La Viña

This bar is home to two of my favourite dishes in Donostia, and you’re sure to get a warm welcome from proprietor Mikel, the smiley man behind the bar who effortlessly juggles requests from hungry customers when he’s not commanding the kitchen.

You must try the award-winning “Canutillo”. This made-to-order pintxo somewhat resembles a miniature ice-cream with a flake, but it’s not an entirely sweet affair. The crunch of a savoury wafer cone gives way to salty anchovy and a smooth cream cheese filling that’s so moreish.

The main speciality of La Viña is the cheesecake, and I do not have the words to describe how awesome it is! My top tip is to enjoy it with a glass of sweet, sticky Pedro Ximénez sherry…it’s the perfect way to finish off an evening’s pintxo crawl. On egin!

Check out this video of British chef Rick Stein, as he sits in La Viña explaining some of the pintxos on offer. You’ll also catch a glimpse of Mikel pouring txakoli.