10 of the Best Pintxos Bars in San Sebastian

If Spain has a food capital, it’s San Sebastián. Imagine pulling up to a casual bar and ordering bites that wouldn’t be out of place on a Michelin-starred tasting menu—all while smashing beers, wine, and vermut. This is that city.

Every narrow alley in the old town (Parte Vieja) is packed with spots where a quick drink turns into an all-night feast, one pintxo at a time. These nine bars are where we’d send a friend—just be sure to pace yourself. These are the best pintxos bars in San Sebastian.

Check out our full San Sebastián Pintxos Crawl Guide on Google Maps.

1. Bar Sport

📍 Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 10

Don’t let the name fool you—there’s nothing particularly sporty about Bar Sport, but it is effortlessly cool. The only thing on the TV? A loop of the pintxos you’re about to order. First up: the sea urchin crema, served in its spiny shell, rich and oceanic. Then, the foie a la plancha—seared to perfection, buttery, and downright addictive. Pair it all with a vermut preparado, finished with a dash of Campari and orange bitters. Pro tip: come during off hours—this place gets packed.

2. Borda Berri

📍 Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12

Next door to Bar Sport, squeeze your way into this always-crowded gem. Grab a glass of txakoli (the crisp, lightly effervescent Basque white wine) and let the kitchen do the talking. Don’t miss the pork rib, the cod cheeks, or the fish of the day. And whatever you do, order the creamy risotto. It’s not actually rice, but orzo—small, tender, and coated in a lush, cheesy sauce. Heaven in a spoonful.

3. La Cuchara de San Telmo

📍 Santa Korda Kalea, 4

If you’ve never tried pig ear, this is the place to fix that. Their pig ear is tender, layered, and perfectly crisped on the outside. It’s one of those mind-changing dishes. Follow it up with the cochinillo asado (slow-roasted suckling pig)—crispy skin, juicy meat, absolute pork perfection. A cold beer here is non-negotiable.

4. Ganbara

📍 C. de San Jerónimo, 21

Mushroom lovers, this is your paradise. Sure, you can grab a pintxo from the bar (the txistorra in puff pastry is a must—it’s like a Basque pig in a blanket). But you’re really here for the mixed mushrooms with egg yolk. Break the yolk, let it run, and coat your mushrooms in that golden richness. A bite that tastes like pure umami.

5. Goiz-Argi

📍 Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 4

A classic that’s earned its reputation. Order the prawn skewers—grilled just right and brushed with a bright sauce that’ll have you ordering seconds. Add a glass of txakoli (because why not), and don’t skip the fish soup, deeply flavorful and comforting. Bonus tip: the octopus pintxo here is a must. This place keeps it simple, and that’s exactly why it’s so good.

6. Casa Vergara

📍 C. Mayor, 21

A perfect stop mid-crawl when you’re craving seafood. The grilled prawns are juicy and charred just right, while the ceviche served in a scallop shell brings a bright, citrusy hit. Also try the sea urchin cream if you missed it at Bar Sport. Lots of options here, but stick to the sea—Casa Vergara knows what it’s doing.

7. El Tamboril

📍 Arrandegi Kalea, 2

Upscale but approachable, El Tamboril is where you get classy without losing the fun. Go straight for the meat-stuffed peppers—sweet, smoky, and savory. The battered and fried cod is a classic, flaky and crisp. And no visit is complete without a few gildas (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewers). Sip some more txakoli and take it all in.

8. Bar Nestor

📍 Arrandegi Kalea, 11

Tired of pintxos? Impossible—but if you need a change of pace, Bar Nestor has the cure: the legendary chuleton steak. Thick, rare, sizzling hot, and finished with flaky salt. Pair it with a tomato salad and padrón peppers, and you’ve got yourself a feast. Oh, and if you’re early enough, their tortilla is famous—but quantities are limited, so plan ahead.

9. Antonio Taberna

📍 Bergara Kalea, 3

This is refined pintxos done with care and precision. The scallops are seared just right, the tortilla is fluffy and golden, and the ox cheek is rich, tender, and deeply satisfying. Freshness and finesse on every plate.

10. Bar Desy

📍 Local 19, Ronda Kalea, 4

Okay, it’s not a traditional pintxos bar—but you’ll thank us for the detour. Bar Desy is home to the txuleta burger: juicy, dry-aged beef topped with crema de queso, all tucked into a perfect bun. Even if you think you’re full, trust us—you have room for this. And if not? Make some.

Hungry Yet?

San Sebastián’s pintxos scene is unmatched, but don’t take our word for it—go taste for yourself. Slow down, eat everything, and if you find a new favorite, tag us @cuevanueva so we can add it to the list.

Save the full San Sebastián Pintxos Crawl Guide on Google Maps