San Sebastian’s cooking scene lets you learn directly from local experts. The city’s best workshops teach traditional Basque techniques, with pintxos-making being the most popular choice. Our favorite courses include market visits where you’ll shop alongside chefs, then cook what you’ve bought.
Several top cooking schools offer English instruction and can handle dietary restrictions – from gluten-free to vegetarian options. The basic pintxos classes work well for beginners, while serious cooks can book advanced sessions at Michelin-caliber kitchens.
Explore these recommended food experiences that showcase authentic Basque cooking:
Key Points
- Basque Cooking Classes in San Sebastian offer a unique culinary experience, featuring hands-on techniques with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and a focus on cultural traditions.
- Specialized cooking classes include Ama Ur Pintxos, Spanish Tortilla, Michelin Star Secrets, Pintxos, and Private Cooking classes, catering to diverse skill levels and interests.
- Market Tours and Interactive Experiences combine guided food walks in Old Town with hands-on cooking, teaching the preparation of traditional dishes and pintxos.
- Most classes are not wheelchair accessible, but specific dietary requirements can be accommodated with advanced notice, and some workshops offer accessibility features.
- Private transfer service is available from San Sebastian Airport (EAS) to the city center, providing a comfortable 30-minute journey in a Mercedes Benz S-Class.
Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian
Situated in the heart of San Sebastian, the Basque Cooking Class provides travelers with a unique opportunity to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the Basque Country.
This hands-on experience, which boasts a 100% recommendation rate from previous participants, focuses on mastering the culinary techniques of the region using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
The class is capped at a maximum of 16 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the expert instructors.
The menu highlights starters like Talos con Txistorra and Revuelto de Hongos, mains such as Marmitako and Txuleta con piquillos, and the iconic Basque dessert, Pantxineta.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though vegan options aren’t available.
After an informative introduction to local culinary traditions, you will don aprons and put their newfound skills to the test, before enjoying the fruits of their labor alongside their fellow cooks.
With a convenient location near public transportation and wheelchair accessibility, this Basque Cooking Class is a must-try for any food enthusiast visiting San Sebastian.
Read our full review: Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Review
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Transfer San Sebastian Airport (EAS) to City Center S-class
For travelers seeking a comfortable and efficient way to get from San Sebastian Airport (EAS) to the city center, the private transfer service using a Mercedes Benz S-Class is an excellent choice.
This 30-minute transfer is provided by a family-owned business with a commitment to exceptional customer service and punctuality. The experienced, English and Spanish-speaking drivers ensure a smooth and secure journey in meticulously maintained vehicles.
Passengers can enjoy the convenience of a mobile charger during the transfer. The service is priced at €330.00 per group of up to 3 participants, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Travelers can also benefit from the flexible cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund if cancelled up to 24 hours in advance.
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Ama Ur Offers Its Renowned Basque Pintxos Cooking Class
Ama Ur, a well-regarded culinary school in San Sebastian, offers its renowned Basque Pintxos Cooking Class. This 5.0-rated experience, recommended by 100% of travelers, begins at 12:00 PM.
Guests will learn to prepare a delectable menu, including Basque cheesecake, gilda, risotto, anchovies, puff pastry, and seasonal fish.
The class takes place in a private studio, though it’s not wheelchair accessible due to 9 steps. It’s conveniently located near public transportation. Infants must sit on laps.
Instructor Lander Gonza earns praise for his organized, patient, and creative teaching. Participants rave about the delicious, fun, and best-in-Donostia experience, which involves cleaning, brining, and pickling anchovies; frying squid; making a Basque potato omelette; and enjoying local cider and Basque wine.
Gonza’s work can be followed on Instagram at @ama_ur_studio.
Read our full review: Ama Ur Offers Its Renowned Basque Pintxos Cooking Class Review
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San Sebastian: Authentic Basque Cooking Class
In the heart of San Sebastian, the Authentic Basque Cooking Class offers a captivating culinary adventure. Priced at £117.31 per person, this 2.5-hour hands-on experience welcomes up to 10 participants to learn from an expert chef and guide.
Guests will prepare four traditional Basque dishes, including a potato omelet, codfish in pil pil sauce, steak with red piquillo peppers, and the renowned burnt cheesecake.
Throughout the class, you will discover the cultural significance and stories behind each recipe, gaining valuable insights into Basque cuisine and its unique ingredients. Complementing the cooking experience, guests will enjoy a full meal with Basque cider, red and white wine, and ice apple cider.
Upon completion, they’ll receive copies of the recipes and an apron to take home.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues or certain dietary restrictions, the class is adaptable for pescatarians, those with gluten-free needs, and non-drinkers.
With an impressive 4.5/5 rating based on 46 reviews, this immersive cooking class is a must-try for any foodie visiting San Sebastian.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Authentic Basque Cooking Class Review
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San Sebastian: Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town
Located in the heart of San Sebastian’s Old Town, the Authentic Basque Cooking Class offers visitors a captivating culinary experience.
This small-group class (max 10 participants) takes guests on a delightful 2.5-hour journey through the region’s traditional cuisine. Guided by a local expert and a professional chef, participants learn to prepare four authentic Basque dishes.
The class includes recipes, an apron, and the opportunity to savor the creations with local cider and wine pairings. Participants appreciate the intimate setting and the chance to enjoy Basque culture.
While the class isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues, it can accommodate various dietary needs, including pescatarian and gluten-free options.
With a 92% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this cooking class is a highlight for many visiting San Sebastian. Guests leave with not only newfound culinary skills but also a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town Review
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Transfer San Sebastian Airport (EAS) to City Center E-class
For travelers arriving at San Sebastián Airport (EAS), the private transfer service to the city center offers a convenient and comfortable way to reach their destination.
Priced from $229.44 per group of up to 3 people, the 30-minute private transfer is provided by local drivers fluent in English and Spanish. The service uses Mercedes E-class business sedans and includes mobile charging.
While the company, a family business established in 1960, focuses on customer service and quality, reviews indicate significant dissatisfaction, with one report of additional charges and poor customer service.
Passengers should be aware of the service’s policies, which prohibit pets, smoking, and consumption of food and drinks. The transfer includes compliant local drivers but doesn’t cover any delays beyond the company’s control.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
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Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class
The Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class in San Sebastian, Spain, offers travelers an immersive culinary adventure.
With a near-perfect rating from 63 reviews, this 4-hour experience takes guests on a journey through the local market, followed by a hands-on cooking class.
Led by the friendly and informative instructor, Carlos, the class focuses on sourcing fresh, seasonal produce and preparing four traditional Basque dishes, including cod omelette, hake in green sauce, rib steak with piquillo peppers, and the renowned burnt Basque cheesecake.
Participants appreciate the educational aspect, cooking techniques, and engaging atmosphere, as well as the delicious outcomes.
The experience is priced at €130 per person and accommodates a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a personalized and interactive learning environment.
While some guests have reported minor confusion about the meeting instructions, the overall feedback highlights the enjoyment, learning, and enhancement of culinary skills gained through this Basque cooking immersion.
Read our full review: Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class Review
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San Sebastian: Basque Cuisine Cooking Class
Offering an immersive dive into the celebrated Basque culinary tradition, the San Sebastian: Basque Cuisine Cooking Class provides travelers an opportunity to master the region’s time-honored recipes under the guidance of expert local chefs.
Spanning 3 hours, the small-group experience begins with a visit to a local market, where participants learn to select the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Back in the kitchen, the chefs lead hands-on instruction in preparing classic Basque dishes, from pintxos to hearty main courses. Along the way, they share insights into the history and techniques that define this unique cuisine.
The class concludes with a convivial meal, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their labor alongside local wines.
Priced at $103.25 per person, the San Sebastian: Basque Cuisine Cooking Class earns a stellar 4.7-star rating from over 300 reviews, cementing its status as an essential immersion into the gastronomic heart of Northern Spain.
Read our full review: San Sebastian: Basque Cuisine Cooking Class Review
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Basque Cooking Class
Situated in the heart of San Sebastian, the Basque Cooking Class immerses participants in the celebrated culinary traditions of Northern Spain.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from over 13 reviews, this hands-on experience is a top-rated activity for travelers. Guests will enjoy a delectable lunch, complete with local wines, and receive a souvenir apron as a memento.
The class takes place at a convenient location, just a short walk from the Santa Catalina bridge. The intimate sessions accommodate a maximum of 12 people, ensuring personalized attention from the knowledgeable instructors.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, the Basque Cooking Class offers an engaging and easy-to-follow program that showcases the rich flavors of Basque cuisine. Reviewers consistently praise the class for its warm, welcoming atmosphere and the opportunity to learn authentic recipes in a hands-on setting.
For a truly immersive culinary adventure in San Sebastian, the Basque Cooking Class is an exceptional choice.
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San Sebastian: Private Gastronomy Tour and Cooking Class
For travelers seeking a more comprehensive culinary journey in San Sebastian, the Private Gastronomy Tour and Cooking Class promises an immersive experience.
This 3-hour small-group tour combines a guided food walk with a hands-on cooking demonstration, allowing participants to delve deeper into Basque cuisine.
The tour begins with a stroll through San Sebastian’s charming Old Town, where the guide will introduce local specialties and the art of pintxos – the Basque version of tapas.
Guests will then visit a traditional market to select fresh, seasonal ingredients for the cooking class. Under the guidance of an expert chef, they’ll learn to prepare classic Basque dishes, gaining insights into the region’s culinary traditions.
The intimate, small-group setting encourages interaction and personalized attention from the instructor. With the class priced at €129 per person, this experience offers travelers an opportunity to savor the flavors of San Sebastian in a unique and immersive way.
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Basque Cuisine Cooking Class
The Basque Cuisine Cooking Class in San Sebastian offers travelers a chance to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the Basque region. This 12-review class with a 100% traveler recommendation teaches participants to cook seven different Basque dishes, including the popular “pintxos.”
Highlights of the menu include the classic Tortilla de patata, the flavorful Bacalao al pil pil, and the decadent Basque cheesecake, paired with a local wine tasting featuring “txakoli.” The class takes place in a local restaurant’s working kitchen, enhancing the authentic experience.
With a maximum of 15 travelers per booking and a minimum of 2 required, the class provides an intimate and hands-on learning environment. Reviewers praise the experienced and accommodating instructors, who focus on specific cooking techniques to make the class both informative and fun.
The class includes a full dinner with the prepared dishes, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their labor.
Read our full review: Basque Cuisine Cooking Class Review
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San Sebastian: Pintxo Workshop & Fest in the Secret Kitchen
Although tucked away in a gastronomical club, the San Sebastián: Pintxo Workshop & Fest in the Secret Kitchen offers travelers an immersive culinary experience showcasing the vibrant pintxo culture of the Basque region.
Priced from $443.24 per group of up to 2 participants, the 4.5-hour experience allows guests to create 4 unique pintxos and a Basque cheese cake, while enjoying a special coffee blending and tasting 5 glasses of local wines.
Throughout the journey, you will learn about the secrets and cultural nuances of pintxos, guided by Spanish and English-speaking instructors in an intimate group limited to 6 people.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this experience caters to a variety of traveler types, from couples to solo adventurers.
Offering recipes for the crafted creations, the San Sebastián: Pintxo Workshop & Fest in the Secret Kitchen promises to delight the senses and expand one’s appreciation for Basque gastronomy.
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Pintxos Cooking Class From the Classics to Modern Pintxos
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience in San Sebastian can partake in the Pintxos Cooking Class From the Classics to Modern Pintxos.
Operated by KOOKIN DONOSTI, this 5-star rated class allows participants to learn the art of preparing traditional and contemporary pintxos. The hands-on workshop covers a sample menu featuring Gilda (olives, pickled peppers, anchovies), tuna and brined anchovies pintxo, goat cheese and Iberian ham sailboat, and crispy rice with salmon tartare.
Included in the class are a lunch, souvenir apron, alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and soda. The class takes place at the meeting point of C. Corta, 3, 20001 San Sebastián, with easy access via public transportation.
With a maximum of 8 travelers per class and wheelchair accessibility, this cooking experience provides an intimate and immersive exploration of San Sebastian’s renowned pintxos culture.
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Spanish Tortilla Cooking Class
A 5-star rated Spanish Tortilla Cooking Class in San Sebastian allows participants to master the art of preparing this iconic Spanish dish.
Located in the heart of the city, the class accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers per session. Guests will start with a traditional tortilla de patatas before enjoying a full lunch. Beverages, including bottled water and soda, are provided.
The meeting point is easily accessible, situated just across the Santa Catalina bridge, in a pedestrian lane off Miracruz. After the class, participants return to the starting location.
The 3-hour session begins at 3:00 PM, and an apron is provided. While the class isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Operated by KOOKIN DONOSTI, the experience offers a confirmation at the time of booking.
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Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian
Located in the heart of San Sebastian, known for the most Michelin stars per capita in the world, the Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class offers an advanced experience for passionate cooks seeking to elevate their skills.
This small-group tour is limited to 10 people and focuses on mastering modern techniques like foaming, spherification, and contemporary plating.
During the class, you will replicate haute cuisine dishes from Michelin-starred restaurants, including starters like Oysters with Navarra Rosé Mousse, mains such as Sole with Beans and Pinions and Pichon with Pickled Mushrooms, and a decadent Roca Chocolate Soufflé for dessert.
Guests will enjoy the fruits of their labor over a selected wine pairing during a concluding lunch.
With a 5.0 rating based on 7 reviews, this class promises an exceptional opportunity to take in San Sebastian’s culinary prestige under the guidance of expert instructors.
Read our full review: Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian Review
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Private Cooking Class
For those seeking an immersive culinary experience in San Sebastian, the Private Cooking Class offers an exceptional opportunity to learn from expert chefs and savor the flavors of the region.
Set in the Mimo cooking school, located in the basement of the Hotel Maria Cristina, this private class allows participants to explore traditional and modern Pintxos, as well as a mouthwatering traditional dessert.
With a 5.0 rating based on 8 reviews, the class is priced from $741.00 per person and includes alcoholic beverages, wine pairings, and a tasting menu.
The meeting point is at Mimo Bite The Experience, and the class isn’t wheelchair accessible.
Dietary requirements must be advised in advance, as the tasting menu is fixed.
This private tour ensures that only your group participates, making it a truly personalized experience.
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Pintxo Workshop and Fest in the Secret Kitchen
Though nestled in a secret kitchen near the old town, the Pintxo Workshop and Fest in San Sebastian offers an immersive culinary experience that immerses participants in the rich food culture of the Basque region.
With a perfect 5.0 rating from 9 reviews, this half-day tour teaches guests to make five traditional Basque pintxos and one dessert, while sipping local wines and learning about the history and traditions of Basque cuisine.
The menu includes a tasting of the prepared dishes and six glasses of regional wine. The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with liability and accident insurance included.
Priced from $238.18 per person, the workshop can accommodate up to 6 travelers and features personalized scheduling options.
Highlights include the passionate expertise of chef Julen and the opportunity to bring home recipes for recreating the authentic Basque flavors.
Read our full review: Pintxo Workshop and Fest in the Secret Kitchen Review
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The Sum Up
San Sebastian offers a wide range of cooking classes and workshops for visitors to enjoy the local Basque culinary traditions. From authentic pintxos classes to Michelin-star secrets, there’s something to suit all interests and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, these experiences provide a unique opportunity to learn from local experts and expand your culinary horizons.