San Sebastian - best high end restaurant?
 

We plan to have one no-expense-spared dinner in San Sebastian during our stay in June. Does anybody have a view as to which of these (or maybe some other place) is currently offering the best experience?
Arzak
Akelarre
Martin Berasategui
Mugaritz

Mmm, they are quite different from each other. The most famous, the first, the most respected, is Arzak. Then Akelarre, on a beautiful place on top of Igeldo mountain, same quality, similar kind of food. Martin Berasategi is currently recognised on the same level as these two, and Mugaritz is the odd one out. The Mugaritz experience has nothing to do with the rest and its meals are "another concept". Difficult decission...

I would go with Mugaritz, currently rated No.3 in the world's 50 best restaurants, although I'm not a big fan of the rating system. One of my favorites, Kokoxta, didn't make the list, but having experience all four, it can be a difficult decision, especially if Juan Mari is in the kitchen at Arzak.

Mugaritz #3
Arzak #8
Martin Berasategui #29
Akelarre #94

That's a nice problem to have.

We've eaten at Mugaritz, Arzak and Akelarre. If I had to choose one it would be Akelarre for the combination of food and the absolutely beautiful setting. (You can probably have lunches at two of the restaurants for what dinner would cost at one. You can then "top off" at night with tapas.)

I often find gourmet restaurants a bit over the top, but the two nights at Arzak in 1996 and 2005 I will never forget, just fantastic!

I´m visiting Arzak next 11 June...

Someone posted this food blog out of San Seb-she talks about all the restaurants you mention and much more. We are going to Bodegan Alejandro next month. A more down market restaurant run by Martin Bersatategui.

http://www.travelcookeat.com/

We have made a reservation for Arzak..... Now I have to get my hammer at the piggy bank.

Any suggestions as to what wine to drink? I expect that the wine list is extensive but very pricey.

Just ask for a simple Rioja (Alavesa), Navarran or Ribera del Duero (usually much stronger) to go with the meal. Remember, wine in Spain is very reasonably priced, even in restaurants. The restaurants I'm familiar with do not mark up the wine to make a hugh profit as they do in other places, but you can spend what every you want, Arzak does offer and Pingus on the wine list.