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El Bistro Ondarreta is a delightful hidden gem tucked away in San Sebastián, Spain, that beckons food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. With its warm, unpretentious ambiance, the restaurant creates an inviting atmosphere that emphasizes comfort and exceptional service. Patrons rave about the lobster pasta, which offers a rich and decadent flavor profile that perfectly balances indulgence with culinary artistry. The presence of the chef-owner is felt throughout the dining experience, with dedicated staff that truly invests in making each meal memorable.
Many guests, such as Pepe Playero and Joanna Riddell, have noted the standout dishes like mussels and steak, often placing them above even the city’s renowned pintxo bars and Michelin-rated establishments. The relaxed French bistro vibe is complemented by smooth service and a lush selection of wines, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Whether you stumble upon it or seek it out, El Bistro Ondarreta serves a culinary experience that will not only satisfy your taste buds but also leave you with a memory you’ll cherish long after your visit. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this extraordinary culinary haven.
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Amenities & More
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Reviews for El Bistro Ondarreta
Review highlights
Based on 376 reviewsEl Bistro Ondarreta is widely praised for its warm, unpretentious atmosphere paired with a confident culinary approach rooted in chef-owner passion. Patrons frequently highlight the exceptional quality and flavor of the dishes, often referring to the restaurant as a hidden gem in San Sebastian. The intimate setting and attentive, genuine service provided by the couple running the establishment are consistently noted as key strengths. Guests appreciate the smooth, enjoyable dining experience enhanced by thoughtful touches such as curated wine selections and a relaxed ambiance. Overall, El Bistro Ondarreta stands out for surpassing expectations commonly associated with more famous local venues, making it a highly recommended destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Ondarreta Bistro feels like the kind of place you stumble into and then spend the rest of your trip telling everyone they have to go. It’s warm, unpretentious, yet driven by a quiet confidence that comes straight from the chef-owner, who’s as present in the dining room as in the kitchen. The staff carry that same spirit—attentive without fuss, genuinely invested in making sure you’re having the kind of meal that sticks with you. And the lobster pasta? Believe every whisper, every bit of hype—it’s rich, decadent, but balanced in a way that keeps you chasing the next bite. In a city stacked with world-class dining, Ondarreta carves out its own space by doing what matters most: making you feel welcome, feeding you something extraordinary, and reminding you why we fall in love with restaurants in the first place.
I was so lucky to get a table here, without a reservation. The food was fantastic, really love the flavours and dishes here. Run by a couple, wife in the front and the husband at the kitchen, simple and wonderful people, service was smooth and enjoyable. Will surely come back, if I’m here again.
Best food in San Sebastian by far Hidden gem. Mussels, Lobster and steak Fabulous service. Definitely recommend and will be back in the future.
Amazing lunch. Best food in San Sebastian by a mile. Far exceeding the most famous pintxo bars and Michelin restaurants. A must visit if you ever come down to San Sebastian.
Hidden gem right behind my hotel. Quaint French bistro with phenomenal food and service. Jazz music playing, delicious wine, and the best meal I’ve had during my trip. Ordered the octopus special with roast potatoes and it was a 10/10. Olives, cheese, and lime tart were all superb as well.
Simply awesome : absolutely stunning food from start to finish. Our starters of gazpacho and tuna were fabulous and we knew that this place is something special. We followed with Lobster pasta and pork chop. Just completely delicious and spectacular dining. The dessert of Lime tart is something we’ll be talking about for a long time
Hubby & I had dinner at the restaurant just now. The food is delicious. We had tomato salad, octopus, clam risotto & raw white tuna slices, and specially made lime tart as dessert. We highly recommend the refreshing tomato salad. And also, the octopus which is soft with a bit of crispy crust creating 2 layers of texture, plus, complimenting with 2 different flavour of dip sauce making every bite a different experience, while the clam risotto is cooked to perfection.
I almost forgot to write a review for this little gem. I still think about this meal weeks later. Don't miss an opportunity to visit and enjoy an exquisite meal. I got so lucky and got a last minute reservation. Saw so many people get turned away. Don't walk, you need to run to this lobster pasta.
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Quick info
Opening hours
- Monday 1:00 AM - 3:00 PM 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Tuesday (Today) 1:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Wednesday 1:00 AM - 3:00 PM
- Thursday 1:00 AM - 3:00 PM 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Friday 1:00 AM - 3:00 PM 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Saturday Closed
- Sunday Closed
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