Have you ever wanted to dive into the authentic gastronomic culture of a city, but felt overwhelmed, not knowing where to start or what to order?
Arriving in an unfamiliar place and exploring its cuisine can be an adventure, but also a challenge.
If you’ve ever wondered how to eat like a local and avoid tourist traps, this pintxos guide in San Sebastián is for you.
Here you’ll find everything you need to enjoy the city as if you were a local—and discover that its cuisine goes far beyond just a bite.
What is a pintxo?
A pintxo is a small, highly elaborate bite of food, eaten in bars.
They can be a slice of bread with an ingredient on top, a small skewer with a piece of fish, or even something as sophisticated as a mini hamburger or a pepper stuffed with seafood.
The word “pintxo” comes from the word “pincho“, which means “to pierce with a toothpick”.
That’s because traditionally, a small toothpick was used to hold all the ingredients together.
Authentic Spanish dining in a charming Artajona stone house.
Not the same as a tapa
People often confuse a pintxo with a tapa, but they are not the same. There are two key differences:
- Pintxos: a very elaborate and creative bite. Chefs in San Sebastián compete to create the most original pintxos. For example, they can be like a miniature gourmet dish, such as a piece of octopus on a special cream.
- Tapas: a smaller portion of a regular dish, like a small serving of patatas bravas or ham. In some parts of Spain, tapas are even served for free with your drink.
Put simply, a pintxo is an individual creation you pay for separately, while a tapa is a portion of a larger dish that may come free.
Guide to enjoying pintxos in San Sebastián like a local
To make your experience perfect, here are a few tips so you can enjoy the city like a local.
1. Order the specialty
Most bars in San Sebastián have one or two pintxos they’re famous for. Instead of just looking at the counter and picking something at random, ask the bartender what the house specialty is.
These are the ones they’ve perfected and that draw people to that specific bar. It’s the best way to ensure you’re tasting the best of each place.
2. Eat standing up
Eating pintxos isn’t like sitting down at a restaurant. Most people eat standing at the bar.
This isn’t just due to lack of space. It’s part of the experience.
It allows you to move around easily, see all the available pintxos, and chat with those next to you.
It’s a very social and authentic way to enjoy food.
3. Don’t stay in one bar
Going for pintxos is like a tour. Instead of eating a lot in one place, people walk from bar to bar.
The idea is to try the most famous pintxo in each place and then move on to the next. This way, you can taste a wide variety of flavors and visit many bars in one afternoon or night.
It’s like a fun food marathon.
4. Order a ‘zurito’ or a ‘txikito’
To go with pintxos, locals don’t usually order a large beer or a full glass of wine.
Instead, they order a “zurito”, a small beer glass, or a “txikito”, a small glass of wine.
The idea is simple: since you’ll be hopping from bar to bar, these small drinks let you refresh without getting too full, so you can eat more pintxos.
5. Pay at the end
In pintxo bars in San Sebastián, you don’t have to pay every time you order.
Just ask for what you want and the bartender will keep track. You pay everything at the end, just before heading to the next bar.
It’s an easier, faster way to enjoy the experience without constantly reaching for your wallet.
6. Be patient and respectful
Pintxo bars are very popular and often crowded. Don’t stress.
Be patient, wait your turn at the bar, and respect the space of others around you.
If you see a pintxo that’s hard to reach, wait until there’s room to get it. You’ll come across as a local, not a tourist.
7. Don’t stick to the counter only
The pintxo counter is full of delicious creations you can see and grab.
But many bars also have “hot” pintxos, which are cooked to order.
These aren’t on display, you need to check the chalkboard menu or ask the bartender what hot pintxos they have.
It’s the best way to taste the freshest and most special creations.
8. Try the “Gilda”
The Gilda is the most famous and oldest pintxo in San Sebastián, and a great way to understand where it all began.
It’s an olive, an anchovy, and a pickled green pepper on a toothpick. Simple, but the salty and spicy flavor combo has made it a legend.
Tasting it is like tasting a piece of the city’s history.
9. Don’t expect a formal meal
Going for pintxos is loud, fun, and packed. It’s very different from a quiet, formal dinner at a restaurant.
In pintxo bars, people talk, laugh, and the vibe is very lively. The idea is to enjoy the moment and the company not a solemn, formal meal.
10. The Old Town is the best area for pintxos
The Parte Vieja, or Old Town of San Sebastián, is the heart of pintxos culture.
You can find pintxo bars in other neighborhoods, but the Old Town is the most famous and the best for one main reason: everything is close together.
The bars are on small streets like 31 de Agosto or Fermín Calbetón.
It’s perfect for the tradition of bar-hopping, as you can walk from one to another without going far.
11. Timing matters
Pintxo bars have their peak hours when they’re busiest and offer the greatest variety.
For lunch, locals usually go between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM. For dinner, between 8:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
If you go at these times, you’ll find the liveliest atmosphere and the pintxo counter at its best.
Outside these hours, the bar may be emptier and have fewer pintxos ready to serve.
Traditional Asturian menu with mountain views in a rural setting near the Picos de Europa.
12. Learn basic Basque words
You don’t need to know Basque to enjoy pintxos everyone speaks Spanish.
But if you want to connect more with the culture, saying a few basic words in Basque is very appreciated.
Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation, just try saying these two key words:
- “Kaixo” (pronounced “kaicho”): means hello.
- “Eskerrik asko” (pronounced “eskerrik asco”): means thank you.
It’s a small but lovely way to show respect and immerse yourself a bit more in the local experience.
Immerse yourself in local culture with Sazón The Folk Cook
Now that you know the secrets of pintxos, we invite you to take your culinary journey one step further.
At Sazón the Folk Cook, we open the doors of local homes so you can experience authentic Spanish cuisine.
A way to taste the traditional flavors our mothers and grandmothers have lovingly prepared.
So if you’re looking for a food experience that goes beyond just a dish, join Sazón and discover the true soul of our culture.
Book your experience now!
