Pintxos are the perfect tasty bite that you'll find in bars all across San Sebastiàn
San Sebastián is known to be the food capital of Spain, as it’s famous for its rich offering of Michelin-starred restaurants, but it is also renowned for pintxos. Similar to tapas, only smaller and typically eaten with hands, pintxos are bitesize delights that are served in hundreds of bars across the city.
Born in the mid-20th Century, pintxos were originally served on a small slice of bread with a cocktail stick pierced through, which is where the name came from - pintxos (Basque) and pincho (Spanish) translating to spike.
It is said that in the 1930s, the women of La Espiga served small snacks held together by a toothpick, and thus pintxos was born! Since the invention, pintxos dishes have now evolved to become much more diverse, spoiling diners for choice.
Although often mistaken for Spanish tapas or even free snacks such as olives served in bars alongside drinks, pintxos are a little more sophisticated. Pintxos dishes might include something such as grilled foie, or smoked salmon with anchovies, as bar owners attempt to create their own speciality dish that will draw in customers.
Pintxos are often small pieces of bread loaded up with tasty things © @donostiaturismoa
The traditional way to enjoy pintxos is still the way it is enjoyed today - have a drink, a quick bite or two and move onto the next bar where you do it all again. Due to its bitesize nature, pintxos allows diners to enjoy multiple dishes without getting too full.
Perfect for families with children who can’t choose what they want or for those who want a bit of everything, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of bites throughout your tour of the pintxos bars.
It is recommended to try each bar’s speciality pintxos dish, as all establishments tend to have at least one. Speciality dishes are usually made to order and served hot, so you can enjoy a ready-made dish and a drink whilst you wait for the speciality to be served.
The most popular times to enjoy pintxos are between 12pm and 3pm, and 7pm and 10pm. The Basque custom is to sample pintxos before lunch or dinner, enjoyed as a casual snack or appetiser along with some delicious txakoli - the sparkling white wine that is produced in the Basque country.
Other typical drinks to enjoy alongside pintxos are local sidra (cider), a txikito (small glass of wine) or a zurito (small glass of beer).
Enjoy your pintxos and wine al fresco as many bars have outdoor terraces
It can be hard to know how to approach something as traditional and unique as pintxos.
Usually, dishes are displayed on a bar or counter, where you can pick up as many as you’d like to enjoy - be sure not to put something you’ve picked up back down on the counter. You might expect to speak to a member of staff when doing this, but there is no need at this point, payment is sorted when you leave the bar.
There are vast selections of pintxos on the menu in San Sebastián bars © @donostiaturismoa
To enjoy pintxos the local way, head up to the bar, find some space for yourself and order one or two specialities, perhaps taking a ready-made dish to your table whilst you wait. Enjoy a drink along with the pintxos, and when finished, drop your napkin on the ground (it’s what the locals do), pay and head on to the next bar.
Due to their size, pintxos dishes range between €1.50 to €5, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank whilst you’re out enjoying yourself. If you are watching your budget, however, pintxo-pote presents a great deal.
Pote means drink, and on Thursdays, many bars have special deals in place so you can enjoy a drink alongside a dish for a reduced price, ideal for those trying to be a bit more economical.
You'll find all sorts of pintxos at the bar just head on over to take a look! © @donostiaturismoa
There is no shortage of choice when it comes to pintxos bars in San Sebastián, so much so that it can be overwhelming if you are inexperienced with the area.
For the best and most traditional bars, however, you want to head to the Parte Vieja (Old Town). 31 de Agosto Street in particular is one of the highlights within the Old Town, a historic street filled with pintxos bars alongside Michelin-starred restaurants.
Octopus caught off the Cantabrian coast makes a tasty pintxo © @donostiaturismoa
Whilst exploring the beautiful cobblestoned streets, you’ll be spoilt for choice, as each bar will present its own delicious offering of dishes that’ll no doubt lure you in.
Pintxos here will range from simple dishes such as ham on a slice of bread to traditionally prepared octopus and scallops - the diverse range of offerings will keep everyone happy. Let’s have a quick dive into just some of the most popular pintxos spots across the city.
Located next to the Santa María Basilica in the Old Town, Bar Casa Vergara dates back 70 years. Paying tribute to harbour tradition, this bar specialises in great pintxos dishes, with cod in particular being a highlight.
Address | C. Mayor, 21, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa
Bread-based pintxos like these may be simple but they're never boring!
One of San Sebastián’s most popular pintxos bars, Ganbara is a busy spot located in the Old Town. The bar’s focus is on top quality, varied food, with some must-tries being their sauteed mushrooms, or their baby squid cooked in its own ink.
Address | C. de San Jerónimo, 21, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Ganbara is much-loved for its pintxos and its downstairs restaurant
Now in Egia, a district famous for its art, Cafeteria Atotxa offers a great selection of homemade meals that draw in locals and tourists alike. The most popular pintxos dish here shares a name with the restaurant, the Atotxa is a mushroom tartlet with ham, Roquefort sauce and garnishes.
Address | Teresa de Calcuta Pl., 4, 20012 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa
Borda Berri is both a pintxos and barbeque bar located in the Old Town. Here, chefs serve Basque-style dishes made to order, with pintxos of the day written on a chalkboard.
Address | Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 12, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa
Over in Gros, a vibrant neighbourhood where the San Sebastián Film Festival is held, is Bar Labrit. Offering a range of pintxos dishes, Bar Labrit’s speciality is their picantilla, a spicy pastry filled with lettuce, onion and bonito.
Address | Zabaleta Kalea, 57, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa
Bar Labrit is a great spot for pintxos in a buzzing area for nightlife
Despite the great seafood and meat dishes on offer, many pintxos bars do accommodate those of us who are veggie or vegan too, with a range of options available to order. You’ll still be able to enjoy what pintxos has to offer, but to be safe, here are some renowned veggie-friendly bars that will cater to your needs.
Based in the Amara district near the city centre, Bar Agustin welcomes vegetarians with their pintxos offering. The bar has an outdoor terrace, serving both hot and cold pintxos and it even welcomes dogs too!
Address | Antso Jakituna Hiribidea, 16, 20010 Donostia, Gipuzkoa
Vegetarians and vegans don't have to miss out with great plant-based options © @donostiaturismoa
A vegetarian and vegan restaurant, Fresh Green in Gros presents a healthy option within San Sebastián. Serving both pintxos as well as larger dishes, this is a popular location with modest prices that even meat eaters would enjoy.
Address | C. Jose Miguel Barandiaran, 22, bajo, 20013 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa
There is no lack of creativity with vegan and vegetarian pintxos © @donostiaturismoa
Located in the Old Town, Bar La Cepa has vegetarian dishes, with both pintxos and larger dishes available, alongside a great selection of wine and beer.
Address | 31 de Agosto Kalea, 7, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa
Make sure to try the specialty pintxos that each bar has to offer! © @donostiaturismoa
If you are still worried about not finding the best spots for your dietary needs, Vegetarian Tours are available, so you can enjoy a range of pintxos without having to plan too far ahead.
Pintxos is an essential part of the San Sebastián experience and is just one of many delights available in this amazing city. We hope to make that experience even better, so hop on one of our ferries to Spain.
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