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A Food Lover’s Guide to San Sebastián While Staying at Hotel Punta Monpas
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San Sebastián is one of Europe’s most celebrated food capitals, and staying at Hotel Punta Monpas puts you within easy reach of everything that makes this culinary city unforgettable. From traditional pintxo bars and seafood restaurants to markets, bakeries, and Michelin-starred dining, the city offers a taste experience unlike anywhere else in Spain.
Begin your food journey in Gros, the neighbourhood surrounding Hotel Punta Monpas. This district has become one of the city’s most creative food hubs, known for its relaxed cafés, fusion pintxos, artisan bakeries, and laid-back spots ideal for breakfast or casual dining. Whether you prefer a flaky croissant by the beach or a strong Basque coffee to start your day, Gros offers plenty of places within minutes of the hotel.
For a deep dive into Basque flavours, head to the historic Old Town. This area is famous for having one of the highest concentrations of bars and restaurants per square metre in the world. Its narrow streets are lined with traditional taverns serving beautifully prepared pintxos — from grilled prawns and slow-cooked meats to cod, peppers, anchovies, and tortilla. Each bar has its own speciality, encouraging visitors to try a “pintxo crawl,” sampling one or two dishes at each stop.
Seafood lovers will feel at home in San Sebastián. Fresh fish arrives daily from the Bay of Biscay, and many local restaurants prepare it simply, highlighting quality and freshness. Whether grilled, baked, or served as pintxos, dishes such as hake, cod, octopus, squid, and anchovies are staples of the local cuisine.
For a deeper understanding of Basque food culture, visit Mercado de la Bretxa, the city’s traditional market. Here you’ll see the building blocks of Basque cooking — local vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, fresh fish, and homemade products. It’s an excellent place to learn about regional ingredients and enjoy a slow, authentic look at everyday life in the city.
San Sebastián is also one of the world’s great fine-dining destinations. The city and its surroundings have multiple Michelin-starred restaurants, each offering innovative interpretations of Basque cuisine. Although reservations are often required months in advance, these restaurants provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for visitors who want to explore Basque gastronomy at the highest level.
Even simple meals become memorable in San Sebastián. Many small bakeries and cafés offer high-quality pastries, sandwiches, and coffees perfect for relaxed mornings near Zurriola Beach. Ice-cream shops, chocolatiers, and dessert cafés add to the experience, offering sweet treats to enjoy while wandering along the promenade.
After a full day of exploring the city’s flavours, returning to Hotel Punta Monpas offers a perfect end to your culinary journey. Its beachfront location, comfortable rooms, and easy access to Gros and the Old Town make it an ideal base for anyone who travels with food in mind.
Whether you’re a casual diner, a pintxo enthusiast, or a gourmet traveller, San Sebastián’s world-class food culture is right at your doorstep when you stay at Hotel Punta Monpas.