<b> Where we ate </b>

The Basque country and especially San Sebastian are pretty well-known food destinations. The beautifully displayed and tasty pintxos that you can find at bars all over town are a feast for the eyes and stomach, and there are no shortage of restaurants of all kinds.

I didn’t take great food notes this time, but here are a few that were notable

<b> Restaurante Ikaitz </b>

We had two dinners at this little place in Gros. The dishes were all creative and beautifully presented, and the service was delightful. We had a simply but deliciously prepared hake one night, and one of our friends enjoyed a tenderloin and “nuoki” (a play on gnocchi, more effective if I could figure out how to put a tilde over the N) and all of the desserts we tried were devoured. Highly recommended.

http://www.restauranteikaitz.com/

<b> Ganderias </b>

We had a dinner at the back of this popular bar. We were served giant but delicious portions of bulls tail, hake and shrimp. Ambiance was lively and fun on a Monday night.

http://www.restaurantegandarias.com/en/

<b> La Vina del Ensanche </b>

This bar in Bilbao serves the most unbelievable mouth-watering ham. I wish I could transport myself there right now for lunch. Love.

http://www.lavinadelensanche.com/index.html



I didn’t keep this report as brief as originally intended, as I was easily carried away with the great memories of another successful trip to San Sebastian and the Basque country. Despite the soggy weather, we had a wonderful time, and I feel very lucky to have had the chance to visit this area of Spain again, with the best travel partners ever. Is it too soon to start thinking about a third visit?

Brava! What a great trip report.

When I read about your time in Bilbao, I remembered how much I enjoyed a lunch at La Vina del Ensanche...so glad you made it there. The ham there is absolutely TO DIE FOR! Good thing it's almost lunchtime here for me...ahh...I'm dreaming of ham now!

Oh LCI, where do you think I got the tip?? we visited there last time after reading about it in your trip report, and then never stopped talking about it for a year.

Thanks so much for the kind words, and the great tips!

Glad my recommendation was a good one! ;-)

It's never to early to start planning your next trip! You may consider adding Vitoria or even La Rioja for a few days next time too!

La Rioja is definitely on the radar, as is Santander. We shall see!

Returning to Spain for 3 weeks mid Sept. My plan is:

Bilbao 2 1/2 days
SS 14 days
Barcelona 4/12 days

Have not been to Bilbao and read 2-3 days is enough time there or do you think it needs more. How many days do you recommend to see Hondarribia. Planned on making this a day trip but could spend the night or take the bus back and forth over 2 days. SS will be my base stay in the Basque country.

Hi Ab,
Hondarrabia is very small, so could easily be seen in less than a day. Be sure to walk or take the escalator to the upper part of town if it's a nice day. There are some lovely houses and very petty views.

You might want to do a separate post so more people see your question.

Topping for sis to find

Thanks for the report, sounds like you had a lot of fun. We are hoping to go Sept 2013.