San Sebastian, a picturesque coastal city in the Basque Country, is renowned for its world-class cuisine, particularly pintxos. With loads of pintxo bars, each offering its unique twist, you might get overwhelmed trying to find the best pintxos in San Sebastian, Spain. I know I was!
With my head spinning, I was also perplexed by what exactly makes a pintxo stand out from the dozens displayed at each establishment. This guide is here to simplify the process, making it easier for you to find and enjoy the best San Sebastian pintxos like a local.
Word of advice: ‘Thank you’ in Basque sounds a lot like ‘A scary Cosco,’ spelled eskerrik asko
Summary
This San Sebastian pintxos guide will take you through the electric pintxo culture of San Sebastian, explaining the differences between pintxos and tapas.
It highlights various types of pintxos, including traditional, seafood, meat, and vegetarian options.
The article offers tips on how to choose the best pintxos, pintxo bar etiquette, and ideal drink pairings.
It emphasizes the importance of exploring different pintxos to fully experience the culinary richness of the Basque region.
So let’s go start exploring… I’m sure you’ll learn something that you did not know about San Sebastian pintxos …
Understanding Pintxos
Pintxos, pronounced “peen-chos,” are bite-sized snacks typically served on a skewer or piece of bread. They originated in San Sebastián in the 1940s and have since become a symbol of local cuisine, deeply rooted in the city’s culinary tradition. These little bites offer a tantalizing array of local flavors and ingredients that will surely pique your interest and leave you craving for more.
What are pinchos?
As I posted pictures of the best pintxos in San Sebastian, so many of my friends back home asked, what are pinchos – not knowing the proper spelling is ‘pintxos.’ The images that you’ll see a bit later certainly piqued their interest! They also asked me the difference between pintxos and tapas. So let’s take a look at that next:
The Difference Between Pintxos and Tapas
Origins and History
- Pintxos: Originating in the Basque Country, pintxos are small snacks typically served on skewers or toothpicks. The word “pintxo” comes from the Spanish verb “pinchar,” meaning “to pierce,” reflecting how these snacks are often held together.
- Tapas: Tapas have a broader Spanish origin and are small plates of food served across Spain. The word “tapa” means “lid” or “cover,” originating from the practice of placing a slice of bread or meat over a glass of wine to keep out flies.
The Difference Between Pintxos and Tapas: Serving Style
- Pintxos: Usually self-served from a bar, you select your choices, the counter person hands it over and you keep the skewers for counting at the end. I found this style encourages social interaction and allows for a variety of tastes in one visit.
- Tapas: Typically ordered from a menu and served by waitstaff. Friends often share San Sebastian tapas, promoting a communal dining experience. See the etiquette section below.
The Difference Between Pintxos and Tapas: Ingredients and Preparation
- Pintxos: These dishes focus on local, high-quality ingredients, often in creative and modern combinations. Common components of the best San Sebastian pintxos include seafood, meats, cheeses and vegetables, all presented in visually appealing ways.
- Tapas: More varied in ingredients and preparation styles, often reflecting regional specialties. San Sebastian tapas can range from simple olives and cheeses to complex dishes like albondigas (meatballs) and patatas bravas (spicy (spicy potatoes).
Don’t make this colossal blunder
Camino veterans and devotees of the movie The Way still cringe when remembering the colossal blunder that Martin Sheen’s character, Tom, makes in a scene filmed at a Basque restaurant in Pamplona. Tom and Joost argue about ordering small snacks. Joost insists they’re called “pinchos” in this region, citing his guidebook, while Tom adamantly calls them “tapas.” When Tom self-assuredly orders “tapas” from the waiter, the waiter clarifies, in Spanish, that they don’t serve tapas in the North of Spain—here, they’re called “pinchos.”
Why Visit San Sebastian?
Although its culinary scene is world-class, there are plenty of other reasons to visit San Sebastian, including its beach, surf scene and location on the historic Camino del Norte.
The first time I visited San Sebastian, I was walking Camino del Norte. If you’re looking for an accurate and complete guide, order the FarOut app here. I created the GPS mapping and took photos for FarOut on this Camino del Norte guide.
5 Types of the Best Pintxos San Sebastian
The variety of types of the best pintxos San Sebastian can make your head swim. However, here’s a breakdown of the types to help you navigate your next San Sebastian pintxo crawl:
1.) Traditional Pintxos:
Traditional pinxtos San Sebastian include La Gilda, bacalao / cod and Tortilla de Patatas.
La Gilda: A classic skewer with anchovy, Manzanilla olive and green guindilla pepper
During the first of many pintxos tours throughout my 11-day Basque Country stay, Gorka Barroso Jaurrieta, the local Devours guide, explained that the creator of La Gilda pintxos named the first San Sebastian pintxo after Rita Hayworth and the exceedingly popular movie Gilda.
The wildly controversial film had just premiered in Spain in 1947. Its creator thought the pintxo’s spicy, bitter, salty taste was reminiscent of Hayworth’s strong character. Watch the movie, one of the great film noirs of the forties, now. Some consider La Gilda the best pintxo San Sebastian. One thing is for sure: it was the first pintxos ever created!
I tasted my first La Gilda pintxos in 2018 while walking the Camino del Norte. I walked right through San Sebastian while mapping the Camino del Norte route for the exceedingly popular FarOutGuides – formerly Guthook Guides. Get the Camino del Norte app here!
Traditional Bacalao, best pintxos San Sebastian: Salted cod, often served with garlic and olive oil
You’ll find bacalao/cod as the main ingredient of many Basque recipes beyond the best pintxos San Sebastian. Prior to my first visit to San Sebastian in 2018, I read The Basque History of the World: The Story of a Nation, which gave me insight into the Basques’ connection to cod. I recommend that you do the same! The book stuck with me as I tasted bacalao pintxos San Sebastian during my recent summer visit.
Tortilla de Patatas: A Spanish omelet with potatoes and onions
You’ll discover Tortilla de Patatas in San Sebastian, where the royal family escaped the hot Spanish summer, and all across northern Spain.
But I was surprised it didn’t appear on the list of the best tapas in Seville. Tortilla, with its soft eggy texture, is one of my favorites, and that is why I included it in this list of the best pintxos in San Sebastian.
When served as pintxos, it is usually sliced into a thin pie shape and then skewered to a bread round.
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2.) Seafood Pintxos, the best type of San Sebastian pintxos
- Mejillones Tigres: Steamed mussels with the star of the show, saucy toppings
- Gambas a la plancha: Grilled shrimp.
- Txangurro: Spider crab, typically prepared in a savory sauce and served in the shell, making it one of the best pintxos in San Sebastian.
- Pulpo a la gallega: Galician-style octopus served with paprika and olive oil.
- Chipirones: baby squid, another of the best San Sebastian pintxos
3.) Meat Pintxos
- Solomillo: Beef sirloin, often topped with a flavorful sauce.
- Chistorra: A type of Basque sausage and local’s choice for best pintxos in San Sebastian.
- Carrillera: Braised beef cheek, cooked for hours for a rich, savory flavor.
Recommended: Lonely Planet Pocket Bilbao & San Sebastian (Pocket Guide)
4.) Vegetarian Pintxos
- Piquillo Peppers: Stuffed with various fillings like cheese or seafood.
- Setas: sauteed local mushrooms served with an egg yolk.
- Queso de Cabra: Goat cheese best pintxo San Sebastian, typically served with caramelized onions or honey.
Recommended: Lonely Planet Pocket Bilbao & San Sebastian (Pocket Guide)
5.) Innovative and Modern Pintxos, another type of best San Sebastian pintxos
Many chefs in San Sebastian blend traditional ingredients with modern techniques to create innovative pintxos. Examples of this type of the best pintxos in San Sebastian include pintxos with molecular gastronomy elements or unexpected flavor combinations that push culinary boundaries.
Any reasonable, sentient person who looks at Spain, comes to Spain, eats in Spain, drinks in Spain, they’re going to fall in love. Otherwise, there’s something deeply wrong with you. – Anthony Bourdain, Season 2 Episode 2 – Spain.
How to Choose the Best Pintxos San Sebastian
To find the best San Sebastian pintxos, look for bars with a lively atmosphere and a good turnover of food, indicating freshness. Don’t worry if a place looks too crowded—press on regardless!
Trust the recommendations of locals (check out what they’re eating) and be adventurous when trying seasonal specialties. Overcome your preconceived notions and embrace the sardines, runny eggs and tentacles!
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Pintxo Etiquette and Tips
Order pintxos by pointing at what you want and keep the skewers for counting at the end. It’s customary to pay after you’ve eaten.
Visit bars during peak times for the freshest pintxos and the best atmosphere. Don’t be reluctant to push to the bar to order—that’s how it’s done. But while you make your way to the counter, have your companions look for a seat or place to stand outside. You’ll want to take your order and move from the bar to the table your friends have secured.
As Gorka explained, you all have separate duties. One goes to order while the others grab the high-priced real estate ( a table).
Pairing Pintxos with Drinks
Traditional pairings include Txakoli (a spritzy local white wine), cider, and other regional wines. For a modern twist, consider cocktails that complement the flavors of the pintxos.
Local’s recommendations for pairing drinks with the best pintxos in San Sebastian:
- Pair Vermouth’s sweetness with the bitter saltiness of La Gilda
- Try effervescent Txakoli* with seafood pintxos
- Tinto de Verano, an iced mix of lemon soda, red wine and fresh fruit slices, pairs nicely with vegetarian pintxos
- Cider with mussels or meat pintxos
*Total Wine will ship Txakoli, the Basque white wine right to your home.
FAQ: Visiting San Sebastián, Spain
What is San Sebastián best known for?
San Sebastián is best known for its beaches and its pintxos culture, with an exceptional food scene packed into a walkable seaside city.
How many days do you need in San Sebastián?
2–3 days is ideal for beach time, pintxos hopping, and enjoying the city’s viewpoints and neighborhoods.
What is the best time of year to visit San Sebastián?
Late spring through early fall offers the best beach weather, while shoulder season brings fewer crowds and a calmer city feel.
Is San Sebastián expensive to visit?
It can be pricier than other Spanish cities, especially in summer, but you can manage costs by visiting in shoulder season and mixing pintxos bars with set-menu meals.
Traveling soon? Don’t forget to pack these essential items
Here are 4 often-forgotten items you don’t want to leave home without:
- I would have been lost in Europe without this power bank: Anker Nano Power Bank, 10K, 45W, 8.1 oz. Just imagine your phone running out of battery while you’re exploring London.
- And speaking of power, you def don’t want to forget a plug adapter – this is the one I use – I love it because it has 3 USB-C ports!
- You can’t beat this Sea to Summit premium neck pillow in terms of minimum weight and packed size. Who doesn’t want to get some shuteye on those long flights?
- I’m hooked on longer rain jackets that look as good on Paris boulevards as protect you on the trail.
📌 Bonus: Here’s the carry-on I swear by! My travel-tough Samsonite bags have lasted decades.
Recap: The Best San Sebastian Pintxos
San Sebastian’s pintxos offer a culinary journey through Basque flavors and creativity. Explore different types, follow local customs, and enjoy the lively pintxo culture. What do you think is the best pintxo San Sebastian? Leave a comment below.
Additional Resources for Discovering the Best San Sebastian Pintxos
Pintxos Tours San Sebastian
My favorite of all pintxos tours San Sebastian was the evening Devours Tour. If you’re looking to learn what are pinchos, join the Ultimate San Sebastian Pintxos & Wine Tour, and you’ll be an expert!
Their local Devour Tours guide, Gorka, is an expert at food and communicating about the Basque culture, including how to find the best San Sebastian pintxos! And you’ll meet fun, like-minded people.
Embark on your pintxo adventure in San Sebastian—selected by readers of Condé Nast Traveler as the best city in the world to eat in 2023—and savor the best of Basque cuisine!
Want to make pintxos at home? Check out these fancy cocktail picks.
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Hi, I’m Stacey
UNSTOPPABLE Stacey Travel is a travel blog focused on immersive travel that highlights food, wine and the spirituality of place. You can count on me for accurate reports and insightful analysis as your trusted travel writer since 2008.
As the author of several spiritual and walking guides, I occasionally write about life as a Camino de Santiago pilgrim. See my Amazon author page here. You may review my credentials as a professional travel writer on LinkedIn.
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