If you've heard anything about San Sebastian, Spain, it's probably the fact they have recently accumulated the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita in the world.
This seaside town in Basque Country has become world-famous for its fine dining full of fancy platefuls, with one restaurant alone receiving three stars for its culinary exploits.
But what if you don't want to drop $300 on lunch? (Or any meal for that matter?) Maybe all you want is warm sea air, a glass of wine and some good local food that won't break the bank.
This is San Sebastian sans Michelin stars-and it's just as delicious in its own right.
La Mejillonera
La Mejillonera is a pintxos (tapas) bar in the classic Spanish style. You order your food and drinks at the counter, then take your standing place at one of the countertops that lines the walls of this small-and always busy-establishment.
The menu is simple and centers around the bar's most popular dish of mussels (the bar's name actually translates to "mussels" in Spanish). The bivalves are served with a spicy tomato sauce, mayonnaise, vinaigrette or simply steamed with lemon. Other options include calamari and patatas bravas, all washed down with a choice of beer or sangria.
La Cuchara de San Telmo
This small bar/restaurant can be slightly hard to find but is well worth the effort. Stand inside and jostle for a place at the bar with the locals if you want the cheapest prices-there is an added fee for sitting at one of the al fresco tables.
The pintxos menu is creative and can change depending on availability of ingredients, with many visitors saying that you can't leave without sampling the beef cheeks in red wine, the sucking pig or the scallops.
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Sapore di Pizza
I know, I know, pizza isn't Spanish. But every now and then, even the most die-hard tapas fan craves a little dough-and-cheese action on vacation.
Sapore di Pizza is takeout-only but comes regarded as the best pizza joint in town, both for quality of product and most importantly: low prices.
The menu is broken down into price categories depending on how many toppings you want on your pizza (1, 2 or 3), and each pizza comes in two different sizes.
Bar Azkena
Located within the La Bretxa market, Bar Azkena offers a different atmosphere than many of the other pintxos places around town. It is small, with seats dotted around the bustling main counter, but still manages to serves a creative range of plates-with many gluten-free options.
It is also recommended as a good breakfast spot as you can get a fluffy potato tortilla, jamon and bread, fresh-baked pastry, orange juice and tea/coffee for around $12.
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Juantxo Taberna
Juantxo has been in operation for over 90 years (long before Michelin stars came to town), so they have to be doing something right. They are famous for their bocadillos (baguette sandwiches), filled with everything from omelets to calamari, pork loin, chicken breast, cheese and steak.
You may have to wait during the busy lunch/dinner rush, but there are several tables on the patio out front. The type of food served and reasonable prices make it a great place for visiting families.
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