40 cheap eats rooms in San Sebastián, editor-picked. the best low-budget rooms in San Sebastián: the places editors actually return to. All San Sebastián food.
Txuleta at Bar Nestor ★ 4.8
Pescaderia Kalea 11, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Nestor on Pescaderia in San Sebastian's Old Town has cooked the bone-in vaca vieja txuleta since 1980, served rare on a sizzling plate so the diner.
Tip: Sign the list when you arrive; the txuleta is portioned per person. Tortilla finishes by 14:30.
La Vina (tarta de queso counter) ★ 4.7
Calle 31 de Agosto 3, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
La Vina on Calle 31 de Agosto in San Sebastian is the birthplace of the burnt Basque cheesecake (tarta de queso La Vina), invented by Santiago Rivera in 1990.
Tip: Order a wedge at the counter and a glass of Pedro Ximenez. Whole cakes for takeaway need 24 hours notice.
Tarta de Queso at La Vina ★ 4.7
Calle 31 de Agosto 3, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
La Vina on Calle 31 de Agosto invented the burnt Basque cheesecake in 1990 when Santiago Rivera baked a crustless cheesecake very hot until the top.
Tip: Wedge at the counter for 4 euros; full cake takeaways need 24 hours notice.
Carrillera at La Cuchara de San Telmo ★ 4.7
Calle 31 de Agosto 28, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
La Cuchara de San Telmo on Calle 31 de Agosto in San Sebastian braises beef cheek in red wine until it falls apart, the canonical modern pintxo of the Old.
Tip: Read the blackboard. Order with a half-pint of Rioja Cash typically expected.
Pasteleria Otaegui ★ 4.6
Narrika Kalea 15, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Pasteleria Otaegui's original branch on Narrika in San Sebastian's Old Town has run a counter of Basque pastries since 1886, the pantxineta cream-puff.
Tip: The pantxineta is the household name; eat the wedge or take a tin home. Several branches across the city.
Sakona Coffee Roasters ★ 4.6
Ramon Maria Lili Pasealekua 2, 20002 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Try the seasonal filter pour or a flat white; the bean retail wall stocks Sakona's roasts to take home.
Setas at Ganbara ★ 4.6
San Jeronimo Kalea 21, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Ganbara on San Jeronimo in San Sebastian's Old Town runs an autumn mushroom counter from October to December, the wild setas sauteed with garlic and finished.
Tip: October to December peak season; the spider crab pintxo is the year-round second order.
Ganbara (counter setas) ★ 4.6
San Jeronimo Kalea 21, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Ganbara on San Jeronimo in San Sebastian's Old Town serves a single mushroom-and-egg-yolk pintxo from the counter under 7 euros, the autumn budget bite.
Tip: October to December peak; closed Sundays and Mondays Cash is faster than card.
Old Town Coffee ★ 4.5
Reyes Catolicos Kalea 6, 20006 Donostia-San Sebastian
Old Town Coffee in San Sebastian's Centro, founded by Brazilian friends, runs single-origin coffees rotated seasonally. Order the single-origin espresso.
Tip: The Mercado San Martin branch is the original location; the Reyes Catolicos cafe is the newer flagship.
Gilda at Bar Casa Vallés ★ 4.5
Reyes Catolicos Kalea 10, 20006 Donostia-San Sebastian
Casa Valles on Reyes Catolicos in San Sebastian invented the gilda pintxo in 1946, a skewer of anchovy, olive and guindilla pepper named for the Rita.
Tip: Order two gildas at a time; the canonical version is built on cantabrico anchovies and Ibarra guindillas.
Bar Txepetxa ★ 4.5
Pescaderia Kalea 5, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Txepetxa on Pescaderia in San Sebastian sells the vinegar-cured anchovy pintxo from 3 euros, the seafood-counter budget order with a Txakoli for under 6.
Tip: Two anchoas with a Txakoli for under 8 euros. Counter standing only.
Antonio Bar ★ 4.5
Bergara Kalea 3, 20005 Donostia-San Sebastian
Antonio Bar on Bergara in San Sebastian's Centro serves a wedge of the 28-egg tortilla with a cana under 7 euros, the locals' lunchtime budget plate.
Tip: Tortilla finishes by 14:30. Stand at the counter; cash and card both.
Goiz Argi ★ 4.5
Fermin Calbeton Kalea 4, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Goiz Argi on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian's Old Town fires the brocheta de gambas to order for under 5 euros, the canonical Old Town budget bite.
Tip: Stand only; the brochette plus a Txakoli is under 8 euros Cash is faster than card.
La Vina ★ 4.5
Calle 31 de Agosto 3, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
La Vina on Calle 31 de Agosto in San Sebastian sells the burnt Basque cheesecake wedge from the counter under 5 euros, the city's most famous dessert without.
Tip: Wedge to take away or eat standing. Closed Mondays.
Galparsoro Okindegia ★ 4.4
Calle Mayor 6, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Galparsoro Okindegia on Calle Mayor in San Sebastian's Parte Vieja is an artisan Basque bakery with French-style baguettes, sourdough and walnut-chocolate.
Tip: The morning loaves go first; the apricot tart is the surest sweet pick. Closed Sundays.
Errotaundi Okindegia ★ 4.4
Easo Kalea 8, 20006 Donostia-San Sebastian
Errotaundi on Easo in San Sebastian's Centro is an Eusko Label artisan bakery with 28 daily breads on long fermentation, the locals' loaf stop a block off.
Tip: Sourdough goes first; ask for the country rye if the long loaves are out. The chocolate bread is the sweet pick.
Koh Tao Cafe ★ 4.4
Calle Bengoetxea 2, 20004 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Pull up at the counter for the flat white; homemade cakes and a small brunch carte sit on the side.
Old Town Coffee (Mercado San Martin) ★ 4.4
Calle Loiola 1, 20007 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Pair a filter coffee with a Geltoki croissant from the bakery stall across the aisle. Closed Sundays.
Pasteleria Otaegui (Narrika) ★ 4.4
Narrika Kalea 15, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Tartas de queso to take away; eat in for a coffee and a slice of the day's bake.
Anchoa a la Jardinera at Txepetxa ★ 4.4
Pescaderia Kalea 5, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Txepetxa on Pescaderia in San Sebastian has cured white anchovies by a guarded family recipe since 1972, served on toasted baguette with a pepper-onion.
Tip: Two anchoas a la jardinera; the spider crab cream topping is the rarer order.
Risotto de Idiazabal at Borda Berri ★ 4.4
Fermin Calbeton Kalea 12, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Borda Berri on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian cooks a risotto of Idiazabal sheep cheese with puntalette pasta, the modern pintxo signature of the Old.
Tip: Read the blackboard; the Basatxerri pork ribs are the second-tier order.
Bar Tamboril ★ 4.4
Arrandegi Kalea 2, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Tamboril on Arrandegi next to Plaza de la Constitucion in San Sebastian's Old Town turns out garlic-mushroom pintxos for under 4 euros, the budget hot.
Tip: Counter standing only; closed Tuesdays.
La Mejillonera ★ 4.3
parte-vieja · Calle del Puerto 15, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
La Mejillonera on Calle del Puerto in San Sebastian has cooked one thing since 1967: mussels by the dozen, in five sauces, served standing at the bar.
Tip: Standing only, no tables. Cash-friendly. Closed Wednesdays Booking recommended for weekends.
Pasteleria Geltoki ★ 4.3
Easo Kalea 61, 20006 Donostia-San Sebastian
Pasteleria Geltoki on Easo in San Sebastian's Amara is a working Basque bakery-cafe with a long counter of sourdough, croissants and small viennoiserie.
Tip: The bread queue is long by 09:00. Get a coffee with a Basque pastry at the back counter.
Kafe Botanika ★ 4.3
Paseo Arbol de Gernika 8, 20006 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: The terrace has been named among Spain's most beautiful; book by phone for weekend brunch.
Tortilla at Antonio Bar ★ 4.3
Bergara Kalea 3, 20005 Donostia-San Sebastian
Antonio Bar on Bergara in San Sebastian's Centro turns out a 28-egg tortilla de patatas with caramelised onions and confit potatoes, considered by locals.
Tip: Tortilla finishes most days by 14:30; the gilda is the small-bite pairing.
La Mejillonera ★ 4.3
Calle del Puerto 15, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
La Mejillonera on Calle del Puerto in San Sebastian has cooked mussels by the dozen since 1967, served standing at the bar with bravas and a cana.
Tip: Standing only. Closed Wednesdays. Cash and card both Cash is faster than card.
Bar Sport ★ 4.3
Fermin Calbeton Kalea 10, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Sport on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian's Old Town fires foie a la plancha to order for under 5 euros, the late-evening budget pintxo of the working.
Tip: Counter standing only; the foie plus Txakoli is under 8 euros.
La Madame ★ 4.2
Calle San Bartolome 35, 20007 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Weekend brunch only, Saturday and Sunday 12:00-13:30. Book ahead through their site.
Pasteleria Geltoki ★ 4.2
Easo Kalea 61, 20006 Donostia-San Sebastian
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'.
Tip: Open from 07:30 weekdays; the bread queue is long by 09:00. Closed Sundays.
Brocheta de Gambas at Goiz Argi ★ 4.2
Fermin Calbeton Kalea 4, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Goiz Argi on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian's Old Town fires the brocheta de gambas to order, a skewer of griddled prawns on bread with a red pepper.
Tip: Stand only; the brochette comes out hot, eat at the counter.
Casa Vergara ★ 4.2
Calle Mayor 21, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Casa Vergara on Calle Mayor in San Sebastian's Old Town since 1948 turns out the bacalao al pil pil pintxo for under 4 euros, the canonical budget bite.
Tip: Terrace fills first; the pintxo plus Txakoli is under 6 euros.
Fermin Calbeton (formerly Casa Tiburcio) ★ 4.2
Fermin Calbeton Kalea 40, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Casa Tiburcio on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian's Old Town, rebranded Fermin Calbeton in 2022, runs a working-day menu del dia at 13 to 15 euros.
Tip: Menu del dia served 13:00-15:30 weekdays.
Pasteleria Oiartzun ★ 4.1
Ijentea Kalea 2, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Pasteleria Oiartzun on Ijentea at the entry to San Sebastian's Parte Vieja, opposite the city hall, is a long-running Basque cake shop with the chocolate-bar.
Tip: Whole pantxinetas to take away need a day's notice; the chocolate croissant is the counter pick.
Bideluze ★ 4.1
Plaza Gipuzkoa 14, 20004 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Mornings are the best time; the plaza-side terrace is the calmer seat. Closed Sunday afternoons.
Topa Sukalderia (cafe) ★ 4.1
Calle Aguirre Miramon 7, 20002 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Morning hours are quieter; the bar opens at 12:00 and serves coffee with the lunch menu.
Champinon at Bar Tamboril ★ 4.1
Arrandegi Kalea 2, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Tamboril on Arrandegi next to Plaza de la Constitucion in San Sebastian's Old Town serves a single hot pintxo of garlic-and-parsley mushrooms in olive.
Tip: One champinon at the counter; the gamba a la gabardina is the second-order pintxo here.
Foie a la Plancha at Bar Sport ★ 4.1
Fermin Calbeton Kalea 10, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bar Sport on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian's Old Town fires foie a la plancha to order, a slab of seared duck liver on toasted bread with a touch of apple.
Tip: Hot off the plancha; the txipiron stuffed with spider crab is the second pintxo.
Bideluze ★ 4.0
centro · Plaza Gipuzkoa 14, 20004 Donostia-San Sebastian
Bideluze on Plaza Gipuzkoa in San Sebastian's Centro is one of the city's breakfast institutions, retro-tiled floors, sit-down service and a counter.
Tip: Breakfast service from 08:00; the plaza terrace is the calmer morning seat.
Akerbeltz ★ 4.0
Calle Mari 19, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian
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.
Tip: Terrace tables go first; the back room is calm. Coffee in the morning, craft beer in the afternoon.