious, it tasted like beef/short ribs! So tender! The cod ravioli was also very flavorful. I wasn't a fan of the pork ribs or the pork ear, but that's because I am not a fan of pork. I would 100% come back again just for that risotto! We did have a short wait to be seated on a Saturday night, but that's to be expected.

    cod
    Gautham P.

    the pintxos here were all really good. the servers were friendly and quick, dishes came from the kitchen quite quickly. great ambiance

    Veal cheeks
    Ju L.

    Borda Berri is one of the best pintxos spots in San Sebastian. People start lining up outside before the place even opens for dinner service. Some of their popular pintxos here are la oreja de cerdo (pig's ear), el "kebab", la mejilla de ternera (veal cheeks). The staff here has knowledge of English so if you don't speak Basque or Spanish, it's not an issue. We had the pig's ear, veal cheeks and foie gras terrine while we were here and everything tasted delicious. The veal cheeks were very tender and hearty. The foie terrine was standard and was good. Finally, the pig's ear was a large fried and crunchy piece served atop a Basque chimichurri sauce.

    Risotto @davideatsdc
    David H.

    Have only tried a couple dishes at Borda Berri (because they sell out of their most popular stuff), but they were amazing. Small bar, fills up and their food goes quickly, so head in early. The risotto is incredible - super creamy, rich, funky, and delicious. Made with orzo and idiazabal, it's an amazing combination. We also tried the raviolis which were great.

    octopus

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    So yummy the pork chop was fire and the summer wine yummmm I would go again and there's lots of places close to it so fun area

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    The pork kebab is truly something special.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Borda Berri Reviews in Other Languages

    Review Highlights - Borda Berri

    Amazing pintxos, definitely order the "risotto" -- which is actually orzo cooked in the local idiazabal cheese.

    Mentioned in 22 reviews

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    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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    Astelena - Sea bass special, scallops, and beef tenderloin were all good choices on our table

    Astelena

    4.5(14 reviews)
    0.1 km
    €€

    I wandered around old town for HOURS wth my pintxo guide in hand. Many places were either way too…read morecrowded to get to the bar, the food looked not great, or had a terrible atmosphere. Finally, exhausted and delirious I stumbled into this rezi. Thankfully so! The server was so friendly even though my Spanish sucks. I immediately ordered a red sangria (Delish!) to calm my pintxo nerves. I settled into the bar and finally ordered the classic jamón ibérico. I used to think the ibérico was the region of the country but as I learned at the market, it's the cut of ham. Ibérico is very popular but I find there are better less fatty cuts but many bars only carry this. I digress! It was good and came with fluffy fresh bread, plentiful at that! (See pic). Then on a recommendation I ordered the beef carpaccio off the regular non pintxo menu. It was the best dish of my trip so far. It had chopped beef, onion, pickles!, and I think some horseradish sauce. I would fly back to Spain just to have this again. Go here, and order this.

    Bar Astelena was the first stop on our pintxos crawl and I would've been happy to spend the whole…read morenight here. The pintxos were delicious and aesthetically pleasing, and the portions were generous compared to some of the other traditional bars. The space was modern, colorful, and inviting. The large platter of Jamon Iberico was pork perfection (16€). We could see them slicing the meat from the large pork leg. The foie a la plancha had a nice presentation with coarse sea salt and fruit reductions, such a great value at 4€. The house wines were 2€. This was one of the culinary highlights of my European trip... I'd definitely go back on my next trip.

    Photos
    Astelena - Plaza de la Constitution

    Plaza de la Constitution

    Astelena
    Astelena

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    Txepetxa

    Txepetxa

    4.7(34 reviews)
    0.0 km

    If you're an anchovy lover, Bar Txepetxa is an absolute must in San Sebastián…read more Our tour guide, Javier, highly recommended it, calling it one of the city's best pintxos bars, especially for anchovies. He was spot on. There was a line outside when we arrived, but it moved quickly, and soon we were standing at the lively bar, just like the locals. Don't expect to sit. This is the authentic pintxos experience where you stand, eat, enjoy a drink, and soak in the buzzing atmosphere. Txepetxa specializes in boquerones, vinegar-cured white anchovies that are incredibly fresh, silky, and not fishy at all. They're marinated using a secret family recipe that's made this tiny bar famous for decades. We ordered almost every anchovy pintxo we could, and every single one was delicious. My favorites were the anchovy with jardinera sauce, topped with peppers and onions for a fresh, tangy bite, and the anchovy with trout roe, where the rich anchovy paired perfectly with the delicate pop of the roe. We also loved the anchovy with spider crab cream, which was incredibly creamy and flavorful. The walls are covered with photos of famous visitors, from celebrities to Spanish royalty, adding to the charm of this iconic little bar. Whether you're already an anchovy fan or think you don't like them, this is the place that might change your mind. The quality is outstanding, the service is fast despite the crowds, and the atmosphere is exactly what makes San Sebastián's pintxos culture so special. A definite 5-star must-visit and one of the highlights of our food tour in San Sebastián. I'll be dreaming about those anchovy pintxos long after this trip.

    Got here right as they opened. There was no one there. Within minutes, seriously, minutes, there…read morewas no standing room available!! Crazy!! Tried a couple of anchovy pinchos and loved it all. I don't think we actually got the foie one, we got manzana instead but it was all good. Will be back, right when they open again. We could barely leave when we were done! Jaja! The anchovy only one was salty but went well with beer.

    Photos
    Txepetxa
    Txepetxa
    Txepetxa - Exterior

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    Exterior

    La Cuchara de San Telmo - My favorite

    La Cuchara de San Telmo

    4.4(137 reviews)
    0.2 km
    €€

    As a warning, you should get here before they open and wait in line because if not, it's a mad…read morehouse. You can get in where you fit in. And just like all the pixtos bars here, seats are for larger portions or set menus and not pixtos. They are known for their suckling pig. Their skin is so crispy and their meat is nice and juicy. Beef cheek is also a must try! We also got the foie gras which was really good. Razor clams was also delicious. Octopus was also a hit, crispy with soft interior. Kids loved the entrecôte. Risotto was good, but wasn't my favorite. Octopus was nice and tender. We ended up going twice here, food is delicious! Service was excellent too, Alejandro always asked if we needed anything and super friendly with our kids too.

    Believe all the 5-stars! Worth the 40min wait. We arrived early and they opened 15min late, all…read moreworthwhile. Staff, both front & back, were exceptional. No bad attitudes displayed considering the sheer volume of people & chaos. The four cooks churned out food like soldiers...major kudos to the young team. My only suggestion would be to redirect the line to the second door that leads to the outdoor dining. People didn't know to move forward b/c all the people waiting blocked the flow. I'd also get rid of the round tables outside and build a long skinny standing table. Favorite was the hake. I usually avoid seafood due to sensitivities but what the hey, a bite here & there on holiday won't kill, plus, if you're gonna risk it, this region is as good as it'll get for clean seafood. The scallop was my 2nd favorite. We didn't get the beef cheeks b/c we were going to have steaks later...wished we had, looked divine. If there's just 2of you, opt for the smallest so you can chomp on different pintxos.

    Photos
    La Cuchara de San Telmo
    La Cuchara de San Telmo
    La Cuchara de San Telmo - Razor clams

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    Razor clams

    Gorriti - Pintxos

    Gorriti

    4.6(17 reviews)
    0.1 km

    It was around 11 am and I was surprised this place was open and serving pintxos and coffee. Seems…read morelike my clock is just in line with Spain and this was my first name of the day. The coffee wasn't as good as I've had another places, and I asked for a Caliente pitxo, which is supposed to be made fresh. He however, folded from under the bar and it was barely lukewarm. Only good part was it had nice flavoring. It's a small space with standing room only, but has a WC.

    Simple, old-school, and delicious. This place excels at old-school pintxod. No elaborate…read moreMichelin-star touches. No 21st-century twists. Just beautiful peppers, amazing fresh bread, blood sausage, and other sausages. Made fresh in-house and served by a couple of older gentlemen who could not possibly have been sweeter to me and my wife. It's the sort of spot where, when you're finished with your pinchos, you toss the wrappers and napkins on the floor and head out. I absolutely loved the vibe in here. As low-key as it could possibly get. The pace is unhurried, but the food reaches you quickly, and you will be blown away by the quality of the sausages, the peppers, the olives, the cheeses, the anchovies and sardines, and all the other basics done so flawlessly that you'll want to come back again and again. A special request for blood sausage was happily honored despite it needing to be stuffed and cut fresh. A perfect place to begin your Donostia journey, because you'll get Basque food as it is, not a fusion or an elevated reinterpretation. Plenty of places in the Old Town do modern takes very well, but this is the fundamentals, executed with perfection.

    Photos
    Gorriti
    Gorriti
    Gorriti - Selection of pintxos.

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    Selection of pintxos.

    Bar Néstor - Spanish Tortilla de Patata

    Bar Néstor

    4.7(159 reviews)
    0.0 km
    €€

    If you come to San Sebastián and don't stop at Bar Néstor, you've skipped one of the city's great…read moreculinary rituals. This tiny, high‑energy bar in the Parte Vieja is famous for doing just a few things -- and doing them with absolute conviction. The lineup is legendary: the txuleta steak, the tomato salad, the Padrón peppers, and of course, the tortilla that sells out instantly. They make only two tortillas a day, and getting your name on the list feels like joining a local rite of passage. Here's the twist: although the tortilla is the most famous item, it actually wasn't our favorite version in the city. It's still fun to chase, still a cool story to tell, but the real stars of the meal were the steak -- charred, juicy, perfectly salted -- and the tomatoes, which taste like they've been engineered for maximum summer. They only make 2 tortillas a day, so you have to stand in line before they open to get a reservation for a slice. Inside, it's tiny, loud, and joyful. The staff runs the place with precision and a wink, and even when it's packed shoulder‑to‑shoulder, it feels like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. Come early, come hungry, and come ready for a meal that feels like a Basque rite of passage -- tortilla hype and all.

    Bar Nestor is one of those Old Town legends that actually earns the legend. It's tiny, slammed, and…read morelaser-focused on a few things they do better than almost anyone: the once-or-twice-a-day tortilla (you put your name down before service and pray), the txuleta that comes out perfectly salted, tomatoes and padrón peppers in season, and a handful of small plates that remind you why Basque cooking is among the greatest in the world. Our favorite bite here wasn't even the gorgeous stuffed ravioli, it was a "noodle" dish where the noodles are actually spiralized squid. Silky ribbons of txipiron, barely kissed by heat so they stay tender, tossed with good olive oil, a little oniony sweetness, herbs, and a snowfall of grated cheese (Idiazabal-like in flavor). Simple, clean, and surprisingly creative at the same time. Exactly what Donostia gets right at its best. The room is a crush (in the best way), the team is friendly but no-nonsense, and the whole operation runs very predictably: show up early if you want tortilla; be ready to stand; order the classics and whatever seafood they're excited about that day.

    Photos
    Bar Néstor
    Bar Néstor - Fresh tomatoes with olive oil and salt

    Fresh tomatoes with olive oil and salt

    Bar Néstor - Outside Façade

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    Outside Façade

    La Viña - Tarta de queso

    La Viña

    4.4(146 reviews)
    0.1 km
    €€

    Worth the pilgrimage for the original Basque cheesecake…read more Like many visitors to San Sebastián, we came to La Viña for one reason: to try the cheesecake that inspired countless versions around the world. This is where the famous Basque cheesecake was created, and after finally tasting it, I completely understand why people line up for it. The first thing that surprised me was the texture. If you're expecting a dense New York-style cheesecake, this is completely different. It's incredibly creamy and custard-like in the center, with a beautifully caramelized top that adds just the right amount of depth. It's rich without feeling heavy, and somehow disappears from your plate much faster than you'd expect. I also loved that La Viña still feels like a traditional neighborhood bar rather than a tourist attraction. Locals stop in for pintxos and wine, while visitors from all over the world come for a slice of cheesecake. The mix gives the place a lively, authentic atmosphere that's part of the experience. My advice? Don't overthink it. Order the cheesecake, find a spot if you can, and enjoy it exactly where it was born. Sometimes the originals really are the best, and this is one of those cases. If you're visiting San Sebastián, La Viña is a stop that's absolutely worth making.

    La Viña is one of those rare places that completely lives up to the hype…read more I have heard about this cheesecake for years, and somehow it still exceeded expectations. It is hands down the best cheesecake I have ever had. The texture is unbelievably creamy, rich without being too heavy, and perfectly balanced. Simple, iconic, and unforgettable. If you are in San Sebastián, this is an absolute must. Some places become famous for a reason, and La Viña is definitely one of them.

    Photos
    La Viña
    La Viña
    La Viña

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    Borda Berri - basque - Updated July 2026

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