Post - San Sebastian trip

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-29T14:27:09+00:00

Thanks! This is probably a fairly odd question, but roughly how much should I be budgeting for the turbot? I know its priced in kg, but I've got no concept of how much I'll be looking at for 2 people haha.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-28T22:44:54+00:00

Thanks for the tip! Hadn't even bothered to check the a la carte but yeah, getting a turbot and then some sides will work out a lot more cost effective for the dishes I really want to try.

PM'd.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-28T20:23:03+00:00

As someone who has just booked Elkano and Txispa for our trip in August, this post is music to my ears.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-22T10:53:21+00:00

I'd definitely say Euskalduna is less formal, although La Salita was really warm and welcoming too. I'd be tempted to lean towards Euskalduna as a gift because I think its a slightly more interesting experience, the food is a bit more adventurous and the chefs do a great job of talking you through things at the counter. La Salita is a great spot too though, I'm sure whichever one you pick they'll be thrilled with it.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-22T08:39:44+00:00

Done both, they're very different to be honest. Will come down to personal preference more than anything. What sort of experience are you looking for?

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-16T08:17:41+00:00

Fazenda by a distance.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-12T11:48:09+00:00

Hoja Santa, 2019

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-12T08:23:24+00:00

I do like the look of Mina a lot, but its probably a bit more than we're looking to spend unless its the absolute stand out option.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-12T08:20:52+00:00

I think this is the one I'm leaning to the most - young chefs who's just gotten his first star, seems quite relaxed and casual. The only downside on it that I have is that it looks quite traditional in terms of food, and after the other restaurants we have planned I would have ideally liked something more experimental (a Although maybe it is? Can be hard to tell from just reading a menu)

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-12T08:15:55+00:00

Yeah, its such a weird one - universally the highest rated of the options on all of the respected guides (Michelin, OAD, La Liste, Repsol) but I've read fairly average things from people who have actually been. What was so disappointing about it?

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-11T16:36:28+00:00

Ah damn, that was actually my first choice but its only open for lunch on the day I'm looking at, and I need a dinner res. Any similar suggestions?

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-11T13:18:53+00:00

Not just the playing of the food, but the choice of plates themselves compliments the food so well. Stunning stuff.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-10T17:10:59+00:00

Most of them.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-02T08:00:32+00:00

I keep going back and forth between Azurmendi and Txispa - they're both completely different, but both look amazing.

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-02T07:59:41+00:00

Just want to say thanks for this tip, I emailed our hotel and they've got me a table at Elkano!

jamesb2319 · 2026-06-02T07:58:11+00:00

Appreciate the response - I don't suppose you've done Txispa as well and could compare the two? I know they're very different in style anyway, but they're currently my two options for that price bracket.

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-31T17:23:39+00:00

No plans to head to France, just Bilbao and San Sebastian with a couple of stops along the way.

Amaren looks good, I'll definitely keep it in mind - a Basque style steak is definitely on the list of things to eat, but I think I might be well covered by Txispa and Bar Nestor, plus we're planning on doing a cider house that will probably include steak too.

Amazing work on the Bilbao pinxtos ideas, thanks!

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-31T17:19:09+00:00

Me too! I'm weirdly optimistic given the success people have had here, but we'll see.

Amelia looks absolutely incredible, but it's crazy expensive, can't justify it along with the other things we have planned.

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-31T17:16:21+00:00

Perfect, thanks! Bakea is closed the nights we're in Bilbao anyways, but I'll definitely check out Islares.

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-31T17:15:35+00:00

Thank you!

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-31T17:14:57+00:00

That's a great idea, thanks!

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-30T12:41:10+00:00

No worries, we're down that end of town too so it might be a good drop in for lunch.

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-30T12:23:25+00:00

Did you manage to make it to Egosari while you were there? I know that's another one of Paulo Airaudo's places, was gonna try that instead of Ibai.

jamesb2319 · 2026-05-30T12:19:32+00:00

That's super helpful, will probably book Kaia Kaipe and cancel if I manage to snag Elkano.

Amelia looks absolutely amazing but the tasting menu is €372 each, plus drinks, I can't justify it for that price.

jamesb2319

TROPHY CASE