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.

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.

This came as a recommendation from another restaurant in town. Little did I know there are two…read morecompeting Asadors across the river from each other! Both are excellent. The difference here is their chuleton is for 2 so bring a friend or be prepared to go Bengal Tiger styles. Folks are super nice but make sure you practice your Euskera/Castellamo because Inglés is at a premium

Lovely small bar where the 1kg steak is for sharing on the hot plate that lets you each determine…read morehow you'd like it with a side of tomatoes or the most awesome grilled salted peppers. We started with the ample deep fried calamari and one of the two rose wines. The steak and peppers stole the show though. Seriously good and a lot of food. We made a reservation for dinner on a Friday night. You can call but we stopped in and put our name in the BIG leather book. Definitely advisable as there aren't but 10 or so tables. We sat outside which is lovely on a small intersection with mostly foot traffic. We smelled the steak before we even rounded the corner.

Wow! Great find just off the main drag…read more Service was friendly, quick and very helpful in pick just the right amount of food. Location just off the high street or great. Not too quiet and plenty to look at rolling by. The food! Tomatoes, peppers, and the steak!!! I really don't need to say much as the pictures tell a far better and more delicious story that I could ever tell.

Asador San Martin San Martin, Orio Spain…read more Easily our most favorite restaurant in Basque Country so far.... Located on the top of a hill in the middle of pastures and fields of grapes. In the middle of nowhere. Amazing to see how much food can be consumed in one meal! When it's this delicious, you take your time to enjoy. Ideally with family and friends in a group so you eat everything together and revel in the splendid tastes of some of the best food on Earth. This is the Basque way of life-how lucky to be able to live this way! Our gigantic beef steak was lean,and cooked with sea salt...and raw! And perfect that way! The red peppers were SO deeply flavorful and our dessert....Perfecto! Simple milk pie was warm, slightly sweet from the carmelized sugar top accompanied by a light banana with chocolate bits ice cream. This was like a very light bread pudding. The Basque cheesecake was light, slightly sweet SO very full of flavor served with the perfect side of macerated cherries. The depth of flavor, simplicity of the ingredients and their absolute freshness in a cozy Mountain View setting and the ocean down below. There was light hail falling outside before the sun came out....divine. Speaking Spanish certainly helps as google translate doesn't always describe what's on the menu. Wait staff speak minimal English but can certainly recommend what's wonderful. Parking right out front and reservations recommended.

We were looking for a traditional "cider house" meal and boy did we find it. Look no further -The…read morefood was fantastic and the experience was nothing short of awesome. The experience consists of a 5 course meal (set menu) which consists of little chorizo bites followed by an amazing cod omelette and then a plate of some of the best cod we've tried served with some perfectly fried crispy onions. the last dish tops them all with a huge aged steak cooked to perfection (a bit rare) before a dessert of cheeses and quince paste - all washed down with a variety of surprisingly unique tart ciders. As amazing as the food was, the experience surpassed it with regular calls to the barrels to pour yourself your own refreshing glass of cider and mingle with the locals. The staff is amazing- they took the time to tell us the long family history (15 generations!) in the ciderhouse following family recipes and explaining the menu and traditions. The best surprise was a new champagne like cider they offered us to try. We liked so much we even bought a case to take home.

From the owner: Sidrería tradicional en Astigarraga.read more

Excellent pintxos and Sangria. Walk up to the counter and pick a few out. Definitely worth your…read morevisit.

The best tapas I had in all of Spain and note that I have visited Madrid, Sevilla, San Sebastian…read more(Donostía), Pamplona, Zaragoza and Barcelona. We had six or seven different tapas and I cannot decide which one was the best. They were all outstanding. We had mushroom croquetas and pan con tomate. Also excellent.