What should I order at La Cuchara de San Telmo?
La Cuchara de San Telmo
Beef Cheek
One of the most frequently praised dishes in the reviews; repeatedly described as melt-in-your-mouth, braised, tender, and rich, with several reviewers calling it a must-order.
Foie Gras
Recommended multiple times for its rich flavor and exceptional preparation, with reviewers highlighting it as a standout dish and a favorite on the menu.
Octopus
Frequently mentioned as outstanding, especially for being tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked; several reviewers singled it out as one of the best dishes they tried.
Suckling Pig
Repeatedly recommended for its excellent texture and flavor, with reviewers calling it outstanding, highly recommendable, and one of the restaurant’s typical regional specialties.
Entrecôte
Praised for its crispy crust, tender meat, and balanced accompaniments like carrot purée and chimichurri; multiple reviews describe it as a top dish worth ordering.
Pulpo A La Plancha
Recommended for being soft, simple, and very flavorful, with reviewers noting its excellent execution and tender texture.
Cod Cheeks
Mentioned as a standout dish with excellent flavor and execution, and included among the restaurant’s best-recommended plates.
Pork Belly
Highlighted as exceptionally good, with one reviewer saying it was probably the best they had ever had.
Location details
Santa Korda Kalea, 4, Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, 20003, ES
Open in Google MapsHours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 4 PM, 7 to 11 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 4 PM, 7 to 11 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 4 PM, 7 to 11 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 4 PM, 7 to 11 PM |
| Saturday | 12 to 4 PM, 7 to 11 PM |
| Sunday | 12 to 4 PM, 7 to 11 PM |
About La Cuchara de San Telmo
La Cuchara de San Telmo is a Basque restaurant in Donostia / San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, known for pintxos and well-cooked small plates rather than a standard pinchos-only bar. Reviewers consistently praise the braised beef cheek, foie gras, pig's ear, razor clams, octopus, and suckling pig, along with fast service and a lively, crowded dining room. The menu is often described as having different portion sizes, which lets people try several dishes without ordering full plates. It is priced at €20–30 and is popular for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great wine list
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trending
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
Frequently asked questions
What is La Cuchara de San Telmo known for?
It is best known for braised beef cheek, especially the carrillera that reviewers describe as melting after hours of cooking, plus foie gras and pintxos. People also praise the pig's ear, octopus, and suckling pig as standout Basque dishes that go beyond a typical pintxos stop.
What dishes are most recommended at La Cuchara de San Telmo?
Frequently recommended items include beef cheek, seared foie gras, octopus, and suckling pig, with some reviewers also highlighting cod cheeks, razor clams, and pig's ear. The recurring theme is rich, tender cooking and the option to order different portion sizes so you can sample more than one dish.
What is the atmosphere like at La Cuchara de San Telmo?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and lively, with many guests eating standing at the counter and a small terrace or backyard seating area for those who want to sit. Reviewers describe it as noisy, chaotic, and fun, which suits groups, tourists, and solo diners who do not mind a busy room.
Is La Cuchara de San Telmo good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, reviewers repeatedly call the prices reasonable, and the listed price range is €20–30. The value comes from being able to order small, medium, or large portions, so one meal can include several dishes like beef cheek, pulpo, and foie gras without spending much more.
When is the best time to visit La Cuchara de San Telmo?
Go early if you want a better chance at a seat, because the line can be long by 11:30 a.m. even though the restaurant opens at noon. The queue usually moves quickly, and standing at the counter is the faster option if you want pintxos or a quick bite.
Is parking available at La Cuchara de San Telmo?
Yes. Usually difficult to find a space is available.
Restaurants like La Cuchara de San Telmo in Donostia / San Sebastián
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