Also: Cafés in San Sebastian
Where to sit, sip and slow down in San Sebastián.
Coffee shops, bakeries with seats and the places San Sebastián lingers in over a cortado.
Sakona Coffee Roasters in San Sebastian's Gros has run a specialty coffee programme since 2015, anchoring the city's third-wave scene with a 30-cover cafe.
DrinkSingle-origin filter coffee
TipTry the seasonal filter pour or a flat white; the bean retail wall stocks Sakona's roasts to take home.
Old Town Coffee in San Sebastian's Centro, founded by Brazilian friends, runs single-origin coffees rotated seasonally. Order the single-origin espresso.
DrinkSingle-origin espresso
TipThe Mercado San Martin branch is the original location; the Reyes Catolicos cafe is the newer flagship.
Koh Tao Cafe in San Sebastian's Centro, named for the Thai island where founders Ana and Ainara dreamed it up, is one of the original third-wave coffee bars.
DrinkSpecialty flat white
TipPull up at the counter for the flat white; homemade cakes and a small brunch carte sit on the side.
Old Town Coffee inside Mercado San Martin in San Sebastian's Centro is the market-stall outpost of the city's specialty coffee pioneer, with a stand-up.
DrinkFilter coffee
TipPair a filter coffee with a Geltoki croissant from the bakery stall across the aisle. Closed Sundays.
Bideluze on Plaza Gipuzkoa in San Sebastian's Centro is the breakfast institution, with retro tile floors, a counter of morning tortilla and a back room.
DrinkCafe con leche
TipMornings are the best time; the plaza-side terrace is the calmer seat. Closed Sunday afternoons.
Kafe Botanika next to the Urumea river in San Sebastian's Centro runs an international cafe carte with vegan and gluten-free options, plus one.
DrinkSpecialty coffee and vegan cakes
TipThe terrace has been named among Spain's most beautiful; book by phone for weekend brunch.
La Madame on Calle San Bartolome near La Concha in San Sebastian's Centro is the city's pioneer brunch room, opened in 2011 by owners returning from New York.
DrinkCafe and weekend brunch
TipWeekend brunch only, Saturday and Sunday 12:00-13:30. Book ahead through their site.
Akerbeltz on Calle Mari in San Sebastian's Old Town is a cosy cafe-and-craft-beer room with a Bay-of-Biscay terrace overlooking the harbour.
DrinkCoffee and craft beer
TipTerrace tables go first; the back room is calm. Coffee in the morning, craft beer in the afternoon.
Topa Sukalderia in San Sebastian's Gros runs a daytime cafe-and-counter alongside the Aduriz-helmed Basque-Latin American kitchen, with cafe de olla.
DrinkCafe de olla and Mexican hot chocolate
TipMorning hours are quieter; the bar opens at 12:00 and serves coffee with the lunch menu.
Pasteleria Geltoki on Easo in San Sebastian's Amara is a working Basque bakery-cafe with a counter of pastries, sit-down coffee service and the locals'.
DrinkCoffee and Basque pastries
TipOpen from 07:30 weekdays; the bread queue is long by 09:00. Closed Sundays.
Pasteleria Otaegui's original branch on Narrika in San Sebastian's Old Town has run a counter of Basque pastries and morning coffee since 1886.
DrinkCoffee and Basque pastries
TipTartas de queso to take away; eat in for a coffee and a slice of the day's bake.
Atari Gastroteka on Calle Mayor in San Sebastian's Old Town, opposite the Santa Maria del Coro basilica, pulls a steady morning coffee crowd that takes.
DrinkCafe con leche on the church steps
TipMornings are the best coffee hour; pintxos start from 11:30. The terrace seats fill first.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Visit the best pintxos and wine bars in San Sebastian on an exclusive tour. Discover some of the best local, family-run eateries and hidden gems.
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Escape the crowds and dive into the authentic flavors of San Sebastian as you taste lesser-known favorites and iconic bites in the Centro neighborhood.
Guided tour · 4.5 hours
Embark on a culinary journey in San Sebastián. Walk through the charming old town to our "gastronomical club," where you'll create and savor 4 pintxos, a Basque cheese...