Casa Valles, San Sebastián

National GeographicSep 7

Basque tapas has been revered for decades and elevated to an artform in the tiny bars of this Spanish surf town.

Invented the famous pintxo, the gilda.

12 things in this story

TxepetxaBarSignature pintxo is the montadito with anchovy.
San Telmo MuseumMuseumCollections of art, photography, and archaeology.
GanbaraRestaurantKnown for mini crab tartlets with soft crab meat.
La Concha BeachSightBeach promenade with palm trees and joggers.
Casa VallesRestaurantInvented the famous pintxo, the gilda.
Buen Pastor CathedralSightNeo-gothic cathedral with Spain's largest church organ.
San Martin MerkatuaMarketIndoor food market with stalls and bars.
Parte ViejaNeighborhoodOld Town with narrow streets and pintxos bars.
MuxumartinRestaurantServes contemporary pintxos amid rough-hewn brick walls.
Bar BergaraBarPioneered modern pintxos concept; serves champi con gamba.
Bar-restaurant La ViñaRestaurantMakes the best Basque burnt cheesecake.
GrosNeighborhood

Casa Valles