Arzak

San Sebastián


With three shining Michelin stars, acclaimed chef Juan Mari Arzak is king when it comes to Basque nouvelle cuisine and his restaurant, 3.5km east of San Sebastián, is considered one of the best in the world. Arzak is now assisted by his daughter Elena, and they never cease to innovate.

Boundary-pushing dishes such as cured sweetbreads with prawn-flavoured corn chips, or gingerbread topped with crab and sea grapes, are conceived in research and development kitchen 'the lab', which draws on over 1000 ingredients to create ingenious creations. The unrivalled wine list runs over 46 pages.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San Sebastián attractions

1. Monte Ulia

1.16 MILES

Monte Ulia is just moments from the city centre, but in terms of peace and tranquility it's worlds away. To get here, follow the road just behind the…

2. Albaola Foundation

1.29 MILES

This terrific museum charts the history of Pasaia's whaling industry. At the centre of the story is the San Juan, a galleon that sunk off the coast of…

3. Faro de la Plata

1.34 MILES

It's a 2.5km walk north from Pasai San Pedro, but the views from around the lighthouse (closed to the public) are worth the effort. It takes about 45…

4. Playa de la Zurriola

1.34 MILES

Stretching 800m in front of Gros, from the Kursaal to Monte Ulía, 'Zurri', as it's known locally, has some excellent waves that draw surfers from near and…

5. Tabakalera

1.38 MILES

Sun-drenched cultural space Tabakalera occupies a beautifully reconfigured tobacco factory dating from 1913. It's a hub for the arts and design, as well…

6. Mater Museoa

1.42 MILES

Docked just south of San Pedro's ferry landing, this 33-metre-long former fishing vessel once plied the Cantabrian Sea and it now serves as a museum of…

7. Parque de Cristina Enea

1.45 MILES

Created by the Duke of Mandas in honour of his wife, the Parque de Cristina Enea is a favourite escape for locals. This formal park, the most attractive…

8. Kursaal

1.49 MILES

Designed by Rafael Moneo and opened in 1999, the Kursaal is one of the city's most striking buildings. Consisting of two cubes made of translucent glass…