For many locals, Somos is the best brunch spot in San Sebastián. Besides their aesthetically pleasing branding, their elite variety of speciality coffee, savoury toasts and sweet pastries are what gets us. If you are headed for a post-party brekkie, the Benedict either with ham or Salmon will heal you, and as for the pastries, the Chai roll and Pistachio babka will change your life. 

This place has pure San Sebastián icon status. Always packed, La Cuchara de San Telmo is where locals, wine lovers and food obsessives squeeze in shoulder-to-shoulder, and no one minds. The space is tiny (around 12 meters), with an open kitchen that fills the air with the scent of sizzling pork and seared tenderloin. The menu is tight, inventive, and unforgettable. Start with the slow-braised beef cheek in red wine jus or the Galician-style octopus grilled and topped with chimichurri. The real star? The crispy, boneless cochinillo from Leitza, roasted low and slow in beer. Order that—then order it again. 

Narru is the ideal spot for a fun fine-dining evening. This restaurant is the master of detail and carefully curated dishes, following the line of traditional cuisine with a disruptive twist. Whether you visit for their tasting menu or order dishes to share (they will kindly split the course into individual plates so everyone can eat from their own), you MUST try the following other-worldly delicacies: Seasoned tuna belly, Oxtail, foie, mushrooms, and truffle ravioli, Pork tail with carabinero shrimp, Seasoned oyster and for dessert: their warm cream cheese with red fruits. 

Arenales is that hip, natural wine bar with a small yet exquisite ever-changing menu. Petite but charming, this place serves appetizers to share and munch on with influences from Italy, Spain and Argentina. Spot-on for a casual winter afternoon and dreamy for a carefree date night.