Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Basque tuna and potato stew, originally cooked by fishermen at sea in a marmita from the day's bonito catch, choricero-pepper pulp, ripe tomato, green pepper and potatoes broken into chunks so starch thickens the broth.
Marmitako (literally 'from the pot') was the fishermen's lunch aboard Basque bonito boats from at least the 19th century. The dish came ashore through the cofradias (fishermen's cooperatives) and is now a summer staple of every Basque txoko (private dining society). Casa Urola and Bodegon Alejandro keep the canonical Donostia version on the menu during bonito season (June to October).
4 editor picks for Marmitako in San Sebastián, ranked by editorial score. All San Sebastián signature dishes · Marmitako across every city.
Also in: Bilbao.
Casa Urola on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian has cooked Basque market food since 1956, with pintxos downstairs and the dining room upstairs.
OrderThe kokotxas de merluza al pil pil downstairs first; then upstairs for the cigala and the chargrilled txuleta.
TipEat pintxos at the ground-floor counter or book upstairs for a full meal. The kokotxas are the surest order in the city.
Bodegon Alejandro on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian is the underground Old Town room where Martin Berasategui won his first Michelin star in 1986.
OrderThe merluza a la donostiarra in cazuela and the txuleta from the grill; finish with the burnt-top cheesecake.
TipBook the 14:00 lunch slot for the calmer service. The staircase entry is easy to miss; the door is set below street level.
Gandarias on Calle 31 de Agosto in San Sebastian's Old Town runs one of the longest pintxo display counters in the quarter, with a back dining room.
OrderThe solomillo a la plancha on bread with sea salt and a fried Padron; the jamon iberico from the counter.
TipOpen continuously through siesta, the rare Old Town room that does not shut at 16:00. The counter is busy; the back room takes reservations.
Casa Vergara on Calle Mayor in San Sebastian's Old Town, since 1948, sits across from the Santa Maria del Coro basilica with the bacalao al pil pil pintxo.
OrderThe bacalao al pil pil pintxo from the counter; the tortilla pintxo by the slice.
TipFront terrace fills first; the church-step view is the standing-room reward. Open daily.
Marmitako makes more sense with someone from San Sebastián explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
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 · 3 hours
Spend an evening exploring five San Sebastián bars with a Michelin-trained chef. Enjoy 7 to 12 pintxos, txakoli and local drinks, plus dessert, a full dinner with stor...
