If you’re a serious food lover, San Sebastian (or Donostia in Basque) should be at the top of your travel bucket list. This charming coastal city in northern Spain’s Basque Country is renowned as one of the world’s greatest culinary destinations, boasting more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else on the planet!
The Basque region’s cuisine is all about celebrating the finest local ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. In San Sebastian, you’ll find an incredible array of pintxos (the Basque version of tapas) bars lining the streets, where you can indulge in bite-sized delicacies like gilda (skewered olives, anchovies, and peppers), txistorra (chorizo), and bacalao pil-pil (salt cod in a garlic-olive oil emulsion).lush forests to sparkling coastlines, and fresh Mediterranean cuisine. Indulge in delicious local flavors with farm-to-table olive oil, vegetables, fruits and whole grains, as you experience the rejuvenating power of this lifestyle.
But San Sebastian’s culinary scene goes far beyond pintxos. This is a city that takes its food seriously, with a wealth of exceptional restaurants helmed by world-class chefs. One such establishment is Arzak, a three-Michelin-starred institution run by the legendary Arzak family. Their innovative, avant-garde cuisine is a true work of art, blending traditional Basque flavors with cutting-edge techniques.
Another must-visit is Azurmendi, located just outside Bilbao (about an hour’s drive from San Sebastian). This two-Michelin-starred gem was the absolute highlight of my San Sebastian trip! It is set in a stunning modern building surrounded by vineyards, offers a sublime dining experience that celebrates the bounty of the Basque Country’s land and sea.
To fully immerse yourself in San Sebastian’s culinary delights, consider staying at these fantastic hotels:
Akelarre – A luxurious hotel with a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering breathtaking views of the Bay of Biscay.
Nobu Hotel – A chic and stylish hotel from the renowned Nobu brand, perfect for foodies seeking a trendy stay.
Gran Hotel Domine (Bilbao) – This sleek and modern hotel in Bilbao is an ideal base for exploring the region’s culinary gems, including Azurmendi.
Book these hotels (and many others!) with me to get complimentary luxury perks, including welcome amenities, spa credit, and room upgrades.
Ready to hit up the next culinary hotspot? Let’s chat!