With its golden beaches, elegant promenades and world-renowned food scene, San Sebastián is a dream for travellers who love a side of sea views with their supper. Nestled on Spain’s northern coast in the Basque Country, this culinary capital is famous for its pintxos — the local twist on tapas — as well as Michelin-starred cuisine and fresh seafood straight from the Bay of Biscay.
But where should you go when you want to enjoy the region’s exceptional food with an unforgettable view? Whether you’re after a casual seaside taverna or a fine-dining experience overlooking La Concha Bay, these seafront restaurants in San Sebastián combine flavour, atmosphere and scenery in perfect harmony. From traditional Basque bites to modern tasting menus, here are 10 spots where the views are as impressive as the dishes.
Best San Sebastián Seafront Restaurants
1. La Perla Restaurante
Perched right on La Concha Bay, La Perla offers elegant dining with one of the best views in San Sebastián. This refined restaurant is part of the historic La Perla spa complex, and it’s a great spot for a long lunch or romantic dinner while watching the waves.
Expect beautifully presented Basque cuisine with a modern twist — think grilled turbot, seafood risotto and silky Iberian ham croquettes. Their large windows and terrace provide uninterrupted views over the beach, making it a favourite for special occasions.
- 📍 Location: Paseo de La Concha
- 🍽️ Vibe: Elegant, upscale
- 🍷 Try: Fresh fish of the day, txakoli wine
- 🌊 Views of: La Concha Beach
2. Astelena 1997
Tucked just a few steps from the Old Town and Zurriola Beach, Astelena 1997 combines creative Basque cooking with a relaxed seaside atmosphere. It’s not directly on the beach, but its large windows open to sea breezes and views over the promenade.
The menu features elevated versions of classic dishes — like oxtail ravioli and grilled octopus — alongside inventive seasonal specials. Service is friendly and the atmosphere stylish without being too formal.
- 📍 Location: Near Zurriola Beach
- 🍽️ Vibe: Casual-chic
- 🧾 Good to know: Popular with locals — book ahead
- 🥘 Try: Octopus with potato foam
3. Restaurante Branka
With a prime clifftop setting between Ondarreta Beach and the Peine del Viento sculpture, Branka boasts panoramic sea views and a solid reputation for fresh seafood. The terrace is a highlight — perfect for sunset dinners.
This is the place to order grilled monkfish, cod cheeks or a seafood platter to share, all paired with Basque cider or local wines. The interior is elegant yet cosy, and service is known for being top-notch.
- 📍 Location: Ondarreta Beach
- 🐟 Speciality: Charcoal-grilled fish
- 🌅 Tip: Book for sunset — views are spectacular
4. Narru Restaurant
Located inside Hotel Arbaso, Narru offers stylish seaside dining with views over La Concha and a modern approach to Basque cuisine. Chef Iñigo Peña’s menu is rooted in traditional flavours but pushes boundaries in presentation and ingredients.
The restaurant features a minimalist, airy interior, and the terrace is ideal for sunny lunches. Dishes like red prawn tartare and beef cheek stew are standouts, combining sophistication with soul.
- 📍 Location: Hotel Arbaso, next to La Concha promenade
- 🌿 Vibe: Modern, refined
- 🧑🍳 Chef: Iñigo Peña
- 🍤 Try: Prawns, Basque cheesecake
5. La Rampa
An unpretentious spot right in the port area, La Rampa is perfect for casual seafood lovers. It’s loved for its no-frills vibe and seriously fresh catches — grilled sardines, hake with garlic, and fried calamari are local favourites.
The outdoor tables face the harbour and fishing boats, offering a unique view of San Sebastián’s working port. It’s very popular with locals and always buzzing, especially in summer.
- 📍 Location: San Sebastián harbour
- 🐙 Try: Fried calamari, grilled sardines
- 💡 Good to know: No reservations — arrive early for a table outside
6. Txoko by Mikel Bermejo
Located in the Kursaal area near Zurriola Beach, Txoko offers playful, modern pintxos with beach views. The young chef Mikel Bermejo brings fresh energy to Basque cuisine with bold flavours and creative flair.
It’s a laid-back space with contemporary décor and a lively atmosphere. Ideal for a light meal or drinks with a view, especially on warm evenings.
- 📍 Location: Kursaal, near Zurriola Beach
- 🍢 Speciality: Pintxos with a twist
- 👨🍳 Chef: Mikel Bermejo
- 🍸 Try: Gilda skewer, foie gras pintxo
7. El Café de la Concha
This bright and breezy café-restaurant is located right on La Concha Bay with a perfect view of the beach. It’s more informal than others on this list, making it great for brunch, cocktails or an easy lunch.
At El Cafe de la Concha, you can expect simple but tasty dishes like salads, burgers, tapas and pastries — and a killer location for people-watching with a glass of wine.
- 📍 Location: Paseo de La Concha
- ☕ Vibe: Relaxed, good for brunch or coffee
- 🍷 Best for: Daytime views and casual bites
- 🪑 Tip: Grab a seat on the terrace for the best beach views
8. Casa Urola
Though technically in the Old Town, Casa Urola is just steps from the seafront and has become a staple for exceptional Basque cooking. The upstairs restaurant offers views across the rooftops, while the downstairs pintxos bar is always buzzing.
Chef Pablo Loureiro focuses on seasonal ingredients and elevated traditional dishes — the grilled hake is especially popular. Great for foodies looking for depth of flavour without gimmicks.
- 📍 Location: Parte Vieja (Old Town)
- 👨🍳 Chef: Pablo Loureiro
- 🌿 Try: Seasonal tasting menu, grilled fish
- 🔥 Good to know: Michelin Guide–recommended
9. Bar Nestor
This cult favourite isn’t on the beach, but it’s a must-mention. Famous for its tomato salad, steak, and tortilla (only a few slices made daily), it’s a rite of passage for food lovers visiting San Sebastián.
Located just inland from the seafront, it’s ideal for those finishing a walk along La Concha and craving something authentically Basque in a rustic, no-fuss setting.
- 📍 Location: Near Parte Vieja
- 🍅 Must-try: Tomato salad, txuleta steak, tortilla (get there early!)
- ⏰ Tip: Tiny — arrive early or expect a queue
- 🧑🍳 Vibe: Authentic, family-run, no reservations
Techno-Mads 