The roasters writing the coffee scene in San Sebastián: who they are, where they source from and where to drink it.
The roasters writing the coffee scene in San Sebastián. who they are, where they source from, and where to drink the result.
Sakona Coffee Roasters runs a specialty coffee programme since 2015, the city's third-wave pioneer with a public cafe in Gros and a roastery in Irun on the French border.
Tip: Order the seasonal filter at the bar; the bean retail wall stocks Sakona's roasts to take home.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, V60, Whole bean retail
Old Town Coffee Roasters in San Sebastian's Centro, founded by Brazilian friends, is the city's other specialty pillar, with seasonally rotated single-origin beans and a brunch-leaning cafe.
Tip: Sit at the bar for the espresso flight; takeaway beans and brew kit at the front.
Sources from: Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia, Honduras
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Pour over, Whole bean retail
Koh Tao Cafe in San Sebastian's Centro, one of the city's earliest third-wave coffee bars, runs a small-batch brew programme alongside the cafe service and a tight roast list.
Tip: The pour-over service is what to order; the cafe is small and busy on weekend mornings.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Guatemala, Brazil
How they serve: Espresso, V60, AeroPress
Sakona's stall inside Mercado San Martin in San Sebastian's Centro brings the Gros roastery into the daily market, with a stand-up bar of espresso and filter and a retail bean wall.
Tip: Pair a filter with a bakery purchase from the next stall; the market closes Sundays.
Sources from: Ethiopia, Colombia, Kenya
How they serve: Espresso, Filter, Whole bean retail
Old Town Coffee's market-stall outpost inside Mercado San Martin in San Sebastian's Centro is the city's specialty coffee inside the working food market, with stand-up service from 08:30.
Tip: Pair a filter coffee with a bakery purchase from an adjacent stall. Closed Sundays.
Sources from: Brazil, Ethiopia, Colombia
How they serve: Espresso, Filter
Petra Cafe on Calle Loiola in San Sebastian's Centro runs a small specialty coffee programme alongside a tight brunch and pastry counter, popular with the morning Mercado crowd.
Tip: Mornings are calm; the back room has a few seats for a slower coffee.
Sources from: Specialty rotating origins
How they serve: Espresso, Filter
Peak food season in San Sebastián is year-round.
Local dining hours: lunch around 12:30, dinner from 19:30.
service is typically included; small extra is welcome but not expected.
Ask the next local you meet what they would order. San Sebastián rewards trust.