San Sebastian (Donosti) has been through diverse periods along its history. It began like a religious and spiritual center, becoming a military city during the reign of the Castilian king Alfonso VIII. The city was rebuilt two times after the sprouts of fire, which caused a total wasteland. The city was rebuilt in the 19th century and it is provided with some of the best architectural samples of the “Belle Epoque” in Europe. Today the history of San Sebastian and its traditions have been translated into the creation of a fascinating mix of culture and gastronomic tourism.
As for the gastronomy of the city, this one, along with the local wines, is the key of the unique aura of San Sebastian. Its traditions have prospered through this handmade style and the attention that they devote to surprising levels and cuisine styles. The new Basque cuisine is much valued and worldwide known and it is one of the main attractions of this beautiful city. San Sebastian is full of excellent restaurants as: the Arzak and Berasategui ones just for mentioning some. We should also mention that the gastronomic societies preserve the preparation and the traditional practices of cuisine and styles.
San Sebastian houses a great variety of high-quality restaurants. Perhaps, the influence of the gastronomic societies has allowed many of these restaurants to offer Basque traditional plates. The Basque cuisine uses fresh seasonal foodstuffs, exotic desserts, and the some unique presentation style.
We should also mention among the business of restoration of Donosti the sidrerías, places wher ciders are on offer and it is also possible to taste the local menu: omelette, cod, T-bone steak and for dessert you will have Idiazabal cheese with nuts and quince at your diposal.
The shellfish is, of course, one of the main ingredients in the traditional dishes using interesting ingredients as the red bream and hake. The hake is cooked in a green sauce accompanied by the juices of the fish. The grilled bream, in general, is cooked by adding a lot of garlic. There is also the seafood, the beans and the corn which are traditional ingredients; the local cheeses are offered as well.
The apple cider and
