La Cuchara de San Telmo is a restaurante vasco in Parte Vieja, San Sebastián. Rated 4.6 stars from 5678 Google reviews. Known for haute-cuisine pintxos and raciones and exceptional wine selection. Best for solo dining and quick bites. Price range: €10-20.
Rankings updated April 2026
La Cuchara de San Telmo
Across 5,780 Google reviews, 91% gave four or five stars.
Quick Verdict
One of San Sebastián's most consistent pintxos destinations, with spectacularly executed Basque classics and a wine list that rivals dedicated wine bars.
You want to experience high-calibre pintxos and Basque fare in an authentic, standing-room-only setting without the formality.
About La Cuchara de San Telmo
La Cuchara de San Telmo stands as one of the parte-vieja's most reliably excellent pintxos bars, where Basque tradition meets refined execution. The kitchen delivers raciones and pintxos that transcend the casual bar format—carrillera (beef cheeks), cochinillo (suckling pig), pulpo (octopus), and merluza (hake) arrive with the care of fine dining, paired with generous portions and impeccable sourcing. The wine list earns particular praise, rivalling dedicated wine bars in depth and selection. Service is characterised by attentiveness and genuine warmth; staff members like Anthony and Dani are frequently singled out for going beyond standard hospitality. The atmosphere is informal and popular—a standing-room experience where locals and international visitors mingle—though peak hours draw queues that reward early arrival or patience. At €10–20 per head, the quality-to-price ratio is exceptional. Reservations are accepted, and the bar accommodates groups, solo diners, and everyone in between, with outdoor seating available.
What Stands Out
Haute-cuisine pintxos and raciones
Reviews consistently praise the carrillera, cochinillo, pulpo, and merluza as 'alta cocina' with 'raciones generosas' and 'alta calidad de producto y esmero en la cocina'.
Exceptional wine selection
Highlighted in GBP attributes as 'Muy buena selección de vinos' and praised in multiple reviews as rivalling dedicated wine bars.
Warm, attentive service
Staff members like Anthony and Dani are repeatedly cited for going above and beyond, with reviewers describing service as 'increíble' and 'absurdamente bien'.
What Customers Say
Buenos vinos y pinchos riquísimos
Sinceramente o melhor pintxos bar que fomos em São Sebastião. Atendimento incrível com uma vibe super gostosa. Queríamos pedir de tudo, mas o que nos surpreendeu foram: bochechas&polvo
Uno de los mejores sitios de pintxos en San Sebastian. Es cierto, tiene muchos turistas, pero vale la pena. La comida es espectacular. Lo conocí en 2014 y desde entonces debo haber ido más de 10 veces y nunca defrauda.
Real quotes from Google Reviews
In Their Own Words
Review highlights surfaced by Google, in the language they were written
“La carrillera, la tarta salada de queso, las alcachofas y el pulpo increíbles!”
“Los pinchos no son pinchos normales, son alta cocina, raciones generosas.”
“Nosotros comimos: Entrecot Cochinillo Merluza Risotto Y todo estaba buenísimo”Practical Information
Opening Hours
Contact
Santa Korda Kalea, 4, 20003 Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, España
View MenuCommon Questions
How consistently good is La Cuchara de San Telmo?
Across 5,780 Google reviews, 91% of visitors gave four or five stars — placing La Cuchara de San Telmo among Parte Vieja's most reliably rated restaurante vascos.
Do you need to book La Cuchara de San Telmo in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for meals — La Cuchara de San Telmo is a popular choice in Parte Vieja and tends to fill quickly, particularly at weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Cuchara de San Telmo
Yes—it's explicitly popular for solo dining. The counter and bar seating are ideal for solo travellers, and staff are known for warmth and attentiveness. The standing-room format makes it easy to join the informal atmosphere.
The cochinillo (suckling pig), carrillera (beef cheeks), pulpo (octopus), and merluza (hake) are standouts. Reviews consistently highlight these as exceptional. Pair with wines from their excellent selection.
Reservations are accepted, but peak hours (lunch and dinner) draw queues. Arriving early or visiting during quieter times avoids waits. The informal standing-room format means walk-ins are welcome.
€10–20 per head is typical. Tapas cost around €7, media raciones €14, and full raciones €28–30. Excellent value for the quality and portion sizes.
Yes, outdoor seating is available. Groups of 6+ and families with children are well accommodated, including a small terrace.
Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted.
Also in Parte Vieja
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How We Rank Venues
Rankings are recalculated monthly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this month.
How our monthly rankings work