MendaurBerria — Restaurant in San Sebastián

You are a fool if you don't stop here! I have no idea what wizardy they're concocting in their kitchen, but this is absolutely wild. We didn't know where to begin, so we asked what are the more popular dishes. We stared with the Ceviche - "homemade 'Leche de tigre', red onion and coriander", but be warned, this is a pretty spicy dish. Next, our Tacotalo arrived, a "squid tempura with kimchi's alioli sauce", which was incredible. It was very difficult to split this in half as it was so tasty. Our Ibirian Bacon, with guava bittersweet sauce and onion pickled in soy and lime arrived next. This was an incredibly tasty dish and my second favorite of the meal. Finally, our Truffled Rice with seasonal mushrooms, black truffle oil and grilled foie completed our main course. Most of this was devoured before my eyes but I had a few bites and it was, indeed, delicious. Their house special Sangria was the BEST we've had thus far in Spain. We discussed how poorly States' Sangria pales in comparison. No joke, it tasted like Hawaiian Fruit Punch without even a hint of alcohol detected making this delicious drink dangerous. To round out our meal, we finished with dessert, appropriately named, Sphere. Served in frozen glass orb, cookie crumbs, apple and mango compote covered in a white rum foam, with what i can only describe as "pop rocks" (they have the same POP effect but I doubt it's that), this was a very memorable dessert I won't soon forget. It was absolutely delicious and it became a battle for the final bite. This may very well have been the best meal we've had thus far in Spain. AND MY GOD! LOOK AT OUR BILL! I AM STILL STUNNED AT HOW LITTLE WE SPENT, HOW STUFFED WE ARE, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY HOW FREAKING GOOD THIS PLACE IS! It's going to be very difficult to explore San Sébastien's other restaurants and not have FOMO from more dishes at Mendaur Berria (they had an entire wall of limited time choices written in chalk). This spot can get very busy very quickly. When we arrived, nearly EVERY table had a reservation time from 2pm-6 but there must have been maybe 6 other people dining. Fortunately, we got there at noon so we were able to take a table. When we left, there were only a small handful of seats at the bar available. Either get there early enough to grab a table, maybe sit at the bar or definitely make a reservation. We are scheduled to have lunch tomorrow at a Michelin star restaurant, but if you can't get a reservation at one of them in time, I PROMISE, THIS IS THE NEXT BEST THING. AND ITS AFFORDABLE! Disappointment will not be found...

Mendaur Berria in San Sebastián is a culinary masterpiece that epitomizes the essence of Basque cuisine with a contemporary twist. Located in the heart of this gastronomic city, Mendaur Berria offers an exceptional dining experience that is both innovative and rooted in tradition.

From the moment you walk in, the inviting and stylish decor sets a perfect tone for the meal to come. The ambiance is a harmonious blend of modern elegance and cozy warmth, creating an environment where guests can relax and savor every moment.

The menu at Mendaur Berria is nothing short of spectacular. Each dish showcases the chef's ingenuity and dedication to using the finest local ingredients. The flavors are bold and harmonious, reflecting a deep understanding of Basque culinary traditions while also pushing boundaries with creative flair. Standout dishes include the expertly prepared seafood, which captures the freshness and quality of the region's offerings, and the innovative takes on classic Basque recipes.

The presentation of the dishes is exquisite, turning each plate into a work of art that delights both the eyes and the palate. The attention to detail is evident, with every element on the plate contributing to a symphony of flavors and textures.

Complementing the exceptional cuisine is an impressive wine list, featuring a well-curated selection of local and international wines. The knowledgeable staff are adept at recommending the perfect pairing to enhance your dining experience.

Service at Mendaur Berria is outstanding. The staff are professional, friendly, and attentive, ensuring that every need is met without being intrusive. Their passion for what they do shines through, adding to the overall excellence of the experience.

In conclusion, Mendaur Berria is a must-visit for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience in San Sebastián. It beautifully balances tradition and innovation, offering dishes that are as delicious as they are visually stunning. Whether you're a local or a visitor, a meal at Mendaur Berria is sure to be a highlight of your culinary journey. Highly...

Let’s begin with the basics. This restaurant fails on things that are absolutely fundamental for any place providing dinner service to the public, in spite of the fact that it holds a 4+ rating at Google, which is surprising and rare in my experience.

First, we reserved a table for 6p and once we arrived were seated at a table for 4p set with two additional stools without a backrest. Not ok.

Second, upon arrival we were informed that our reservation was valid from 20:30 to 22:00, another group was expected to arrive at 10pm. Two hours is fairly common to complete a full dinner. 90mins is a rush, not at least if you want to enjoy the evening.

The stress of rushing through orders and the uncomfortable seating alone pulls it from a potential 4-stars to half, but before summarizing let’s also give credit to what was good.

The various dishes, we tasted almost everything on the menu, varied between good and delicious, some of which we ordered a second round to fully indulge. We fought around the table over the pork belly and the patatas was top notch in its segment.

The service was friendly and rapid and we had drinks coming in the pace you expect when eating pintxos. But overall the impression was to get processed fast rather than serviced to pleasure.

So rounding up the numbers, this is a bar on the tourist strip in the old town. It delivers on drinks, the atmosphere, the ambiance and the crowd that comes with it, including TV-screens, rolling slide-shows of dishes advertised, however not served. You’re on the clock and your contribution is to finish fast and leave room for the next in line to eat, drink and pay,...