Arzak was our finest dining experience during our two-week trip to the Spanish and French Basque area, Bilbao, Biarritz, San Sebastian. I love to dine at places worldwide with great food, from Michelin-starred to dive spots. Folks tell me I have a knack for unexpectedly finding great food, but didn’t need it in this case. Arzak has been an elegant, family-run restaurant in Donostia (San Sebastian) Spain since 1897, earning its First Michelin Star in 1974, Second Star in 1977, and Third Michelin Star in 1989, placing it as one of the longest-standing restaurants so honored in Spain.
The reservation process made the booking quick and seamless; brief exchanges were made to confirm our particulars. I especially liked the options of either their daily tasting menu or ordering a la carte, the latter which consisted of items from the tasting menu.Thus one didn’t have to choose from two very different menus as has often been the case in other restaurants with tasting and regular menus, which often require all parties to order from the same menu.
We elected to arrive early for our reservation and wait in the bar area. Instead, they immediately escorted us early to our table in the inviting and subtle dining room where we were graciously greeted by the varying staff: server, sommelier, and later twice by chef/co-owner Elena Arzak, who you can see in the photo with me.
Every dish was exquisitely and attractively presented. Several of the delicacies were first-time experiences, for instance, a breaded quail egg served in garum-a type of fermented fish sauce.
They have a huge wine selection which our knowledgeable, charming sommelier helped with suggestions for wines that paired with the dishes we ordered and our particular tastes. A unique departing gift for each of us was our individual printed menus,both in English and Spanish, since we spoke both while ordering. Each course was prepared with extreme forethought and careful execution to result in delicious and delightful dishes. We ordered a la carte; with wine the total was 800 Euros-money well-spent.
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