Atari Gastrolekua
A vibrant tapas bar offering traditional Basque pintxos with avant-garde twists and quality wines, set beside an iconic church.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Atari Gastrolekua
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant tapas bar offering traditional Basque pintxos with avant-garde twists and quality wines, set beside an iconic church.
Book Ahead for Tables
Reservations are essential, especially for tables. Many find it a week out.
Don't Miss the Octopus
The grilled octopus is a standout, often described as tender and delicious with generous portions.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Tapas / Basque
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+34 943 44 07 92
Address
C. Mayor, 18, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Website
atarigastroleku.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Avant-Garde Pintxos
Experience innovative pintxos like foie gras with white chocolate sauce, blending tradition and modern flair.
Tender Beef Cheeks
Savor the incredibly tender beef cheeks served with creamy mashed potatoes, a highly recommended dish.
Lively Atmosphere & Location
Enjoy the bustling vibe and prime location overlooking an iconic church, perfect for people-watching.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Tables
Reservations are essential, especially for tables. Many find it a week out.
Don't Miss the Octopus
The grilled octopus is a standout, often described as tender and delicious with generous portions.
Embrace the Bar Experience
Even without a table, enjoying pintxos at the bar or on the church steps is a classic experience.
Pair with Local Wines
Complement your meal with excellent local wines, such as txakoli, for an authentic taste.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Tables
Reservations are essential, especially for tables. Many find it a week out.
Don't Miss the Octopus
The grilled octopus is a standout, often described as tender and delicious with generous portions.
Embrace the Bar Experience
Even without a table, enjoying pintxos at the bar or on the church steps is a classic experience.
Pair with Local Wines
Complement your meal with excellent local wines, such as txakoli, for an authentic taste.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Atari Gastroleku is praised for its inventive pintxos and delicious main courses, with the beef cheeks and octopus being highly recommended. The lively atmosphere and prime location overlooking a church add to the experience. While some found certain pintxos less impressive, the overall value and friendly service are frequently highlighted.
"🌟 Overall: 7.5/10
Tried:
Prawn skewer – 8/10: Fresh prawns with great flavour.
Octopus – 7/10: €32 — slightly overcooked, but had a nice smoky taste. Generous portion, though the potatoes felt like a waste for a pintxos stop.
Service was friendly and efficient."
Emily Chan
"Solid place. Unlike my previous sad experiences in the area, I enjoyed this place immensely. There was service that didn’t stress me out and table tops etc to eat your food at without feeling like a fugitive. The lady serving us was polite and not time pushy.
Onto the food….
Tasty and Tasty and Tasty. Totally recommend the Foie Gras which came in a pistachio custard like sauce. Total attack on the heart but worth it.
When in town, make an effort to visit this establishment. Beautiful setting right next to a baroque church ⛪️"
Uncle Ned
"Busy place but totally worth the wait (or the inconvenience of eating on the steps of the church in front as that seems to be customary!). First night in San Sebastian and we ended up here based on blog recommendations. Place was packed, we tried to make a reservation for the next day but the next available was a week out (so plan accordingly). We started ordering (and eating) at the bar, followed by sitting and eating at the steps of the church, and lastly sitting at a table! Well, after all they are mostly small plates (pintxos) which you finish fairly quick. The grilled octopus (available only in a regular Portion size) was so tender it didn't feel like octupus at all. The Beef Cheeks (Carrillera) were also spectacular, highly recommended, as it was the slowed cooked Pork Belly (Panceta). Despite being busy and crowded at times, this is a high quality place which I'm looking forward to visit again."
Sergio Hernandez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The grilled octopus, beef cheeks, and foie gras with white chocolate sauce are frequently recommended.
Tables are in high demand and often booked far in advance. Consider visiting during off-peak hours or be prepared to eat at the bar.
Yes, it's customary to enjoy pintxos on the steps of the church across the street when the bar is crowded.
The restaurant has a lively and bustling atmosphere, especially during peak times, and is located in a scenic spot.
Yes, they have an excellent selection of local Basque wines, including txakoli, that pair well with the food.
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Set on the bustling corner of the streets Abuztuaren 31 and Mayor across from the Basilica de Nuestra Señora del Coro, where the steps are often crammed with revelers in the evening, Atari serves up some serious haute versions of pintxos. If the seared foie gras wading in a corn and white chocolate sauce is on the menu, order it immediately. Other standouts include creamy cod croquettes, roasted pork belly atop a dollop of hummus, and slow-cooked egg.
Best bars in San Sebastian for a wine route
Atari Gastroleku is a unique gastronomic space that will amaze you with its proposal. Here you can enjoy an experience that combines avant-garde cuisine with a selection of high-quality Basque wines. Let yourself be surprised by its dishes and surprising pairings while you imagine a film director like Quentin Tarantino or David Lynch tasting these delicacies and taking notes for their next film.
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Favourites include family-run Ganbara, with its strict focus on seasonal produce, Itxaropena for the perfect tempura prawn, or 148 Gastroleku on the bustling Plaza de la Constitución for the best croqueta de jamón in San Sebastián. To round off, take a trip to the legendary La Viña to enjoy what must be the world’s most famous Basque cheesecake, washed down with a glass of Pedro Ximénez.
The Best Places To Eat In San Sebastian - Top Guide
With a fabulous location across from the stunning Santa Maria Church, Atari attracts the crowds. We came here for both lunch and dinner, and enjoyed the buzzy ambience alongside the colossal gin & tonics. Foodwise, we ate salty squid, revueltos – scrambled eggs and great patatas bravas for Monkey.
Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)| Trip Moments
Atari Gastrolekua is a Basque restaurant in San Sebastian that offers traditional flavors served with a modern approach. Here are five key points that make this restaurant so appealing, allowing you to deeply experience Basque culture through dining.
Where to eat in San Sebastián: a city of pintxos and Michelin-starred restaurants | Blog
As well as serving some of the best signature pintxos in San Sebastián, the Atari restaurant offers a menu full of quality local products. Desserts and sweet wines complete a selection that will surprise you with their incredible value for money.
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148 Gastroleku (AKA Astelena148 or Aste148, the name appears to have evolved) is also owned by the same group as Sirimiri & Atari. Do you have upcoming travel that you need to book?. Use my travel resources page to make your bookings!
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Right in the medieval centre, this contemporary bar uses the finest ingredients in its traditional and avant garde pintxos – their prawn skewers are famous.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit