San Sebastián: Chef-Led Pintxo Tour with Food & Drinks

Summary

Walk the Old Town tasting pintxos with a local chef guiding you

You’ll wander San Sebastián’s Old Town with a local chef as your guide, tasting pintxos at five different bars—think veal cheeks, seared squid, maybe even crispy pig ear—with drinks perfectly paired at each stop. Expect laughter over language slips and stories swapped between bites. You’ll leave full of flavors and memories you didn’t plan for.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a tiny plate—something smoky, something I can’t quite name yet—and our guide, who’s actually a chef from here in San Sebastián, just grins. “Try it first,” he says. The bar is buzzing, people are elbow-to-elbow but somehow it feels friendly, not crowded. There’s this smell of grilled peppers and cider in the air that makes me hungrier than I expected. We’re only at the first stop and already I’m thinking I should’ve skipped lunch.

We wind through the Old Town’s narrow streets, stopping at five pintxo bars in total. Each one has its own vibe—one is all polished wood and old men arguing about football, another is bright and modern with handwritten chalk menus. At one place we try braised veal cheeks that melt away before you even chew (I still think about that texture). Our guide pours txakoli wine from way above his head—he says it’s all about the bubbles—and laughs when I flinch as he nearly misses the glass. He knows everyone behind every counter; sometimes they chat in Basque, sometimes Spanish, sometimes both at once.

I tried to say “txistorra” properly and got a round of applause from two locals at the bar (Li laughed so hard she nearly spilled her cider). There was crispy pig ear at one stop—I hesitated but honestly? It was good. Not what I’d order back home but here it just made sense with the Rioja red swirling in my glass. By the last bar, my feet were tired but my head was light in that happy way you get after good food and maybe one too many small pours.

We ended up swapping stories with our guide about where to eat next in Basque Country—he even promised to send recipes later so we could try making pintxos ourselves (not sure mine will look like his). Walking back through those stone streets, full and a little tipsy, I realized how much of this city you taste before you really see it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Walking tour of San Sebastián Old Town

• Walk through Old Town
• Visit five pintxo bars
• Eat small plates and drink

Top questions

Is this San Sebastián pintxo tour led by a chef?

Yes, the tour is led by an expert local chef who guides you through each stop.

How many bars do we visit on this walking dinner tour?

You’ll visit five different pintxo bars during the evening.

Are food and drinks included on the tour?

All food and drinks are included—one drink per bar plus plenty of pintxos.

Does this day trip include pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide in San Sebastián’s Old Town.

Can solo travelers join this San Sebastián pintxo tour?

The minimum booking is two people; solo travelers should message for options.

Is this walking dinner suitable for children?

Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult; under 2s are free but contact for details.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Please advise any dietary requirements when booking so accommodations can be made.

What’s included

Your evening includes all pintxos from five different bars across San Sebastián’s Old Town, expertly guided by a local chef who shares stories along the way. Drinks are paired at each stop—local wines, cider or beer—and you’ll also get recommendations for more places to eat plus emailed recipes to try back home.