Top 10 Local Breakfast, Brunch, and Coffee Spots in San Sebastian

Famous for creamy, flavorful cheesecake with a smoky taste. Offers diverse menu including croquettes, monkfish, steak, and pintxos. Standouts: anchovies in a cone and juicy grilled squid. Generous portions, friendly service, and reasonable prices. Great for quick takeout or sit-down meals. Fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes make it a must-visit spot.

Long queues common due to popularity, especially for cheesecake. Limited seating and standing space can be problematic. Some find the cheesecake good but not exceptional, suggesting alternatives to avoid wait times. Crowded atmosphere may not suit all diners. Pintxos quality varies, with some guests preferring other options in the area.

The restaurant offers perfect pintxos with delicious, freshly prepared food. Patrons praise the amazing tastes and accommodating service. The establishment comes highly recommended by visitors who appreciate the quality of the cuisine and the overall dining experience.

One review describes a horrific experience with aggressive and threatening behavior from staff. The reviewer felt unsafe and trapped, with physical shoving and screaming from a possible owner. There were issues with miscommunication about menu items and portion sizes. The incident left the customers considering filing an assault complaint with police.

Visitors rave about the heavenly cheesecake, describing it as creamy, light, and perfectly burnt on top. Many praise the friendly staff and the authentic Basque atmosphere. The pintxos selection, especially the anchovies and ham, receives high marks. Guests appreciate the reasonable prices and the opportunity to experience a local institution.

Some reviewers mention long waits during peak hours and occasional brusque service. A few find the cheesecake too rich or sweet for their taste. There are occasional complaints about the cramped space and difficulty finding seating. Some tourists express disappointment when the cheesecake runs out before closing time.

Coffee lovers rejoice! This hidden gem in San Sebastián's old town serves up barista-made specialty coffee that's smooth, rich, and perfectly crafted. Patrons rave about the medium roast, excellent value, and fudgy brownie. The friendly staff offers recommendations and engaging conversation, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking a proper cup in Spain.

Despite having quality beans and equipment, some visitors report disappointing experiences. Complaints include poor service and baristas lacking espresso-making skills. The café charges specialty coffee prices, but the quality doesn't always match, leaving some customers feeling let down by the mismatch between expectations and delivery.

Customers rave about the exceptional coffee quality, praising the rich flavors and expert preparation. Many appreciate the knowledgeable staff who are happy to discuss coffee origins and brewing techniques. The modern, welcoming atmosphere and the option to purchase freshly roasted beans are frequently mentioned as highlights.

Some visitors find the prices slightly high compared to other local cafes. A few customers mention occasional long wait times during peak hours. Others note that the food options are limited, with a focus primarily on coffee and light snacks rather than full meals.

Renowned for exceptional txuleta steak and creamy tortilla. Tomato and pepper dishes highly praised. Superb, friendly service enhances dining experience. Unique reservation system effective for managing crowds. Worth the wait and hype. Memorable dining experience in San Sebastián. Staff goes above and beyond to accommodate guests.

Long queues and limited availability of popular dishes like tortilla. Some find the steak overpriced and of questionable quality. Tomatoes occasionally too salty. Perceived as a tourist trap by some visitors. Reservation system can be confusing. Beef criticized for taste and texture. Early arrival necessary to secure coveted menu items.

Bar Nestor offers an unforgettable culinary experience. The tortilla, though limited, is exquisite. Standout dishes include incredibly flavorful tomatoes and perfectly charred steak. The unique queuing system adds excitement. Despite the wait, patrons find the food worth it. The atmosphere is lively, with a mix of seated and standing options.

The tortilla, while popular, may not live up to the hype for everyone. Padron peppers can be overcooked and under-seasoned. The steak comes very rare, which might not suit all tastes. Queuing can be time-consuming, with limited seating available. The experience might feel unnecessarily complicated for some visitors.

Visitors rave about the exceptional quality of the steak, describing it as the best they've ever had. The tomato salad, despite its simplicity, receives high praise for its flavor. Many appreciate the authentic, no-frills atmosphere and the friendly, efficient service. The tortilla is frequently mentioned as a must-try, with some calling it life-changing.

Some guests find the queuing system frustrating, especially for the limited tortilla. A few mention the high prices, though most agree it's worth it. The small space and lack of seating can be uncomfortable for some. Occasionally, visitors feel rushed due to the bar's popularity and limited space.

Exceptional dining with outstanding cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients. Attentive, warm service. Highly recommended dishes include tuna belly, chicken wings, and lemon-corn dessert. Centrally located near San Sebastián Cathedral. Great seafood, fish, meats, and vegetables. Two dining options: formal restaurant or bar area. Good wine selection. Perfectly grilled tomahawk steak and flavorful ravioli.

Service initially a bit dry, though improved over time. Portion size decrease for tuna tiradito (now ventresca) while price remained the same or increased. Not as formal as Michelin-starred restaurants. Limited negative feedback overall, with most reviews overwhelmingly positive about food quality, service, and overall experience.

Narru offers delightful tasting menus featuring local specialties like Basque anchovies and Iberian pork. Standout dishes include beef ravioli with foie, perfectly cooked hake, and refreshing desserts. The bar provides good, friendly service. Many dishes are described as excellent, with the Iberian pork noted as 'the best pork we've ever had'.

Service in the dining room can be rushed and abrupt, with staff 'literally throwing plates down'. Some find the lighting harsh. Portion sizes may be inconsistent, with one reviewer receiving too many expensive chicken wings. While the food is generally praised, the value for money is questioned by some diners, particularly for certain dishes.

Diners rave about Narru's innovative take on Basque cuisine, praising the chef's creativity and presentation. Many highlight the excellent wine pairings and knowledgeable sommeliers. The restaurant's stunning views and elegant atmosphere receive frequent compliments. Reviewers often mention the attentive, professional service and the overall value for a fine dining experience.

Some guests find Narru's prices high, even for San Sebastian's fine dining scene. A few reviewers mention long wait times between courses during busy periods. Occasionally, diners feel portions are small for the price. Some traditionalists argue that certain dishes stray too far from classic Basque flavors, preferring more conventional interpretations.

San Sebastián's culinary scene shines with spectacular food and great atmosphere. One standout restaurant offers a unique experience, praised as 'one of a kind'. Another eatery impresses with its simplicity, freshness, and quick service. The menu of the day features multiple awesome dishes, making it hard to pick a favorite. Friendly staff enhance the dining experience.

No significant negative aspects were mentioned in the provided reviews. Both reviewers had overwhelmingly positive experiences at the restaurants they visited in San Sebastián.

Visitors rave about the creative and flavorful pintxos, particularly praising the risotto and veal cheeks. Many highlight the friendly staff and lively atmosphere. The reasonable prices for the quality of food are frequently mentioned as a major plus. Guests appreciate the authentic Basque experience and the opportunity to watch chefs prepare dishes at the bar.

Some patrons find the small space cramped and uncomfortable, especially during peak hours. A few mention long wait times for food and difficulty finding seating. Occasional complaints arise about the limited menu options and the fact that some popular dishes sell out quickly. A minority of reviews note that the service can be brusque when the bar is busy.

Trendy cafe near the Cathedral offers excellent coffee, including specialty drinks and single origin options. Food is highly praised, especially avocado toast and açaí bowls. Staff is friendly and English-speaking. Cozy atmosphere with good music. Perfect spot for a break from pintxos in Old Town. Cappuccinos are smooth and well-balanced.

Can be very busy, with long waits during weekend brunch hours. Some find it overpriced. Occasional issues with food preparation, like overly salty dishes or temperature imbalances in sandwiches. Limited menu options compared to other cafes. Location in city center can make it crowded and noisy at peak times.

Customers rave about the excellent breakfast, especially the perfect cappuccinos and yogurt with fruit. The pastrami sandwich is a hit. Staff are friendly and the interior is fresh and trendy. QR code English menus make ordering easy. The coffee shop offers both indoor and outdoor seating near the Cathedral. Many consider it their best breakfast experience in town.

Some find the prices high, particularly for cinnamon rolls at 4€. Coffee is slightly more expensive than at some nearby hotels. One reviewer felt the quality was just okay and not worth the cost, stating they wouldn't return due to better options in the area. The shop is described as tiny, which could be a drawback for some customers.

Visitors rave about the high-quality coffee, describing it as some of the best in San Sebastian. Many praise the delicious homemade pastries and breakfast options, particularly the avocado toast and acai bowls. The friendly, English-speaking staff and cozy atmosphere are frequently mentioned as highlights. Patrons appreciate the central location and the café's suitability for both quick coffee stops and leisurely brunches.

Some customers find the prices slightly high compared to other local cafés. A few mention that the small space can get crowded during peak hours, leading to longer wait times. Occasionally, visitors note that the Wi-Fi can be slow or unreliable. A small number of reviews suggest that the menu could offer more variety, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

Haizea offers excellent pintxos and tapas with standout dishes like scallop and prawn brochette, bacalao brick, and gratin scallops. The flavors are exceptional, presentation impressive, and prices reasonable. Local specialties like Basque cuisine are well-represented. The cozy atmosphere appeals to locals and tourists alike. Staff are accommodating, even with language differences.

The bar is small with limited seating, which may not suit all patrons. It can get crowded, especially during peak hours. Some dishes, like the meatballs, weren't as impressive as others. The cheese sauce on the scallop gratinee wasn't to everyone's taste. Pintxos aren't available for breakfast, which might disappoint some visitors expecting them all day.

Visitors rave about the exceptional quality and creativity of the pintxos, particularly the risotto croquettes and foie gras. The friendly, attentive staff and authentic atmosphere are frequently praised. Many appreciate the reasonable prices for the high-quality food and consider it a highlight of their San Sebastian culinary experience.

Some guests mention the bar can get very crowded, making it difficult to find seating or order. A few reviewers note that the service can be slow during busy times. Occasionally, visitors find the pintxos selection limited compared to other bars in the area, especially later in the evening.

Charming oasis in the city with a beautiful garden atmosphere. Offers good coffee, amazing carrot cake, and homemade food including vegan and gluten-free options. Conveniently located near the center and river. Friendly staff and fast service. Lovely outdoor seating area decorated with plants creates a delightful ambiance for coffee and dining.

Issues with aggressive birds on the patio, including one incident of a bird defecating on a customer. Smoking allowed in the garden area, affecting non-smokers' experience. Some found the food overpriced and the spice level too intense for breakfast. Service can be slow during busy times, with occasional order mix-ups. Wait times can be long when crowded.

Hidden gem in a plant-filled courtyard. Quick, friendly service with English-speaking staff. Fresh, flavorful food catering to both meat-eaters and vegetarians. Large portions. Beautiful setting. Highly recommended for drinks and dinner.

No negative aspects were mentioned in the review provided.

Visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere, especially the garden terrace. Many praise the creative vegetarian and vegan options, noting the fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation. The friendly staff and excellent coffee receive frequent mentions. Guests appreciate the gluten-free choices and the cafe's commitment to healthy, flavorful meals.

Some diners find the prices a bit high for the portion sizes. A few mention longer wait times during peak hours. Occasional complaints about limited seating in the popular garden area. Some meat-eaters note the lack of non-vegetarian options, though this is clearly a vegetarian-focused café.

San Sebastián offers outstanding cuisine. Standout dishes include fresh oysters, pigeon, and mushroom risotto. The lobster salad and thermal egg with beef stew are exceptional. Service is attentive and friendly, with excellent wine recommendations. The restaurant's atmosphere is modern and spacious, with outdoor seating available. Many diners express a desire to return.

Some dishes can be overly salty, particularly the cod. The restaurant's acoustics could use improvement. Portion sizes may be too large for some diners, leading to food coma. One reviewer mentioned a main course that wasn't very good, though they didn't specify which dish. These minor issues don't seem to significantly detract from the overall positive experience.

Patrons rave about Zazpi's inventive pintxos, highlighting the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Many praise the attentive, knowledgeable staff who guide guests through the menu. The bar's intimate atmosphere and reasonable prices are frequently mentioned as plusses. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to sample a variety of dishes, with the octopus and foie gras receiving particular acclaim.

Some reviewers note that the small space can feel cramped during peak hours, with limited seating available. A few mention long wait times for service when the bar is busy. Occasionally, guests find certain dishes overly salty or rich. Some international visitors report difficulty communicating with staff due to language barriers.

Café de la Concha offers excellent coffee, outstanding desserts, and delicious tapas. The monkfish and croquettes are standout dishes. With stunning views of Playa de la Concha, it's an ideal spot for a relaxed coffee break. Friendly staff and a warm atmosphere enhance the experience. The spacious, bright interior complements the beachfront location.

Service can be slow and inconsistent, especially during busy periods. Some customers experienced long wait times for food and missing items. The prices are higher than average, likely due to the prime location. When crowded, it's challenging to get seats with a view. Some visitors found the food quality average and not worth the wait or cost.

Café de la Concha offers excellent coffee and outstanding food. The cheesecake, lemon sponge cake, and bikini are soft, fresh, and perfectly sweet. Warm staff enhance the experience. The café's conservatory-style setting provides stunning views of Playa de la Concha. Its relaxed atmosphere and pay-at-bar system create an informal vibe. It's an ideal spot for coffee breaks, discovered while wandering San Sebastián's promenade.

No significant negative aspects were mentioned in the reviews. The only potential inconvenience noted was the payment system, where customers pay at the bar near the entrance after their meal. However, this was described as keeping things relaxed and informal, suggesting it's not necessarily a negative feature.

Visitors rave about the unbeatable location and panoramic sea views. Many praise the quality of coffee and pintxos, particularly recommending the tortilla and croquetas. The friendly, attentive staff receives frequent compliments. Guests appreciate the café's ambiance, describing it as a perfect blend of casual and upscale.

Some reviewers mention high prices, especially for drinks. A few customers report slow service during peak hours. Occasional complaints arise about the limited menu options for those with dietary restrictions. Some visitors find the indoor seating area cramped and noisy during busy periods.