A Week in the Basque Country.
A Foodie's Dream: A Culinary Break in San Sebastián & Bilbao
San Sebastián, or Donostia as it's known in Basque, is a paradise for food lovers. Nestled on the northern coast of Spain, this charming city offers a unique blend of traditional Basque cuisine and modern culinary innovation. Whether you're a fan of pintxos, Michelin-starred restaurants, or local markets, San Sebastián has something to tantalize every taste bud.
Bilbao is just over an hour by car or coach from San Sebastian and is a vibrant city known for its stunning Guggenheim Museum, which showcases contemporary art in a breathtaking architectural setting. The city is a culinary haven, famous too for its pintxos and lively bars. Bilbao's rich cultural heritage is evident in the historic Casco Viejo, with its narrow streets and charming squares. The scenic riverfront along the Nervión River offers beautiful promenades and parks.
Here's your guide to a perfect foodie break in this gastronomic haven.
San Sebastian
Day 1: Exploring the Old Town (Parte Vieja)
Start your culinary adventure in the heart of San Sebastián, the Old Town. This area is famous for its pintxos bars, where you can sample a variety of small, flavorful dishes. Pintxos are the Basque version of tapas, often served on a slice of bread and held together with a toothpick.
Bar Nestor: Known for its legendary tortilla and juicy tomatoes, this bar is a must-visit.
La Cuchara de San Telmo: A bustling spot offering creative pintxos like foie gras and octopus.
Gandarias: Famous for its grilled meats and seafood pintxos.
Don't forget to pair your pintxos with a glass of Txakoli, a slightly sparkling, dry white wine produced in the region which perfectly complements the local flavors.
Day 2: Michelin-Starred Marvels
San Sebastián boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. For a truly unforgettable dining experience, make a reservation at one of these renowned establishments:
Arzak: A three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Basque cuisine.
Akelarre: Another three-star gem with stunning views of the Bay of Biscay.
Mugaritz: Known for its avant-garde dishes and unique dining experience.
These restaurants offer tasting menus that showcase the best of Basque ingredients and culinary techniques.
Day 3: Market Visits and Cooking Classes
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting one of San Sebastián's vibrant markets. Mercado de la Bretxa is a great place to explore fresh produce, seafood, and local delicacies. Engage with local vendors and perhaps pick up some ingredients for a cooking class.
Basque Culinary Center: Offers cooking classes where you can learn to prepare traditional Basque dishes.
San Sebastián Food: Provides pintxos workshops and guided market tours.
Day 4: Cider Houses and Coastal Dining
No trip to San Sebastián is complete without visiting a traditional sagardotegi (cider house). These establishments serve hearty meals accompanied by locally produced cider.
Alorrenea Cider House: Enjoy a classic cider house menu featuring cod omelette, grilled steak, and cheese with quince paste.
In the evening, head to the coastal area of Gros for a more relaxed dining experience. Zelai Txiki offers stunning views and delicious seafood dishes.
Must-Try Local Dishes
To truly experience the culinary delights of San Sebastián, make sure to try these local dishes:
Gilda: A classic pintxo made with anchovies, olives, and pickled guindilla peppers.
Txangurro a la Donostiarra: Spider crab prepared with onions, tomatoes, and brandy
Kokotxas de Merluza: Hake cheeks cooked in a pil-pil sauce.
Txuleta: A succulent, grilled rib-eye steak
Tarta de Queso: Basque cheesecake, known for its creamy texture and slightly burnt top
Torrija: Spanish-style French toast, often served with a drizzle of honey
Tips for Food Tours in San Sebastián
Book in Advance: Popular food tours can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons. Make sure to book your spot in advance to avoid disappointment.
Choose a Local Guide: Opt for tours led by local guides who can provide insider knowledge and take you to hidden gems that you might not find on your own.
Pace Yourself: With so many delicious dishes to try, it's easy to overindulge. Pace yourself and savor each bite to fully appreciate the flavors.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your guide about the history and preparation of the dishes. It's a great way to learn more about Basque culture and cuisine.
Try Everything: Even if a dish seems unfamiliar, give it a try. You might discover a new favorite!
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Food tours often involve a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Bring a Camera: You'll want to capture the beautiful presentations and vibrant atmosphere of the pintxos bars and markets.
Bilbao
Day 1: Exploring Pintxos Bars
La Viña del Ensanche: A classic pintxos bar with a history dating back to 1927. Try their toasted bread topped with tender Iberian ham and olive oil.
Gure Toki: Located in Plaza Nueva, this spot offers a contemporary twist on traditional pintxos. Don't miss their marinated cod and wild mushroom risotto.
Day 2: Michelin-Starred Dining and Local Delicacies
Mina Restaurant: For a luxurious experience, dine at this Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative Basque cuisine.
Casa Rufo: A deli-restaurant hybrid where you can enjoy oven-baked cod and one of the best chuletones (beef steaks) in Bilbao.
Day 3: Markets and Cafés
Ribera Market: One of Europe's largest food markets, perfect for sampling seafood and croquetas.
Café Iruña: An elegant coffee stop with Moorish-style décor. Pair your coffee with a homemade tart like the Gâteau Basque.
Additional Tips
Guided Food Tours: Consider joining a guided food tour to explore the best of Bilbao's culinary scene with local insights.
Bistró Guggenheim: Enjoy modern Basque cuisine with river views at this museum restaurant.
Here is my Instagram Reel of almost everything we ate on our Basque Country foodie extravaganza!