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    Borda Berri

    4.5 (123 reviews)
    InexpensiveBasque, Tapas Bars
    Open 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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    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!

    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!

    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.

    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.

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    The pork kebab is truly something special.

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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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    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(158 reviews)
    0.2 km
    €€

    I'm not letting anyone reading this in on a secret here...while San Sebastián is known for all…read moretheir Michelin Star restaurants, it's the Pintxos that will be the most memorable and really what foodies come here for. It's like a high end food festival out there, and you just bar hop from place to place eating all these wonderful Pintxos and drinking cold glasses of Txakoli - a refreshing lightly carbonated wine. Everything in Basque Country is local and they have it all. Atari Gastroteka was our first stop, and we showed up right when they opened for the first Pintxos of the day. We focused on the cold Pintxos at the counter, just pointed at whatever looked good and ate it. Some of my favorites were... The marinated red Piquillo Pepper stuffed with tuna salad on a baguette. Smoked Mackerel on tomato bread Smoked Salmon with shrimp, egg, tomato, cream cheese on a raisin walnut toast. Topped with pickled veggie relish. Man this hit every flavor profile perfectly. We needed a 2nd one of those when I went back for Round 2. Jamon with Brie, honey, on dark walnut bread. I'm pretty sure they quickly hit this with a blowtorch to get the honey to caramelize on the Brie and also scorching the bread slightly. I could keep going on....but whatever bites you get here will be fantastic. Best to go with people who enjoy sharing bites, so you can try many different things so you don't get full.

    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.

    Photos
    Atari Gastroteka
    Atari Gastroteka
    Atari Gastroteka

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    Gandarias

    Gandarias

    4.3(145 reviews)
    0.2 km
    €€

    This was our first dinner in San Sebastián, made reservations ahead of time, because I heard so…read moremuch about their Txuleta steak. It lived up to expectations in every way. This steak is a much older cow (8 to 18 years old) than your normal US cow (1-2 years old). It's literally aged beef all those years while grazing, working, and milking. Such an amazing flavor. This is what we came here for. 40 oz of bone in ribeye for the table. Tabla de Iberico (half portion). This was the best charcuterie we had while in Spain. 4 amazing meats, definitely start your meal with this. Jamon Iberico de Bellota - stole the show, due to eating nothing but acorns, has such a nutty taste to it. But loved the other 3 as well. Chilled Spider Crab - this is another don't miss dish, although you can get it on Pintxos here and other places, this presentation in the crab shell is great. And it was the best crab salad we had anywhere. Txuleta 44 oz Bone-in Ribeye. They don't ask how you want it, it comes beautifully rare, nice crust on the outside, only topped with some course salt. It's not the most tender steak you've eaten, but the flavor makes up for it. You actually want each bite to last a bit. The fat has truly rendered into the meat here, delicious. Had to try both cheese cakes side by side Cheesecake #1 - House made Basque cheesecake with hazelnut ice cream. This was the winner of the two for me. Maybe not as fancy as the 2nd one. Cheesecake #2 - Rafa Gorrotxategi "Gandarias" Cheesecake with butter ice cream. This had an interesting top that was an apricot caramel glaze and an almond crust. It wasn't as sweet as the first one. Pretty though. We did return a few days later for their Pintxos and everything was delicious at the bar side as well. Can't see myself coming back to San Sebastián without eating here.

    Mistral Coffee & Bakery has some very good ensaimadas and is definitely worth stopping by…read more I tried a few, but my favorite was the one with the cream filling. Soft, buttery, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet.

    Photos
    Gandarias - Bar

    Bar

    Gandarias - Lamb and green bell pepper

    Lamb and green bell pepper

    Gandarias

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    La Viña - Tarta de queso

    La Viña

    4.4(148 reviews)
    0.1 km
    €€

    La Vina is where Basque Burnt Cheesecake was invented, and not that long ago really, created here…read morein 1988. But restaurants all over the world copied the burnt top idea, which gives it an almost caramelized flavor to it. This cheesecake has only 5 ingredients, cream cheese, sugar, heavy cream, eggs, and a tbsp of flour. The line is out the door for this place, everyone wanting their famous cheesecakes. They are constantly being baked and are cooling all over the place. And the smell inside is wonderful. The consistency of the inside of the cheesecake might surprise you. If allowed to sit for a few hours, it's a nice velvety interior. If they slice one that hasn't cooled that long, the inside may be custardy. They don't seem to mind how the center is set. Multiple people are slicing different cheesecakes to order, and one was fairly set, and the other was pretty liquid in the middle. I believe if it's that way, they view it as a flan, or molten interior. I will say, I saw a lot of the runnier slices of cheesecake getting thrown out by customers, so I wasn't the only one that preferred the center a little more set. I wonder if you can request a slice from a cooler one. The flavor was delicious of course, and surprisingly you get two slices per order. We didn't need four slices. But it did allow us to have 2 different textures and compare them side by side.

    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.

    Photos
    La Viña
    La Viña
    La Viña

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    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

    Casa Urola - Left: artichoke with pumpkin; right: mushroom and cheese tart

    Casa Urola

    4.3(49 reviews)
    0.1 km
    €€€

    A must-visit for made-to-order, highly seasonal pintxos while in San Sebastián. Casa Urola features…read morea downstairs primarily for pintxos enthusiasts (made-to-order and pre-made pintxos paired with txakoli) and an upstairs sit-down restaurant for a more elevated experience. Both were highly recommended to me, but given my very ambitious food itinerary for San Sebastián, I opted for just the made-to-order pintxos downstairs. I found Casa Urola lively and busy, but not claustrophobic the way some of the other famous spots in Old Town can be, which was a HUGE plus. Coming on the earlier side of the evening crawl, I was actually able to snag a seat after ordering based on staff recommendations: the mushroom tart, the pumpkin and artichoke, and of course txakoli. The made-to-order menu is offered in both English and Spanish, which was a huge plus for an English-speaking tourist like me. Both pintxos were fabulous, highly seasonal, and ended up being favorites of the entire evening's crawl. I ended up sharing a table with another solo traveler and it was so fun to compare orders and see what we each thought was best. My biggest regret is that I was honestly still too full from my lunch crawl to try more. I wish I had been able to squeeze in another visit before I left San Sebastián, but alas, I'll have to save it for next time!

    A highlight of downtown Donostia. Casa Urola is a classic on Fermín Calbetón with a lively pintxo…read morebar at street level and a calm dining room upstairs. The kitchen (long led by chef Pablo Loureiro) leans into market-fresh Basque cooking: seafood and vegetables cooked simply and precisely, often kissed by the grill. Service is warm and polished and a cold glass of Txakolina feels made for this room, or standing just outside at a high top, as we did. Dish-wise, my runaway favorite was the artichoke hearts, charred and buttery, sitting in a golden, silky sauce with little shards of jamón and nutty crumbs. I could have eaten twenty. A seared scallop arrived in a light, foamy sauce, topped with a tangle of crisp seaweed and a few toasted seeds. Sweet, briny, and rich without being heavy. Don't miss the cheese-and-pine-nut tartlets: flaky pastry, caramelized onions, and molten Basque cheese (think Idiazabal vibes) scattered with pine nuts. Everything landed perfectly seasoned and balanced. We paired it all with Txakolina and left plotting a return just for those artichokes. Classic Basque cooking here with a faint French twist that left us wanting more - but of course, it was time to continue eating our way down the street.

    Photos
    Casa Urola - Gildas on display.

    Gildas on display.

    Casa Urola - Left: artichoke with pumpkin; right: mushroom and cheese tart

    Left: artichoke with pumpkin; right: mushroom and cheese tart

    Casa Urola

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    Borda Berri - basque - Updated September 2026

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