BAR SPORT We returned to Bar Sport, which remains somewhat of an insider tip. True to its name, it is particularly popular during sports events, but it offers some beautifully assembled pintxos throughout the week. This authentic bar serves traditional pintxos in a vibrant atmosphere and impresses further with its more than reasonable prices. Popular with locals, it offers a rustic interior and represents a traditional Basque dining experience, perfected by its good selection

GANDARIAS JATETXEA We returned to Casa Gandarias for our regular fill of pintxo de solomillo and red wine! We had a bottle of El Lagar de Isilla Paraje Peñalobos Tinta del Pais 2018 DOC Ribera del Duero . This was a good match with the solomillo. The famous Basque Gildas. Guindilla pepper, green olive and fresh anchovy - named after Rita Haywood (hot, tall and spicy). During this visit, we also had a sit-down lunch with a group at the restaurant. Something not done before a

For this visit to San Sebastian in June 2025, we concentrated on pintxos rather than sit-down meals. We started our pintxo tour in Parte Vieja (the old town). We always prefer hot pintxos, as they are made to order. The pintxos on the bar are not a problem, but you may eat too much bread! We tend to have no more than two pintxos and a glass of wine or beer per bar, so we don't get too full too early. The best time to visit the pintxo bars is 8.30 —10.30 pm. Several pintxo bar

RESTAURANTE ELKANO    One Michelin Star Getaria is the picture postcard Basque Country fishing village that produced designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, Plácido Domingo's mother and Juan Sebastián Elcano (who was the first mariner to circumnavigate the globe). You can wander down the old streets to the harbour, where you will see the fishing fleet, walking past various shops selling their wares. There are stunning little beaches on either side of town. Set on a crossroads above th

RESTAURANTE ARTEAGA LANDETXEA     Michelin Bib Gourmand During our three-night stay in the Basque Country town of Elorrio, the friendly...

HOTELA M&UGA We stayed for three nights in the Basque Country town of Elorrio. The Town stands out for its unique medieval and modern heritage. In 1964, it was declared a Medieval Heritage Site. It is set in a green valley with the river Zumelegi running down its centre. It is a delightful walk on the streets of palaces and ancestral houses made of stone and carved masonry from the 17th and 18th centuries. We chose to stay in the M&UGA Hotela. The hotel is a minute's walk to

ANTONIO BAR If you sometimes need a change of pintxo bars from the Parte Vieja (old town) or the Gros area across the bridge, head to the...

AZURMENDI Three Michelin Stars Chef Eneko Atxa Azurmendi was the youngest Spanish chef to obtain 3 Michelin stars in 2012. You will...

CASA JULIAN In March 2025, we returned to this remarkable, easy-to-miss little Restaurant, now famous on TV, in the Basque countryside...

The restaurant is now iBAi by Paulo Airaudo ONE MICHELIN STAR (new 2025) We have not been to this new version yet. This centrally...