We had a lot of fun and one of our favorite meals in San Sebastian at Bar Nestor in the old town. Unfortunately they sold out of the tortilla (Spanish Omelette) they're known for, but we had a huge steak for two, grilled peppers, a salad of fresh tomatoes, two cheeses, and five glasses of wine for 66 euros. Everything was delicious, but the steak was ridiculously good.

If you do go to Arzak... We made an order of what we thought we'd like. They ended up splitting each order, each of which was still of a decent size, so we could share.

Wine selections were made, and our total bill was slightly less than 400 euros for two. This is a lot cheaper than some U.S. restaurants I've been to, including the French Laundry (overrated) or Manresa (another Thomas Keller wannabe).

This meal was far better, and it wasn't the laughable tasting menu of umpteen courses that "high end" restaurants seem to prefer.

Robert2533,

Of course things happens in five years, and perhaps more now than before with things getting harder even up here. But I think San Sebastián essentially stayed very much the same from 1987 to 2008 regardless of obvious changes/developments, and I would be very surprised if places like Txepetxa, San Marcial, Bodega Donostiarra, Garbola etc have changed even a bit since 2008. And as you say, anyhow there are dozens of genuine places tucked down the alleys all around, and many of them outside the ever more popular Parte Vieja. Can't wait to come back, and I'm pretty confident that San Sebastián still copes with being popular with tourists after some 150 years in the business of trying and succeding to attract them.

But I hear what you say and come "home" with open eyes.

kimhe; I will be sending all this info to our friends.
It will take a little time to digest, but I can't thank you enough.

Agree Robert, prices do escalate, but still within our budget range.

Vonse; Will look at that restaurant. I have a lot of research to do.

Rastaguy; Respectfully, we have no need to spend that kind of money. But thanks.

But ek; For 52 euros PP, we will consider the LUA for our final night in Spain.