Best Breakfast Spots in San Sebastian

Breakfast in San Sebastian is more than just part of the morning routine. It’s more of a casual ritual that sets the tone for a day with culinary delights that crush even the best hotel continental breakfast.

Locals and travelers alike ease into the day at sunlit cafés, savoring flaky Basque pastries alongside rich Spanish coffee or inventive, modern takes on the classic tostada. In my view, no Spain food tour is complete without indulging in a few unforgettable San Sebastián breakfast experiences.

What Breakfast Looks Like in San Sebastián

Breakfast in San Sebastián is a light, casual experience that happens closer to mid-morning rather than predawn gray. You’ll typically find locals sipping strong coffee drinks like solo, cortado, or café con leche. Usually paired with a flaky Basque pastry like a croissant or pain au chocolat, or a tostada topped with tomato and olive oil.

Unlike heavier American or English fare, breakfast in San Sebastian is about simplicity and savoring the moment. Many linger at cafés, reading the paper or chatting with friends, treating breakfast as a calm ritual rather than a rushed routine.

Top Breakfast Spots in San Sebastián

The list of best breakfast spots in San Sebastian starts with Kafe Botanika and Old Town Coffee. However, they’re not the only places in town offering an authentic Basque-style morning meal.

Kafe Botanika

Photo credit: Kafe Botanika

Nestled by the Urumea River, Kafe Botanika offers a lush, garden-like setting just a short walk from the city center. I love its relaxed, international vibe and all the excellent vegetarian options on their breakfast menu.

Their avocado toast with poached egg is a crowd favorite, especially when paired with a freshly pressed orange juice or smooth café con leche. The leafy terrace is a great way to ease into your day and do a little people-watching while enjoying a simple breakfast.

Kafe Botanika (€€) – Gernikako Arbola Pasealekua, 8, 20006 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Old Town Coffee

Photo credit: Old Town Coffee

Located in the lively Gros neighborhood, Old Town Coffee is a sleek, third-wave café offering expertly brewed espresso and a breakfast menu that’s both minimalist and creative. They’re known for their friendly service, perfectly pulled flat whites, and creative toast options.

One of their most popular breakfast items is the sourdough toast with tahini, banana, and honey. However, I think the secret gem pairing here is the flat white with a thick slice of freshly baked banana bread.

Old Town Coffee (€€) – Reyes Catolicos Kalea, 6, 20006 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

Bideluze

Photo credit: Bideluze

With its retro tile floors and locals reading the paper over perfectly brewed coffee, Bideluze is one of San Sebastian’s beloved breakfast institutions. They offer a very traditional Spanish experience with popular dishes like tostadas served with tomato and olive oil or jamón, alongside beverages like thick café con leche in wide ceramic mugs.

The last time I was there, I fell in love with their chocolate-dipped croissants. They expertly showcase the complexity of flavor that’s unique to Basque chocolate, while still being perfectly flaky.

Bideluze (€€) – Plaza Gipuzkoa 14 & Calle Garibai 24, 20004 Donostia‑San Sebastián, Spain.

Panadería Galparsoro Okindegia

Photo credit: Panadería Galparsoro Okindegia

Tucked away in the residential Antiguo neighborhood, Galparsoro is a local bakery known for rustic breads and sweet pastries. Not only do they have a great Basque breakfast menu, but it’s also the perfect place to pick up the bread, buns, or rolls you need for an afternoon picnic.

On my last visit, I picked up a sweet, buttery, warm bollo de mantequilla and a café con leche. It was sort of an authentic Basque version of an American coffee and doughnuts.

Galparsoro Okindegia (€€) – C. Mayor, 6, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain.

What to Order: Typical Dishes and Drinks

If you want to enjoy an authentic Basque breakfast in San Sebastian, look for some of the following dishes and the beverages that pair perfectly with them.

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

Tostada con tomate y aceite is a simple yet satisfying breakfast staple made with toasted bread, ripe tomato, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt.

Croissant de mantequilla is a buttery, flaky croissant often enjoyed with coffee and embodies the city’s love of quality pastries.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic

Bollo de mantequilla is a soft, sweet milk bun with a buttery filling that’s uniquely Basque and often served warm. I like to think of it as a Basque-style doughnut.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons licensed under Attribution 2.0 Generic

Tortilla de patatas is a thick, satisfying Spanish omelet made with potatoes and egg. I like to look for cafés that serve it in a sandwich when I want breakfast on the go.

Café con leche is essentially a strong espresso with steamed milk and is the perfect morning drink while lingering at a café.

Zumo de naranja natural is San Sebastian’s take on freshly squeezed orange juice. Locals typically order it for breakfast alongside toast or a pastry for a balanced start.

Healthy Breakfast Options in San Sebastián

For travelers seeking lighter or health-conscious fare, San Sebastián has embraced the global wellness trend while maintaining its signature Basque charm. Many cafés around the city now offer wholesome options alongside the traditional tostadas and pastries. At places like Kafe Botanika and Old Town Coffee, you’ll find vibrant fruit bowls, chia puddings, yogurt with granola, and fresh smoothies made from seasonal ingredients.

Avocado toast topped with eggs or salad greens is another popular pick, blending nutrient-rich ingredients with local flavors. Overnight oats and cereal-based options also appear on menus for those looking for fiber-rich starts to the day. For a vitamin boost, freshly pressed juices and wellness drinks are easy to come by, especially in modern cafés in Gros and Centro. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just looking to fuel your day with something nutritious, San Sebastián offers plenty of satisfying and stylish breakfast choices.

Tips for Enjoying Breakfast Like a Local

If you want to enjoy breakfast like a local in San Sebastián, aim to visit cafés between 9 and 10:30 a.m. This is the perfect window after the early rush of commuters, yet before the midday pintxo crowd arrives. This will give you time to savor a croissant at the bar or enjoy toast and juice on a terrace while you embrace the relaxed rhythm of morning in San Sebastian.

It’s common to order and eat standing at the counter. If you choose table service at a more modern café, expect a slower pace and the opportunity to linger with your coffee. In nice weather, I like to find a breakfast spot with an outdoor terrace to ease into the morning and do a little people watching.

Tipping isn’t expected but is appreciated. Most people round up or leave a small coin.

Final Thoughts

The best breakfast spots in San Sebastian offer a window into Basque cuisine and the casual pace of the city’s life. There are a lot of different experiences to try as part of a Spain food tour.

I think the best move is to try a classic Basque café like Bideluze or Botanika one morning. Then a high-end coffee shop like Old Town Coffee on a different morning. If you’re planning a picnic one day, then a pastry classic Basque bakery like Panadería Galparsoro Okindegia only makes sense.

By spreading out your San Sebastian breakfast experiences like this, you get a truly authentic taste of how the Basque start their day.