The San Sebastian region of Spain has the second most Michelin stars per capita (after Kyoto, Japan) than anywhere in the world. You’ll also find fantastic, affordable food at the city’s many pintxo bars. With so much good food, but at vastly different prices, you might be wondering if it’s worth it to shell out big bucks to dine at a Michelin-star restaurant in San Sebastian. Here’s what to consider and my advice.
Why go to a Michelin-star restaurant in San Sebastian
The Michelin-star restaurants and top pintxo bars in San Sebastian both offer great food. The Michelin-star restaurants differ in their artistic and detailed presentation, creative use of ingredients, flavors, and textures, and innovative, cutting-edge techniques. They’re also modern fine dining restaurants with top-notch service. I recommend eating at a Michelin-star restaurant in San Sebastian if you value most exquisite presentation, creativity, innovation, and exceptional service when dining out abroad.
Dining at Arzak, which has three Michelin stars.
Why you don’t need to go to a Michelin-star restaurant in San Sebastian
San Sebastian is one of the world’s great food capitals. You don’t have to pay top dollar to eat well there. There are many fantastic pintxo bars offering delicious food at affordable prices. Here are 12 of the best pintxos in town. Pintxo hopping is also the ideal way to explore San Sebastian, experience the local culture, and try traditional Basque dishes you won’t find at the city’s modern Michelin-star restaurants.
My own experience
The most delicious food I ate in San Sebastian was at the city’s pintxo bars. I still remember those dishes years later, not only because they were so tasty, but for the overall experience of walking around the city, visiting different bars, each with a unique atmosphere and clientele, and trying local dishes. That’s what I value most when dining out abroad: to eat good food while experiencing local culture and cuisine. If you’re like me, I’d say to skip the city’s Michelin-star restaurants. But consider what makes a meal special to you. Either way, you won’t be disappointed. San Sebastian has great food for all budgets.
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