ATEA — Restaurant in San Sebastián

I'm not sure this new restaurant has everything right yet. The google map link on the reservation takes you to a closed entrance. We called several times but there was no answer. We then noticed a sign in Spanish to use another entrance on the other side of the block. When we found it, the door was jammed. We were almost going to leave it when someone from a bar pushed the door open. We were taken down several corridors and eventually taken into the restaurant. It was all a bit spooky. We were greeted by a waiter who was polite and apologetic. The restaurant was quiet and we were offered various tables. The room decor was lovely, quite traditional with a bare stone wall and tastefully modern art. The music was good but looped too quickly and repeated jazzy tunes. We were sat for 15 minutes before being served. There were two options, a five or eight course taster menu, no actual menu, though, and nothing explained. I mentioned I didn't eat meat but was happy to have anything replaced with veggie or fish dishes. This was very confusing for the waiter. He left and returned quickly, asking if I would eat chicken. I said no, and he left again quickly returning. We were then told that they could do a replacement for a meat course, but both of us would have to have it. So my partner missed the meat course. We selected a good Rioja well priced at €20. Appetisers were a small muahroom pastry, and my partners came with some pork on top. Both delicious, we were also given a small vegetable and smoked Eel stock again delicious. We were then served homemade bread that had been basted in duck fat! I did eat the base of each to try, both good served with a special olive oil. We then had a sliced scallop in cider sauce and sliced asparagus. Unfortunately, it was flavoured with smoked bacon! My partner said the flavours were lovely and complimented the delicate fish. Next was a lovely pumpkin ravioli, perfectly cooked. This was followed by squid in ink with grated hard lime, by far the best course. Finally, we had a panna cotta with a tangerine sauce. I'm not sure how it was set but chose to eat it, and it was lovely. We were given a small final desert snack creamed chocolate cone with grated nuts. It took a while to pay as the waiter disappeared. The food was excellent, and we had an opportunity to give feedback to the chef. They could do with having a physical menu and sorting the entrance out. They need some understanding of what "no...

Just fabulous, this is a foodie heaven. The only reservation we made prior to our trip to San Sebastián and so glad we did. Interesting location, fabulous food and attentive staff who explained the dishes perfectly. Selected the €50 five course tasting meal which came gradually over a couple of hours and definitely couldn’t have eaten anymore. Still unable to decide which was the best course - consommé was delicious, the homemade bread, butters and oil I could eat all day, the mushroom ragout came with a potato foam, the squid had freshly grated black lime to add a citrus note, the tenderloin and sharp pickled brussel may just edge it but leave space for the panna cotta or churros. Would definitely return if we...

So glad we got to dine with ATEA during our two-night trip in San Sebastian. Each course was beautifully prepared and delicious. Most memorable of the night were the Fritters, Cappelletti, Tenderloin, and the Bread (so good we had to pace ourselves!). The paired wines were also so enjoyable and perfect with the food.

Most importantly, Kevin took such great care of us, and was so careful and thorough with replacing dishes because of my shellfish & mollusk allergy. Highly recommended, quality and thoughtful courses & wines for a very reasonable price.

(might be a bit hard to locate the place, don't be deterred, just ask for directions from the bar in the same compound! It'll...