El Tamboril — Restaurant in San Sebastián

Simply marvellous - shoulder to shoulder upon entry but we luckily managed to grab a table. All food was top notch - special mention to the anchovies in vinegar, the Gilda, the pimiento de carne and the calamari. The anchovies were perfectly balanced, you could taste the quality ingredients in the Gilda and the calamari was delicately battered and cooked. The pimiento stole the show as it was the quiet performer - not the prettiest dish but once you sink your teeth in, you can taste the sweet peppers complimented by the tasty beef and soft dough on the outside. The service and atmosphere were traditional to the pintxos experience in San Sebastián. This was my personal favourite in my trip and I would highly recommend dining in at El Tamboril if you...

El Tamboril is a must-visit for anyone exploring the vibrant pintxos scene in San Sebastián. This bar is teeming with a fantastic selection of traditional pintxos that truly capture the essence of Basque cuisine.

Every pintxo I tried was delicious, but the mushrooms deserve a special mention—they were absolutely outstanding! Cooked to perfection, with a rich, savory flavor that left me craving more. The atmosphere of the bar is lively and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and efficient, even when it's busy. I didn’t know that the place run by the same family who owns the legendary “Ganbara” but when I tried the food, all makes sense :)

If you're looking for an authentic pintxos experience in San Sebastián, El Tamboril should definitely be...

Disappointment . As a foody I make an effort to avoid tourist traps. This one caught me by surprise. Rarely do I criticize restaurants, knowing how hard it is to keep everyone satisfied. However in this case after being convinced by the waiter to choose a tomato salad that costs 13.50 Euro and was made out of a tomato thinly sliced in olive oil with some onions. Another dish recommended by the waiter was half a portion tuna, which consisted 3 small pieces of fresh tuna which was excellent , but not for the price of 13.25 Euro. Because, there were a few pinchos that we really enjoyed, I would strongly advise those of you who were impressed as I was by the fact that Guide Michelin praises the place, not to order...