Food Heaven in Basque Country
There is a beautiful, lively, and food rich city in the midst of Basque Country that offers a unique food experience to its visitors and locals, alike. San Sebastian is a foodie’s heaven. Aside from offering stunning views of the ocean and vistas of the Pyrenees Mountains, there is a traditional food culture bursting at the seams of the pedestrian-only cobblestone streets of the Parte Vieja, or the Old Quarter. San Sebastian is the pintxos capital of the world!
Pintxos (pronounced peen-chos) are small plate culinary masterpieces that are often displayed on a long bar and offered in a self-serve kind of manner. In the Old Quarter you will discover countless pintxos bars, and you really can’t go wrong in choosing which ones to explore. One of the best ways to make a decision is to just stick your head in the doorway and have a quick peak!
The pintxos experience is truly an experience of all of the senses. The unique creations are visually works of art. The tastes are familiar and foreign all at the same time. The smells waft in and out of the bars drawing you in and then out to try other spots. The feeling of indulging in bite-sized foods that pair perfectly with sangria is a bucket list must.
The sound of friends and family gathering and sharing plates and stories inside and outside on the streets makes you feel like you are part of something authentic.
San Sebastian has more to offer than just a vacation diet of pintxos. There are great brunch spots on the water with unobstructed views of the bay like La Perla, intimate breakfast joints like Hogar Dulce Hogar (Home Sweet Home), and exquisite boutique restaurants like La Guinda. There is no shortage of divine and different dining options!
Your mouth should be watering by this point! San Sebastian also has great shopping, happening nightlife, city-front waves for surfing, and an aquarium, among countless other activities and attractions. It is a very pedestrian friendly city, and walking everywhere is a great way to work off all of the amazing food you are sure to eat while you are there.
