San Sebastian is world renowned as the home of Spain’s very best food. Situated in a harbor near the border of France, San Sebastian boasts many top-notch Michelin star restaurants. But thankfully, you don’t need oodles of money to enjoy what this city has to offer.
San Sebastian took tapas from Andalucia and perfected and renamed them “pintxos”. The old town streets are lined with bar restaurants whose bar tops are covered in platters of pintxos – designed like a buffet. The system is based on honesty which is a tradition in the city. At the end of your meal, you tell the bartender what you have eaten and they give you the bill. You will also notice that it is customary to dispose of papers and napkins on the floor near your feet, which must pile up before the night ends.
If you have a spare afternoon, you mustn’t miss this cooking class – a favourite amongst tourists. Taken by renowned chef Alex Barcenilla, in this class you can learn how to make your own pintos. A San Sebastian local, Barcenilla has cooked for over 20 years, including two years at 3 Michelin star restaurant Akelarre. The classes take place in a gorgeous location, right in the village plaza beside the water.
During the 4 hour class, you will make 8 to 12 pinxtos both hot and cold, learning how to combine ingredients such as eggs, peppers, tomatoes and anchovies, so that you can prepare your own pinxtos at home. After the class, everyone sits down with a bottle of local “Txakoli” wine to enjoy their creations!
