Ranked by TableJourney editorial score.
Dry, lightly oxidised Basque cider made from Euskal Sagar apple varieties, poured from arm's-length above the head into a wide glass to release the spritz. The sidreria txotx season runs January to April.
Basque sidra (cider) has been made in the Astigarraga and Hernani area inland from Donostia since at least the 12th century. The sidreria txotx ritual, where guests catch the wine straight from a hole-punched barrel onto their glasses, dates to the 19th century. Petritegi, Zapiain and Saizar are the canonical sidreria visits; Donostia bars including Akerbeltz and Bar Sport pour the cider year-round.
3 editor picks for Sidra Vasca in San Sebastián, ranked by editorial score. All San Sebastián signature dishes · Sidra Vasca across every city.
Bar Sport on Fermin Calbeton in San Sebastian's Old Town serves a classic counter of grilled foie, stuffed squid and braised cheek, with the house Txakoli.
OrderThe grilled foie a la plancha; the txipiron stuffed with spider crab; a glass of house Txakoli.
TipWalk in only; counter standing room. Open until midnight daily, weekends from 11:00.
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.
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.
TipTerrace tables go first; the back room is calm. Coffee in the morning, craft beer in the afternoon.
Sidra Vasca 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...