Among the small streets and throughout the hidden corners of San Sebastian, young entrepreneurs sow courageous projects that are reshaping how wine is enjoyed in this city. Among them is José Vergarajáuregui, who opened Bodega Klandestina in 2022 in an abandoned car mechanic’s garage nestled in the folds of the Gros neighborhood. In a region tightly bound by tradition, he felt inspired to pave the way for new trends, tired as he was of seeing the same kind of wines served in most of the bars in town.

In San Sebastian, talking about food, but above all, about cooking, is the norm. Here, something as small as a gilda is of the utmost importance. To stick anchovies, olives and guindilla peppers on a stick is not enough; together these ingredients must contrast and balance, living up to the gilda’s reputation as one of the city’s most celebrated pintxos. A good gilda comes with a punch of flavor and freshness; an ideal combination of textures and acidity that is eaten in a single bite.

This past year has been an exciting one in San Sebastián. The emergence of new projects, driven by young talented people – some bringing ideas and flavours from abroad – makes even more thrilling the adventure of dining out in a city celebrated for its deep-rooted traditions and extraordinary gastronomy. While enjoying some of the iconic local dishes remains a must, it’s also a nice time to delve into what it's being offered by this new wave of talent, whether you’re up for some pintxo hopping or are looking to enjoy a nice time with friends or family at some of the city’s finest tables.