The ten best places where you can have brunch in San Sebastian

Brunch is a new food concept that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Brunch is a compound word that comes from two English terms (breakfast + lunch), which together give rise to the new concept of brunch.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A BRUNCH?

Typically, many places that offer brunch have a buffet menu where you can choose various types of food, some typical of breakfast and others of lunch. Brunch includes foods and products like eggs, cereals, toast, salmon, cheeses, and other dishes commonly served at lunchtime, such as soups, roasts, hamburgers, etc. However, the most popular options for brunch are sweet dishes like pancakes, waffles, fried eggs, or Eggs Benedict.

The concept of brunch became trendy through companies and business meetings, and it has primarily been used as a buffet after attending meetings, events, or conferences, where a break is taken to eat in the morning before lunch.

Today, this concept is quite successful in the restaurant world, especially among hotels and restaurants, as it helps attract more customers during hours that were previously not in high demand for dining. Additionally, it benefits customers, as they can choose to have a late breakfast and select the best time for them to eat or have breakfast.

HISTORY OF BRUNCH

Although it seems like a word that has been invented, the reality is that it already existed in the English language, where it was first mentioned in 1896 in the English magazine Punch, referring to the meal that wealthy English families had on Sundays in a buffet style. Sundays were the days when they gave their servants a day off and prepared for them a buffet where they could have breakfast and dinner, hence the name "brunch."

This term and concept has made a comeback in recent years, especially in the United States, and quickly spread worldwide. There are now many restaurants and hotels throughout Spain that offer brunch, especially on weekends and public holidays, which can be eaten from 10 AM until 4 PM.

THE VARIETY OF FOODS IS THE KEY TO BRUNCH

The key to a brunch lies in combining lighter foods typical of breakfast, such as fruit, yogurts, and cereals, with foods commonly eaten at lunch. Although, in reality, any dish can be part of brunch, and each establishment offers different types of specialties.

Many establishments will offer a buffet-style brunch, though it is typically an informal meal where customers can serve themselves. However, there are also places with menus offering various dishes to choose from, which is considered a regular restaurant service.

WHERE TO EAT BRUNCH IN SAN SEBASTIAN

Now let’s look at places where you can have an authentic brunch in San Sebastian. Brunch has become very popular in the city in recent years due to its financial and business nature, as it has been used as an excuse to hold meetings and gatherings around a delicious brunch.

1. LA MADAME

This is the quintessential place in San Sebastián where you can try a delicious American-style brunch. La Madame offers innovative cuisine with flavors from around the world. It opened eleven years ago when its owners moved from New York to San Sebastián. It was the first establishment dedicated to brunch at that time and was a place that stood out from the traditional. It is located at Calle San Bartolomé 35, very close to La Concha promenade. It remains one of the most modern and innovative places in all of San Sebastián.

The key concept at La Madame is the fusion of cuisines from around the world, where you can find dishes from Morocco, Thailand, and America. So, when you visit La Madame, you will embark on a new dining experience. It also stands out for offering beer made in the Basque Country, and here you can taste some of the best beers in the region.

The menu is à la carte, and you must order and choose your food. Here are the options for brunch at La Madame:

• Natural juice (grapefruit or orange), coffee, and tea. Muffin or bread with tomato as a starter.

• Savory brunch dishes: Huevos rancheros, Eggs Benedict, quinoa poke, Gilda burger, chicken wings.

• Sweet dishes: French toast, pancakes with syrup, churros with chocolate, fruit bowl with yogurt and nuts.

La Madame offers brunch only on weekends, every Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 13:30. This place is also famous for its cocktails, where you can choose from a long cocktail menu. This was the menu with which the restaurant entered San Sebastián and became the most famous place to have brunch in the city.

2. LE COMIDARE

Located at Calle Peña y Goñi Kalea 4, very close to the Kursaal Theatre, where the San Sebastián Film Festival is held. The brunch is served from Saturday to Sunday from 10 AM to 1 PM. Brunch is ordered from a menu and has quite affordable prices, ranging from 6 to 9 euros per dish. The place has a large terrace where you can enjoy their delicious dishes.

The most famous dishes at this place are:

• Warm brownie: brownie with ice cream and red fruit coulis.

• Rustic potatoes: with fried eggs, bacon, and avocado.

• Benedictine eggs.

• Fruit bowl with Greek yogurt.

The quality and presentation of the dishes are noteworthy.

3. CAFÉ IRUBI

This restaurant is located at Calle Urdaneta Kalea 12, very close to La Concha beach. It is one of the most cosmopolitan restaurants in San Sebastian, where you can enjoy a good aroma of Italian coffee, in addition to offering Basque and traditional Italian pastries. It has a terrace where you can enjoy its dishes. There is a shelf with books to read and enjoy your reading. It is one of the most popular places in San Sebastián for breakfast, and it also offers afternoon snacks, coffee, and infusions on its menu.

This café offers vegetarian options on the menu. Some of the dishes you can choose for your brunch are: avocado toast, tomato toast, yogurt with fruit, and many sweet options like cheesecake, carrot cake, croissants, pastries, and a large selection of coffees. They also have a selection of cakes and pastries without gluten.

4. TILIA DELI CAFÉ

Located at Paseo del Miramón 162, in the Miramón Zorrogoa neighborhood in the southern part of the city. This café is known for offering breakfasts, brunch, and afternoon snacks. It offers vegetarian and vegan options and has a large terrace where you can enjoy a delicious brunch.

It is known for offering high-quality cuisine with seasonal products and local ingredients, so it emphasizes native cuisine. It is very close to the Miramón forest. The brunch is ordered à la carte and has several options:

• As starters: Natural orange juice, eco coffee or tea, and pastries.

• Savory dishes: Different toasts like salmon and pastrami, bagel with avocado, yogurt bowl, quinoa bowl, and Benedict eggs.

• Sweet dishes: Cheesecake with red fruit coulis, vegan Sachertorte, pancakes with apple and fresh fruit.

• They also offer a selection of cocktails.

It is open from Sunday to Thursday, from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. It is an innovative establishment located in the Arima hotel, very close to the Basque Culinary Center. It is worth noting that most of the products are vegan, even the milk. They offer homemade jams and self-made jams, as well as a unique selection of juices, such as melon and mint juice.

5. OLD TOWN COFFEE

Located at Calle Reyes Católicos 6, it is one of the most well-known places to have brunch in San Sebastián. It opens from 9 AM to 1 PM and offers a large selection of coffees from around the world. This café has some of the best croissants in all of San Sebastián, so if you love this type of pastry, it is recommended to try them.

They offer brunch with dishes like the following:

• Toast with avocado, peanut butter, or Nutella with fruit.

• Salmon or Caprese (cheese) bagel.

• Fruit bowl with yogurt and nuts.

• Toast with salmon or fried eggs.

• Selection of cakes, pastries, and brownies.

This place is known for being a modern, youthful establishment with great food quality. They also offer a large selection of beers and have a large terrace with plenty of space. The prices for the dishes are quite affordable, ranging from 2 to 6.50 euros.

6. ALABAMA CAFÉ SLOW FOOD

Located at Calle San Frantzisko Kalea 45, and very close to Zurriola beach, this café is known for only offering breakfast service. They focus on organic and local products.

They offer different options for brunch, such as:

• Popular poke bowls.

• Toast with avocado and egg.

• Organic toasts where you can choose from a variety of options.

• Pastries.

• Açai fruit bowl.

• Selection of natural juices.

This restaurant also has a takeaway service. It is vegan-friendly and has a relaxing decoration.

7. QUÉBEC KREP'HERRIA

This innovative restaurant is one of the options for brunch. It is open from 9 AM to 9 PM and is located at Calle Fermín Calbeton Kalea 11, in the Old Town of the city and very close to Mount Urgull.

This restaurant offers artisan crepes and waffles with various fillings, the most popular being Nutella. You can choose from a selection of sweet or savory crepes, sandwiches, and hotdogs. They also have homemade toast for breakfast, pastries, and typical torrijas from this restaurant.

We recommend trying one of their milkshakes, which come in flavors like Nutella, vanilla, strawberry, or the house milkshake, Québec.

8. MAIATZA

This restaurant mainly serves brunch, but it also offers breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. It is located at Calle San Bizente Kalea 7, in the Old Town of the city, and very close to Mount Urgull. It offers international and European cuisine. This restaurant offers vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

It is one of the places with the most brunch options, where you can find: Bruschettas, salmon sandwiches, fruit and açai bowls, sandwiches, and mixed dishes like quinoa with scrambled eggs. It has a wide selection of pastries made in-house, such as madeleines, brownies, cheesecake, and they also offer the American or English breakfast with scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon. They have very original pastries and combine many flavors, resulting in a unique combination, such as matcha cheesecake and brownie with cheesecake together.

9. SIMONA

This café, located in the Gros neighborhood, by the river, not only offers a delicious brunch but also has some of the best coffees in the city.

The atmosphere is very cool, as the place is frequented by people of all ages and generations, and even dogs! Everything is handmade, and they have something for everyone.

If you prefer savory food, we recommend the “Turkish eggs,” a bowl of Greek yogurt with poached eggs, a delicious spiced butter sauce, fresh herbs, and a slice of sourdough bread as a side. We haven't tried the pastrami sandwich, but it also looks delicious.

If you prefer sweet food, they make the famous açai bowl with homemade granola and peanut butter, or a yogurt bowl with seasonal fruits.

10. SOMOS BAKERY

This great café is located in the Antiguo neighborhood, specifically at Calle Antonio Gaztañeta 4. Those familiar with Donosti know that Antiguo is not exactly close to the Old Town, but it is definitely worth it, and the brunch at Somos Bakery & Café is a perfect excuse to visit this beautiful neighborhood.

As for the brunch at Somos, they have a wide variety of options as well as totally vegan alternatives for those who desire them. Among the “best sellers” are the Benedict eggs, as well as the Royal Benedict. They also have smoked salmon toast, roasted apple toast, Turkish eggs, and pancakes. They also have a large drink menu. They also offer gluten-free bread for celiacs.

These are some of the restaurants in San Sebastián that offer fantastic options where you can enjoy a delicious brunch. There is plenty to choose from, and what better than discovering them during your stay in the city. Enjoy your brunch!

The author of this article is Esther Vallejo Castro. She studied a degree in English language with a focus on culture, language, literature and linguistics at the University of Santiago de Compostela. Esther has also completed an MBA master's degree in Tourism with the ENEB of Barcelona. Esther loves languages, volunteering and teaching.