12 Trendiest New Dining Spots in San Sebastián, Spain

In his foray into the hospitality sector, Pedro Subijana has introduced a more relaxed dining option within his new Akelarre hotel, named after his three-Michelin-starred restaurant. Oteiza offers a taste of Subijana’s home-style cuisine with dishes like his renowned sea bass with green pepper, vegetable Bolognese, and a fried egg with potato “glass.” The outdoor terrace boasts some of the best views along the coast, making it an ideal spot for a cocktail crafted by the esteemed Patxi Troitino.

Local star Martín Berasategui takes a laid-back approach with eMe Be Garrote, his latest establishment on the outskirts of San Sebastián. This spot brings the refined techniques of his three-Michelin-star restaurant to a more casual setting, offering a market-driven menu with both traditional and contemporary flair. The ambiance blends traditional Basque elements with modern Nordic influences, fitting for the historic farmhouse and former ciderhouse. Diners can enjoy classic Basque txuleta or opt for innovative dishes like crunchy oyster with grapefruit granita and walnut hollandaise.

At Takatak Bar, Dmitrii Modestov curates a dynamic menu blending Japanese seafood techniques with comforting Russian flavors, all while incorporating global influences. Enjoy house-marinated anchovies or hummus paired with Basque pork sausage. The venue features a glass-walled dining area with an open kitchen, a cellar stocked with organic wines, and a cozy bar where Manel Vehí, a renowned Spanish mixologist, crafts unique cocktails. Don’t miss the ensaladilla rusa, a delightful Russian potato salad.

Imagine the magic when the culinary wizards behind San Sebastián's renowned Atari transform a former convent into a dining haven. Convent Garden is a modern Mytoury that maintains the convent’s historic charm, offering a menu focused on vegetable-centric dishes—a rarity in this region. Expect contemporary comfort food like cabbage rolls with demi-glace, pancetta on quinoa, and miso-glazed roasted eggplant, all served under antique candelabras. The historic site also features a hostel and a music venue, with original confessional booths adding to its unique character.

It was hardly a shock when the masterminds behind San Sebastián's flourishing bar and restaurant scene, including favorites like Atari and Sirimiri, took over another pintxo bar in the Old Town. What did raise eyebrows was their transformation of Txalupa's basement into a reservation-only clubstaurant. Secure a table in advance and you'll be buzzed into this speakeasy-inspired venue. The menu features a creative spin on Spanish classics, such as a rich wild mushroom rice with yuca and a Scotch egg with blood pudding. With an impressive cocktail and wine selection, plus weekend DJs, this place has it all.

Misura offers a blend of Basque traditions, innovative techniques, and organic ingredients. Located within the new Hotel Arima on the city's outskirts, this stylish restaurant presents a playful take on vegetable-focused cuisine. You can enjoy cauliflower prepared in various ways: as a puree with roasted florets, paired with a sous-vide egg, or with salt cod and smoked olive oil.

Ekeko brings Peruvian flavors into the spotlight inside an artisanal bakery, where traditional dishes are transformed into sandwich delights. The bakery’s team has crafted unique purple-corn focaccia and quinoa-studded mini burger buns to hold Ekeko’s vibrant fillings. While specialties like house-marinated botifarra, roasted ham, and lomo saltado are impressive, the appetizers steal the show. Be sure to try the ají gallina croquettes and marinated beef-heart anticuchos. For dessert, enjoy scoops of purple corn, lúcuma, and quinoa ice creams.

Chef Paulo Airaudo, hailing from Argentina, has brought his culinary talents to San Sebastián with his latest venture, Amelia, which proudly holds the city’s newest Michelin star. Amelia exudes an international flair, featuring a reservations-only policy with a locked door that requires buzzing for entry, and a diverse wine list curated by Italian sommelier Mario Giunti. The restaurant offers artfully plated dishes that embrace global trends, such as an avocado, caviar, and creme fraiche ice cream starter, aiming for international acclaim beyond local cuisine.

For the past three summers, the luxurious Hotel María Cristina has hosted a rotating star chef, and this year, until October, it’s Francis Paniego, the maestro behind Echaurren and Marqués de Riscal, boasting a total of three Michelin stars. Guests can select from two tasting menus (115 euros or 145 euros), with descriptions evoking the essence of the surrounding Ezcaray Valley’s nature. Beyond the poetic descriptions, the menu features Paniego’s legendary croquettes, a must-try.

San Sebastián’s premier dive into modern Latin American cuisine comes from a surprising source: Andoni Luis Aduriz, the head chef at Mugaritz. Topa Sukaldería aims to honor the deep-rooted connections between Basque and Latin American cultures, inspired by Aduriz’s Latin American adventures. The menu features unique offerings like squid tacos with ink and cocktails such as the Euskojito, a Basque twist on the classic mojito. The space’s industrial-chic decor, highlighted by a massive mural by local artist Judas Arrieta, melds Basque and Latin street art.

Aizpea Oihaneder and Xabi Díez have transitioned from their elegant white-tablecloth venue to create a lively basement Mytoury with an open kitchen. The new space showcases their bold take on modern Basque cuisine, featuring inventive dishes like piquillo peppers with yuca “coals” and a delectable suckling pig. Upstairs, the pintxo bar offers creative bites such as a smoked salt cod kebab.

Chef Ismael Iglesias, known for his sophisticated Kata 4 oyster and pintxos bar, has launched Rita in the heart of Egia, a local-only neighborhood. While the menu features classic pintxo bar fare such as charcuterie and fried calamari, each dish is presented with a touch of elegance and made with premium ingredients. Highlighted menu items include salmorejo with basil ice cream and mackerel paired with paella socarrat and curry flan. For a budget-friendly option, Rita offers a midday prix fixe for 25 euros, which is also available in smaller portions.