Best Pintxos to Try in San Sebastian

When it comes to unforgettable culinary experiences few places in the world can hold a candle to the delectable pintxos of San Sebastián. They’re the Basque Country’s answer to tapas, typically skewered with a toothpick atop a small slice of bread and show off the local food culture and world-class ingredients of San Sabastian.

Whether you’re here for the melt-in-your-mouth jamón, seared scallops, or inventive modern bites, you’re sure to sample a lot of great pintxos on a Spanish food tour of San Sabastian.

What are Pintxos?

Pintxos are more than just Basque tapas. They’re a foundational culinary cornerstone of Basque cuisine. While tapas are typically served as small, shared plates, pintxos are individual portions, skewered on long toothpicks that you’ll often find lined up along bar counters.

The historical roots of pintxos can be traced back to the Basque love of socializing over a meal and enjoying drinks. However, this centuries-old snack was reinvigorated in the 1940s with the now iconic Gilda.

It’s a simple skewer of green olives, anchovy, and pickled pepper, that’s named after Rita Hayworth’s sultry 1946 film character. Today you find them in bars and taverns all throughout Basque country and San Sabastian as bold, salty, and slightly spicy classics that are washed down easily with a cold beer, or glass of Basque wine.

Best Pintxos Bars in San Sebastian

From Old Town to the Gros neighborhood San Sabastian has tons of great bars, and taverns offering a staggering array of delicious pintxos

Bar Nestor

Tucked away on Pescadería Kalea in the Old Town, Bar Nestor is a tiny, family-run gem that has a small menu loaded with legendary offerings. This starts with classic Gilda pintxos, that go perfectly with an ice-cold beer.

When visiting in the peak of summer I was blown away by their tomato salad, with Padrón peppers, and aged steak (txuleta). The vibe here is casual and intimate, with regulars packed around the bar.

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

Bar Txepetxa

Photo credit: Bar Txepetxa

If you’re craving skewered anchovy pintxos with creative toppings, Bar Txepetxa is a must-stop on a San Sabastian pintxos tour. This tiny, family-run bar on Calle Pescadería has been perfecting anchovy-based pintxos for decades.

I love how the humble bread serves as a simple canvas providing structure for skewers with inventive garnishes like sea urchin cream or blueberry sauce. The ambiance is unpretentious and old-school. I even like the vintage feel of the hand-written menus and It’s a true homage to classic Basque flavors, and San Sabastian’s centuries-old relationship with the sea.

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

Bodega Donostiarra

Photo credit: Bodega Donostiarra

In the laid-back Gros neighborhood of San Sabastian, Bodega Donostiarra is known for its completo pintxos. It’s a classic skewer with white tuna, anchovy, and Padron pepper that’s adored by locals.

I love their big communal tables, which give the place a sense of community. You honestly get to meet the people next to you. I think it’s one of the best places for a pintxos social hour in San Sebastian.

Donostiarra (€€) – Peña y Goñi Kalea, 13, 20002 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Bar Ganbara

Photo credit: Bar Ganbara

Bar Ganbara serves high-quality pintxos with ingredients like wild mushrooms, Iberian ham, and seafood. The bar is cozy and slightly upscale but still approachable. It has a warm wooden interior and glass cases brimming with traditional pintxos on sticks.

I think Ganbara is one of the best places in San Sebastian for a pintxos tasting experience. They emphasize sourcing locally, so their offerings change with the seasons. I loved the light char on the grilled octopus pintxos as well as the luxurious richness of the foie gras a la plancha pintxos.

Ganbara (€€€) – C. de San Jerónimo, 21, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Famous and Recommended Pintxos Dishes

The following are just the top of the list when it comes to must-try pintxos in San Sebastian.

Gilda is a skewer of green olive, anchovy, and pickled pepper that captures the salty, spicy spirit of Basque cuisine.
Foie gras a la plancha is a rich and indulgent skewer of seared foie gras that melts in your mouth with every savory bite.
Grilled octopus pintxos are smoky, tender, and often served with paprika or aioli, grilled octopus pintxos are a seafood lover’s dream.
Baby squid pintxos and anchovy toast are pintxos that deliver bold flavors of the sea and speak to the ages-long connection between the Basque people and the sea.

How to Order and Eat Pintxos Like a Local

To eat pintxos like a local in San Sebastian, skip the table, and stand at the bar—it’s part of the experience. Most bars operate on the honor system, where you keep your toothpicks as a tally for your bill, so don’t toss them!

Take a moment to check the blackboard or chalk signs for daily specials that aren’t on display, and always ask or look around to spot the bar’s specialty pintxos. It’s usually what the locals are ordering.

Pairing Drinks with Pintxos

Beyond an ice-cold beer, there are several other drink pairings that will take your San Sabastian pintxos experience to the next level.

A glass of Txakoli, sparkling white wine, adds a crisp contrast to salty anchovies or grilled seafood. It’s my favorite for grilled octopus.

If you’re looking for a little more tang, the sagardoa Basque cider is a refreshing, unfiltered option often poured dramatically from height to aerate it. However, it can be a little messy the first time you try it.

Vermouth on ice with an orange slice is a popular pre-dinner aperitif to have with pintxos. It pairs nicely with richer pintxos like foie gras or txangurro pair.

The best wines to pair with pintxos are bold Rioja reds. They have the body and represent the local flavors.

Final Thoughts: Savoring Pintxos in San Sebastian

Savoring pintxos in San Sebastián is as much about food as it is about immersing yourself in the vibrant, social rhythm of Basque life. You can unapologetically wander from bar to bar, trying everything from time-honored classics to modern creations, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with locals along the way.

Embrace the adventure, trust your instincts, and savor every bite because each pintxo tells a story and adds its bold flavor to the tale of your Spain food tour.