Aldanondo Erretegia — Restaurant in San Sebastián

I rarely write reviews, but I feel compelled given the circumstances.

It must be said that the food was terrific. We had 0.6 kilo cut of the premium chuleta (as they do so well on the northern coast), the stuffed centolla (crab) and a quality bottle of Ribeira. All was top class.

It would probably be a bit understated to say that the service was suboptimal. One server in particular had little business being front of the house, as they repeatedly lacked the class and sophistication to represent a restaurant which was otherwise lovely. This particular server continually pressed to upsell, and espoused a demeanor that could be described as proto-pretentious and uniquely judgmental. Having dined all around the world, from street food establishments in NYC and La Paz to Michelin starred restaurants in Tokyo and Mexico City, I have never had a service encounter quite like this.

It was a disappointing end to an otherwise wonderful eight days in Bilbao and San Sebastian. Given all of the brilliant establishments and standard-setting service experiences in Donostia, there is no reason to recommend or return based on this remarkably disappointing experience.

Hopefully for Aldonando and this particular server, this was simply an anomaly that was outside the scope of a...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

Si buscas una auténtica experiencia gastronómica vasca, Asador Aldanondo es una parada obligatoria. Desde el momento en que entras, el ambiente te envuelve: una mezcla perfecta entre tradición, calidez y ese toque rústico que solo los buenos asadores conservan. Se respira pasión por la cocina en cada rincón, y eso se nota especialmente cuando empieza el desfile de platos.

La txuleta es, sencillamente, espectacular. Un producto de primera calidad tratado con el respeto que merece. El punto de la carne, obra del chef Mikel Mayan, es digno de aplauso: jugosa por dentro, crujiente por fuera, con ese sabor ahumado y profundo que solo se consigue con experiencia y mimo. Se nota que detrás hay técnica, conocimiento y, sobre todo, amor por la parrilla.

El personal es otro de los grandes aciertos del local. Cercanos sin ser invasivos, atentos a cada detalle, y con ese carácter vasco que combina hospitalidad y autenticidad a partes iguales. Te hacen sentir como en casa desde el primer momento, guiándote con acierto por la carta y recomendándote siempre lo mejor.

Y qué decir de la tarta de queso… un final de fiesta inolvidable. Cremosa, con un punto exacto de dulzor y esa textura que se funde en la boca. No es casualidad que sea uno de los postres más recomendados del lugar.

En resumen, Asador Aldanondo no es solo un sitio donde se come bien; es un lugar donde se vive una experiencia gastronómica de verdad. La combinación del producto excelente, el punto maestro de la carne, la atención impecable del equipo y un ambiente cálido y auténtico, hacen que quieras volver una y otra vez. Un auténtico templo carnívoro en pleno corazón del País Vasco....

Very nice experience in Donostia.

Food was excellent with many options in the menu including nice specials which were local and seasonal products.

Wine list is good with several options for all likes.

Steak was delicious and we also had a smaller grilled fish as appetizer which was cooked to perfection.

Desserts were good, make sure to order early the 2 listed on the menu as it will take 30 mins to prepare them. Staff was friendly and well prepared. Price point on the higher end as expected but...