Basque Country
“The Basque country is unlike anywhere else I’ve been. It’s just so rich. A town set in stunning landscapes, and a long delicious history with the sea.”
PHIL'S Basque country LOCATIONS
La Espiga
Phil meets up with chef Ander Gonzalez and writer Marti Buckley for a pintxos crawl! Pintxos are popular small snacks in Basque Country, very similar to tapas. The first stop on the crawl is one of the oldest pintxo shops, La Espiga. They try a classic cured anchovy pintxo served with a local sparkling wine called txakoli, and a selection of hot pintxos.
Address: San Martzial Kalea, 48, 20005 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Bar Txepetxa
Next up on the pintxo crawl is Bar Txepetxa, a family-run bar famous for their local anchovy pintxos. The anchovies are caught just offshore in the Cantabrian Sea, and they are known as some of the finest in the world. They enjoy spider crab (a local favorite), their 100-year old recipe for jardinera, and of course anchovies!
Address: Arrandegi Kalea, 5, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Casa Urola
For the last stop on the pintxos crawl Phil and friends go for slightly fancier pintxos at chef Pablo Loureiro Rodil’s Casa Urola. They taste seared scallops with almond cream and coffee vinaigrette, and white beans topped with foie gras. You need these pintxos in your life.
Address: Fermin Calbeton Kalea, 20, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Elkano
Phil has Dinner in Getaria with his friends Ryan and Katie Lee Biegel at Elkano. Pushing the boundaries of Basque seafood since 1964, this restaurant is worth the trip to Getaria all on its own. Chef Aitor Arregi serves them their signature lobster prepared two ways, marinated tail meat with lobster roe, and grilled lobster head. Also be sure to try the hake cheeks (kokotxa), and their delicious local spider crab.
Address: Herrerieta Kalea, 2, 20808 Getaria, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Otaegui
Phil stops at the legendary family-run pastry shop Otaegui for some sweets! Ther signature dish is their pancheneta, a puffed pastry with fresh cream and toasted almonds, but you can’t go wrong in this shop. Basque cheesecake, chocolate covered hazelnuts... you definitely have room for these desserts.
Address: Narrika Kalea, 15, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Bodegón Asador Joxe Mari
Phil goes for lunch at Joxe Mari, a streetside grill specializing in fresh caught seafood. This restaurant has been in chef Mikel’s family for three generations! The menu of the day features sole, grouper, and the fish that the town of Orio is known for: sea bream. Get ready for the ultimate grilled fish experience.
Address: Herriko Plaza, s/n, 20810 Orio, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Asador Extebarri
Phil has dinner with his brother Richard at one of the best restaurants in the world, chef Victor Arguinzoniz’s Asador Extebarri. Chefs all over the world study technique at this restaurant, and for good reason. This fine-dining restaurant is one of the toughest reservations you can get. If you can’t get a table, make sure to stop by on a sunday afternoon for their delicious pintxos downstairs, no reservation required.
Address: San Juan Plaza, 1, 48291 Axpe, Bizkaia, Spain
Bar Nestor
Phil enjoys a meal at Bar Nestor while he video chats with his friend Will Forte. Not just a fun place to grab a drink, the specialty is a massive bone-in ribeye. Make sure you belly up to this bar on an empty stomach!
Address: Arrandegi Kalea, 11, 20003 Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Sidrederia Zapian
Before leaving Spain, Phil stops at the cider house Zapian for a goodbye toast with all of his new friends. They enjoy their famous tortilla, bacalo, and cheers with delicious local cider. Topa!
Address: Kale Nagusia, 96, 20115 Astigarraga, Gipuzkoa, Spain
