Discover The Best Cooking Classes In San Sebastian
Make your trip to San Sebastian complete with a cooking class!
San Sebastian, a gem of Spain’s Basque Country, is not only known for its stunning beaches and cultural scene but also as a hot spot for food enthusiasts. With its deep culinary traditions and an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, San Sebastian is the perfect destination to enjoy a cooking class.
It’s a gastronomic paradise, famous for its pintxos (Basque tapas), fresh seafood, and innovative culinary techniques. Taking a cooking class here not only allows you to learn new skills but also offers an immersive experience into the Basque culture and its culinary heritage.
Best Cooking Classes in San Sebastian
Whether you’re already a good cook or just a curious foodie, these cooking classes offer something for everyone.
1. Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class
This class stands out because you start with a visit to the local market where you’ll learn about local ingredients for the meal you’ll be cooking. Your guide/chef will share in-depth knowledge as well as helpful cooking tips throughout the experience.
It’s also a top pick because it’s limited to a max of 10 people, which is a nice small group size. You’ll leave with great memories, the recipes to enjoy at home as well as a souvenir apron.
One of the four dishes you’ll be taught is the famous Basque burnt cheesecake. During my time in San Sebastian I went back to La Vina twice because I loved the cheesecake so much. With this class you’ll get the recipe to recreate this special treat at home anytime.
Length of class: 4 hours
Cost: €135
Click here to book your Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class
2. San Sebastian: Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town
This cooking class takes places at an historic, family-run restaurant that has opened its kitchen just for your small group.
A professional chef will show you how to make 4 signature Basque dishes:
▪️ Spanish potato omelet
▪️ cod in pil pil sauce
▪️ a delectable steak with red piquillo peppers
▪️ San Sebastian’s famous burnt cheesecake
You’ll enjoy the dishes paired with Basque cider and wine. Then take home copies of the recipes so you can recreate these special Basque dishes in your own kitchen.
Length of class: ~2.5 – 3 hours
Cost: €125
Click here to book your Authentic Basque Cooking Class in the Old Town
3. Basque Pintxos and traditional dishes cooking class
This class will provide a wealth of knowledge on Basque cuisine. You’ll learn how to make seven dishes, including pintxos. After your cook your dishes with helpful tips and techniques taught by professional chefs, you’ll be treated to local wines while you dine on your dinner.
Length of class: ~2 hours and 45 minutes
Cost: €130
Click here to book your Basque Pintxos and traditional dishes cooking class
4. Spanish Cooking Class in San Sebastian
With the direction of an expert chef, you’ll create popular Spanish dishes such as paella and Spanish omelet and lesser-known dishes like Galician octopus, refreshing gazpacho, and spicy stew.
You’ll get to cook 5 dishes in total including a starter, three mains, and a dessert using fresh local ingredients.
This is a small group tour with the class limited to 10 people.
Length of class: 4 hours
Cost: €195
Click here to book your Spanish Cooking Class in San Sebastian
5. Pintxo Workshop and Fest in the secret kitchen
This class is special because it takes place in a secret kitchen, also known as a “cooking club.” These types of kitchens are famous in Basque cuisine.
A local chef will be your host for this authentic Basque cooking experience where you’ll get to make 5 pintxos plus one dessert. You’ll get to taste each dish paired with local wines as you learn about the history and food culture of the region.
This class is the most intimate experience with a maximum of 6 people, which will provide plenty of one on one instruction from the chef.
Length of class: 5 hours
Cost: €225
Click here to book your Pintxo Workshop and Fest in the secret kitchen
6. Farmers Market visit and Pintxos & Local Cooking Class
Mimo is known for its hands-on approach and professional chefs who are experts in Basque cuisine.
In this highly rated class, you’ll start with a crash course in pintxos, the typically bite-sized snacks that line the bars in the city’s Old Town. During your lesson, learn about the history and ingredients of pintxos from your guide. After cooking, you’ll enjoy your homemade lunch, paired with wine.
Length of class: 4 hours
Cost: €150
Click here to book your Farmers Market visit and Pintxos & Local Cooking Class
7. “Ama Ur” offers its renowned “Basque Pintxos Cooking Class”
This class has a limited schedule, usually running only on Tuesdays so check to see the availability. However, you get to make 6 pintxos plus the famous burnt cheesecake so it’s a good deal as the least expensive class on this list.
Length of class: 4 hours
Cost: €100
Click here to book your Ama Ur Basque Pintxos Cooking Class
Tips for Choosing a Cooking Class in San Sebastian
🔹Identify Your Interests: Whether you’re keen on traditional dishes or modern cuisine, San Sebastian has a class to suit your preferences. Think about if you care about stopping in a local market or just want to focus on the cooking.
🔹Consider Class Size: Smaller classes offer a more intimate experience, allowing for personalized guidance.
🔹Check Reviews: Look at the reviews to get an idea of the experience of the cooking classes.
🔹Budget: Classes vary in price, so consider how much you’re willing to spend for this culinary adventure.
TL;DR: Discover The Best Cooking Class in San Sebastian
San Sebastian’s cooking classes offer more than just culinary skills; they provide a gateway to understanding and appreciating Basque culture and traditions. Whether you’re crafting pintxos, simmering a seafood stew, or savoring a glass of local wine, these experiences are bound to enrich your travel in San Sebastian.
The key to a memorable trip is not just to see but to taste and participate in the local culture. Happy cooking!
If you’re continuing on your travels after San Sebastian, check out these beautiful villages to visit in Northern Spain and towns worth visiting on the Spain and France border.