Where to Find the Best Croquetas in San Sebastian

Croquetas in San Sebastian embody Basque cuisine. They’re made from a thick bechamel sauce, mixed with other diced ingredients and perfectly deep fried to be crispy on the outside, yet creamy on the inside.

Popular accent ingredients for Basque croquetas in San Sebastian include jamón, wild mushrooms, and salt cod. Yet as a vehicle for culinary creativity and seasonal ingredients, you’re sure to find plenty of interesting croquetas on a Spain food tour of San Sebastian.

Croqueta Variations to Look Out For

In San Sebastian, croquetas can be both a connection to classic Basque flavors as well as a vehicle for creative culinary twists by the area’s esteemed chefs. You’ll even find some amazing vegetarian options.

Jamón Ibérico is one of the classic croquetas you’ll find all over San Sebastian. It’s filled with finely diced cured ham and creamy béchamel.

Bacalao salt cod is also a traditional Basque croqueta ingredient. In San Sebastian, it’s usually seasoned with garlic and parsley for coastal flavor.

Txangurro is Basque spider crab, which is used to create a luxurious seafood variation of croquetas. In San Sebastian, the sweet crab meat is often enhanced with onion and tomato for depth.

Chipirones en su tinta in San Sebastian are croquetas made with squid and its ink to create a bold, black-hued croqueta. I find it’s intensely rich, interestingly briny, and deeply local.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Mushroom and Idiazabal cheese are an increasingly popular vegetarian-friendly croqueta in San Sebastian. I love the interplay between the earthy mushrooms and smoky Basque cheese that also gives it a delightful gooiness.

Spinach and Pine Nuts is a lighter, modern vegetarian twist that adds sautéed greens and nutty crunch inside the creamy base of the croqueta. I find it especially delicious in the fall as pine nuts come into season.

Best Croquetas in San Sebastian

In San Sebastian, you can find creative and traditional croquetas in humble bars like Nestor to fine dining restaurants like Casa Urola.

Bar Néstor

A beloved hole-in-the-wall bar near Plaza Constitución, Bar Néstor is famous for representing authentic Basque flavors. Popular items on their menu include their tomato salad, chuletón steak, and, of course, croquetas.

The bar is tiny and often packed, but the energy is lively and authentic. Their signature jamón croquetas are golden, crispy, deeply savory, and sell out quickly. So, I always plan Néstor as my first stop on an evening out.

Néstor (€€) – Arrandegi Kalea, 11, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Atari Gastroteka

Photo credit: Atari Gastroteka

Atari is a trendy gastropub in the Old Town area of San Sebastian by the Church of Santa Maria. It has great views of the basilica steps and puts authentic Basque flavors on full display.

While they are best known for their elevated pintxos, Atari is also one of the best croqueta spots for experiencing the seasonal flavors of San Sebastian. While their croquetas rotate seasonally, I like to look out for wild mushrooms or Chipirones en su tinta. Both of which, I think, pair beautifully with a glass of txakoli.

Atari Gastroteka (€€) – C. Mayor, 18, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Casa Urola

Photo credit: Casa Urola

Located on the lively Fermin Calbeton Street, Casa Urola offers both an upstairs fine-dining experience and a pintxo bar on the ground floor. Chef Pablo Loureiro is known for blending innovation with Basque tradition.

I found their mushroom and Idiazabal cheese croquetas are velvety, with a smoky, aromatic character. It’s a great place to have a starter and a drink downstairs while you wait for your table upstairs.

Casa Urola (€€€) – Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 20, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Txepetxa

Photo credit: Txepetxa

While they are most famous for their anchovy pintxos, Txepetxa is a must-visit croquetas spot in San Sebastian for seafood lovers. The interior feels like a time capsule of Basque bar culture, with a simple, worn-in vibe.

While anchovies take the spotlight here, I think their squid ink croquetas are a hidden gem. They have a briny character that speaks to the Basque relationship with the sea, while also being rich, and deeply satisfying.

Txepetxa (€€) – Arrandegi Kalea, 5, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

How to Enjoy Croquetas Like a Local

Locals in San Sebastián eat croquetas when they’re piping hot. Usually with just two or three bites, which allows them to savor their creamy interior while the exterior is still perfectly crisp.

At pintxo bars, it’s common to stand at the counter, point to the dish you want, and order with a friendly “Una croqueta, por favor.” It’s customary to pair your croqueta with a glass of txakoli or cider. Many locals will mix in some other pintxos or other sides like tortilla or anchovy toast for a balanced Basque tasting experience.

Final Thoughts

In San Sebastian, croquetas are more than just a snack or a simple appetizer. They’re a delicious introduction to Basque culinary identity. Whether you’re indulging in a classic jamón croqueta at a bustling bar like Nestor or enjoying a creative twist at a gastropub, like Atari Gastroteka, each experience offers something special.

Exploring different croqueta spots on your Spain food tour is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to connect with local food culture. So, on your next visit, follow your nose down narrow streets, pop into hidden taverns, and let the joy of discovery guide your San Sebastian croqueta tasting adventure.