San Sebastián: Best gastronomy destination for foodies
Donostia / San Sebastián has earned its status as a luxury gastronomy destination, where culinary excellence is to be found alongside tradition and innovation
Held to be the best gastronomy destination on the planet, the city has notched up the world's highest score with an impressive satisfaction index of 96.67m according to 'Condé Nast Traveler'. Readers appreciated its exceptional range of fish and shellfish, its renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, its legendary pintxos and its famous cheesecake.
'Condé Nast Traveler' is not the only publication that trumpets Donostia's culinary excellence, and others such as Saveur Culinary, Caterwings, The Liberty and The Telegraph hold San Sebastián to be Best International Gastronomy Destination and the World's Best City for Gourmets.
Firmament of Michelin stars
Donostia has 16 Michelin stars over a 25-kilometre route. An impressive feat equalled only by Kyoto, Japan, in terms of concentration of stars per square metre.
Additionally, three of the restaurants also boast the highest award: three Michelin stars each. Arzak, Akelarre and Martín Berasategui are 3 of the 11 restaurants in the state ranked highest in the Michelin Guide.
Mugaritz and Amelia have two stars each, and Kokotxa, Alameda and Elkano also have a star.
Lit up by Repsol's Sol awards
San Sebastián also boasts Repsol's "Sun" distinctions, and has 14 restaurants with a grand total of 23.
Akelarre, Arzak and Berasategui have three "Soles" apiece, while Kofradia also received an award for its commitment to energy management and the use of local produce. The city has played host to the Repsol "Soles" gala two years running, thereby consolidating its prestige on the gastronomy panorama.
Culinary temples
Akelarre
Pedro Subijana, one of the leading icons of New Basque Cuisine, delights diners at his watchtower over the Cantabrian Sea. Akelarre, which has secured the highest score in both Michelin Stars and Repsol "Soles", is a culinary experience that combines Basque cookery with a modern signature cuisine touch to serve up innovative delicious fare.
Arzak
The epitome of a gastronomic institution, still evolving despite years on the scene. It boasts the highest score in both Michelin Stars and Repsol "Soles" and, led by Juan Mari and daughter Elena Arzak, the restaurant astounds with imaginative fare and modern Basque cuisine based around research. The Arzak crew turns every visit into a luxurious gastronomic experience.
Mugaritz
With 2 Michelin Stars and 3 Repsol "Sol" Awards, Mugaritz is much more than just a restaurant; this is a sensory space serving up a comprehensive unbeatable gastronomic experience. Run by Andoni Luis Aduriz, this ground-breaking establishment focuses each year on creating almost one hundred recipes, all devised to stimulate curiosity, the senses and desire.
Restaurante Rekondo
With two Repsol "Sol" Awards, Rekondo focuses on traditional cuisine with top-quality produce at the foot of Mount Igeldo.
Its renowned wine cellar contains over 4,000 items, and has won the praise of Wine Spectator and La Revue du Vin de France as one of the world's best, as the perfect complement to its culinary fare, a synonym of tradition and excellence in Basque gastronomy.
Pintxos: Haute Cuisine in Miniature
The pintxo experience experience in San Sebastián is incomparable. These mini-bites, often considered "haute cuisine in miniature", transform bar snacks into an art form. Going into a bar in San Sebastián and taking a look at the range of pintxos on the counter is an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Lonely Planet describes "pintxo-hopping in Donostia" as the world's best gastronomic experience in "The Ultimate Eatlist".
With its unique combination of superior gastronomy and traditions such as pintxo-hopping, cider houses and txakoli houses or txakolindeguis, San Sebastián has become a must-visit for those who adore good food. Come and find out why it is the world's gastronomic jewel.
Chefs for a day
Donostia not only offers its visitors the possibility of tasting its culinary delights, but also to create them in cookery workshops where they learn to produce traditional or cutting-edge recipes.
The MIMO cookery school at the five-star Hotel María Cristina boasts professional chefs who will make you feel like a genuine Michelin starred cook.
Finally, it should be pointed out that Club San Sebastián Premium also has specialist gastronomy agencies such as the renowned TENEDOR TOURS.
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