Zirtan jatetxea — Restaurant in San Sebastián

Hidden gem with flavor, heart, and a bit of smoke from the grill

Zirtan is the kind of place you almost don’t want to tell people about, just to keep it to yourself. Small, cozy, just a few tables — which means you’re not treated like a number, but like a guest.

The service? Friendly and relaxed. Our waitress (a charming Ukrainian girl with a smile that says “you’re in good hands”) was lovely. And then there’s the chef, an Afghan guy, who clearly loves what he does. You can see it, smell it, and most importantly, taste it.

I had the steak. Juicy, tender, grilled just right basically everything I wanted from a steak, minus the guilt. It didn’t need fancy sauces or a parade of sides. Just a confident piece of meat done well.

Zirtan doesn’t try too hard and that’s its magic. It’s honest, warm, and delicious. A little like being invited to someone’s home, if that someone happens to be great at cooking and doesn’t mind you drinking all their wine.

Definitely coming back. Just don’t tell too...

A bit of context: I arrived in Donostia a bit late, was alone and hungry, and didn't feel like going for pintxos by myself. So I saw this place, which looked nice and was not too crowded and had an interesting daily menu ("menu del dia") for....30 euros. I decided to take the risk anyway.

In summary: the place is nice, the service was good and very attentive, they invited me to a "tapa" and coffee. The food, however, was correct but in now way worth 30 euros. I took white wine and got a bottle already opened. The tuna salad was just ok. The "merluza en salsa verde" was nice but I didn't dare to try the clams seeing what happened with the wine. The desert (cheesecake) didn't look like homemade.

So ok for 15-20 euros but no more.

They told me they are new, so I hope they improve...

By far the worst culinary experience i have had in a 14 day stay in my vacation. Jokingly small portions for over 20€ per Person. Whilst ordering we were informed the rice dish would take 20 to 25 minutes which wasnt a problem for us. In the end we had to wait 50 minutes. The grilled octopus came with not one but TWO small potatoes... The food itself was bland and overcooked. When all but two persons of seven were finished, the waiter appeared behind us without saying a word. Then after we started an awkward conversation he offered pricy desserts. The toilet was smelly, its floor flooded and it was decorated with a dusty...