Kokotxa Jatetxea

Dani López, the genius behind the one-Michelin-starred Kokotxa, provides one of the best reasons to visit San Sebastian. The name, Kokotxa, is actually one of the most sumptuous Basque dishes – a stew of fish heads cooked in a sauce. Hearteningly, the cooking here is simple and without pretension.

From my research to date, I’m looking at Agorregi, Kokotxa, Mirador de Ulia, Miramon Arbelaitz, and Txulotxo -- and maybe Alameda if it works with my plan to visit Hondarribia. Any and all comments are welcome!

Named after one of the Basque country’s finest dishes, this lovely restaurant is located in the heart of the old town. Thanks to the duo of Daniel López in the kitchen and Estela Velasco front of house, modern cuisine inspired by Basque traditions and the very best market ingredients is masterfully prepared. Influences from other cultures (Japan, India, Turkey etc) are subtly present in the dishes prepared, where there is a focus on two menus, both served for the whole table, and which vary in the number of courses.

The city’s Old Town is easily the most popular among tourists—it provides easy access to most of the main sights, as well as plenty of dining options. While there are plenty of great eateries in the Old Town, one stands out above the rest: Kokotxa (pronounced “ko-ko-cha”), one of the finest Michelin restaurants in San Sebastian. A relatively new addition to the city’s prestigious culinary club, it remains somewhat of a hidden gem for the most part, though it’s starting to get the recognition it deserves.

El casco viejo tiene otro de esos tesoros que la Michelin ha tocado con su varita. Y es que en este restaurante, llevan más de 20 años dando de comer y haciendo gozar a todo el que pasa por su mesa, más allá de sus reconocimientos. Con Daniel López y Estela Velasco en cocina y sala respectivamente, este espacio, dedicado a una de las elaboraciones más finas que se hacen con el pescado -que aquí preparan a la brasa-, apuesta por la cocina de raíces vascas, elaborada con el mejor producto posible.

Kokotxa is the word on everyone’s lips in the context of the city in Europe with the most Michelin stars per square metre. Situated in the Old Part of the city, it’s the most central restaurant of the nine Michelin star restaurants in the area, which boast 16 stars in total. The word “kototxa” refers to the fleshy underpart of a fish’s jaw, which is used in a number of dishes in the Basque country, as it’s the most gelatinous, and is considered to be the most delicious part of the fish.

Within the city centre, Kokotxa (one star) in the Old Town, presents creative seafood-based concoctions that are firmly rooted in traditional Basque recipes, but borrow from the culinary idioms of countries such as India and Korea, for example lobster with kimchi. Amelia by Paulo Airaudo (two stars) adds an impeccable setting, overlooking Playa de la Concha, to its creatively crafted seasonal dishes, with caviar often featuring at some point.

Peralta goes on a pintxos crawl in La Parte Vieja (old town) Donosti with Lopez and his two chef friends, Gorka Txapartegi of the restaurant Alameda in Hondarribia and Jose Mari Arbelaitz of Zuberoa in Iturriotz, who Peralta learns have also won Michelin stars. They visit some of the best places to eat pintxos in the Basque Country, including Gandarias, Txepetxa and Bar La Cepa.

Daniel López is behind the restaurant – he previously worked in some of the top restaurants in the area including Arzak and Akelarre. After a stint working in restaurants in the south of Spain, he returned to his home town San Sebastian to open Kokotxa. The restaurant first opened its doors in 2002 in the Old Town of San Sebastian near the Basilica de Santa Maria and the port.

San Sebastian offers an excellent concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, including the famous Arzak, Martín Berasategui, Akelarre, Mugariz, Kokotxa, El Mirador de Ulía, Zuberoa, Alameda, Amelia and MB Garrote. Logically, it's not suitable for all pockets, but if your passion is gastronomy, you should book a day to go to them.

Simplicity seems to have been what scored the star for chef Daniel Lopez at Kokotxa (Campanario 11; tel. 34/94/342 19 04; www.restaurantekokotxa.com), in the Old Town -- from the minimalist white decor of his airy dining room, to attentive service, to meticulously cooked small portions of fresh seafood served on stark white plates.

This spot, headed by chef Dani López and Estela Velasco, garners its mention mainly for its Michelin star. It's not Kokotxa's fault that there's three three-star Michelin spots in this tiny town. López's cuisine draws inspiration from all over Spain, with delicate and picture-perfect plates.

Tucked away in the old town near the Basílica de Santa Maria, you’ll find Kokotxa. Its minimalist interior allows the food to shine. The colourful dishes are a modern interpretation of traditional Basque recipes with elements from abroad, curated by the young chef Dani López.

We have had some fabulous sit down food and wine in Donostia at the likes of Rekondo (cellar to die for), Kokotxa (1 star and great value) and Bodegon Alejandro (no stars, but just fab), but this trip I fancied the swanky restaurant on the hill.

Back in the centre, and close to the port, Kokotxa is a well-known restaurant, among other mentions, with a Michelin star. Its cuisine is specialized in meat and fish, of local origin and prepared in an appealing, original and innovative way.

Located centrally, in the city’s Old Town neighbourhood, this is a true San Sebastian institution, whose menu will not disappoint. Campanario, 11 – 20003 Donostia San SebastiánPhone: +34 943 42 19 04www.restaurantekokotxa.com

The chef of this one-Michelin-starred restaurant is local, and offers simple and beautifully cooked food that is rooted in Basque traditions but with a modern touch – and much love for Basque history. restaurantekokotxa.com

KokotxaSlightly more reserved than ultra-creative Mirador de Ulia, Kokotxa offers modern cuisine that's firmly rooted in Basque culture. You'll find the stylish restaurant nestled in San Sebastian's romantic old town.

Kokotxa is a restaurant in San Sebastian's old town, next to the port. Besides excellent culinary delights, in this restaurant you can also enjoy views of the heart of Donostia. The restaurant has two menus.

The list of restaurants with one star is completed by: Marqués de Riscal, Kokotxa, Zarate, Alameda, Zortziko, Etxebarri, Txispa, Mina, Nerua, Ola Martín Berasategui, Andra Mari, Alameda and Eneko.

Then, there’s Mugaritz with two stars, and a whole host of other award-winning locales, namely, Kokotxa, Alameda and Zuberoa. (All in all, there are fourteen culinary stars in this city alone).

Kokotxa – Located in the heart of Old Town, this one-star restaurant is approachable for people from all walks of life with a big focus on traditional dishes with an international twist.

Furthermore, there are plenty of other Michelin-starred restaurants to explore, including Mugaritz and Amelia with two stars, and Kokotxa, Alameda, and Elkano with one each.

The restaurant is located in the old quarter of San Sebastian, very close to the harbor. This is a restaurant where you will find like at home due to the cozy atmosphere.

There are also plenty of one-star places, including Alameda, Amelia, Elkano, Eme Be Garrote, Kokotxa, Mirador de Ulia, and Zuberoa. Check this local blog for more ideas.

Check out the other Michelin-starred restaurants in the area: Mugaritz and Amelia, with two stars, and Kokotxa, Alameda, and Elkano, with one each.