San Sebastián Private Food-Historical tour & meal at a Gastronomy Club

We’ve been traveling across Northern Spain for over 10 days now and Basque Guides was by far the best intimate tour experience we’ve had. Iker is proud of his city and he knows everyone. He brought us to the market to buy ingredients for dinner and pointed out historical sights of interest along the way. We thoroughly enjoyed our private dining experience at the men’s cooking club. My husband had a blast cooking fish under the direction of our private chef. This was such a unique experience and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to immerse them self in the culture of San Sebastián and wants to mingle with the locals.

Sandra gave us an excellent tour! My wife is loosing her vision and just experienced a recurrence of a condition that limits her walking speed and stamina. It took extra time as menus and historical signs needed to be read to my wife. Sandra was very gracious and patien. After a focused historical overview, she provided an appropriate and memorable tour of churches and the world’s best pinxtos (and Basque cheesecake!). Sandra was clearly well-connected with the local proprietors and managed to get us into the obviously popular spots plus an undiscovered gem. Very satisfied customers.

Iker is an excellent guide. Ben is an excellent chef. Both were very engaging. Visiting a private gastronomy club is a unique experience.

Not to sound overly effusive, but this was genuinely one of the best tours — and honestly one of the best travel experiences — I’ve ever had. This was our second trip to San Sebastián, and somehow this experience completely blew our first visit out of the water. If you think you’ve “done” San Sebastián because you’ve eaten pintxos and dined at great restaurants, think again. This is something entirely different — and unforgettable. From the moment we met Iker, we knew we were in exceptional hands. Even just walking through Old Town on the way to the gastronomic society, we learned so much — about Basque history, culture, and daily life — yet it never felt like a formal tour. It felt like chatting with a brilliant friend who just happens to know everyone and everything. And then the gastronomic society experience itself… wow. The food was extraordinary — fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared beautifully — but what made it special was being behind the scenes. Watching dishes come together, peeking into the kitchen, picking up techniques we can actually use at home, all while sharing stories, laughter, wine, and cider — it felt intimate and authentic in a way restaurants simply can’t replicate. It truly felt like being welcomed into a private world most visitors never get to see. My only disappointment? That we didn’t do this on our first trip so we could have booked it again this time. We’ve already told every friend planning a visit to San Sebastián that this is a must — not optional, not “if you have time.” A must. If you’re considering it, book it. You won’t regret it.

We booked two tours with Basque Guides for my partner and his two parents who are in their 70/80s - 1) Private Pinxto Tour with Noemí 2) Private market tour and Club de Gastronomía. Having read all the reviews of the Club de Gastronomía and seeing how everyone said it was ‘not to be missed’ I thought it was worth booking. And then given San Sebastián is the heart of Pinxtos I also booked that tour (private so we could make the agenda bespoke with my parents in law who wouldn’t have been able to stand on their feet the whole time). I have to say, hands down, these are two of the best tours I’ve taken in a long time. Noemi was SUCH a character and Iker (who owns the company) organised such a great tour of 5 different pinxtos bars all whilst taking in to account my gluten intolerance and my parents in law requirements with the walking / standing. He even booked us tables at the bars which normally you can’t do. I’m so glad we did that on one of our first nights as it gave us a really quick overview of the Basque culture as well as the key bars to visit. Saving us looking like lemons, not knowing what to order and probably going to all the wrong places! Then came a Saturday lunch at the private gastronomy club with Chef Ben. WOWEE. What an experience. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time and Ben elegantly designed a menu around my intolerance which honestly felt like I wasn’t missing out. The desert was insanely good! We got to go to the market before and buy some jamon and olive oil which was great. And to be able to see a little insight in to these private clubs was incredible. I think Basque Guides are the only company to offer such an experience and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. We literally rolled out of the club with a belly full of good and delicious wine. I can’t fault it at all. But even after the experience Iker kindly gave me and my family some tips of where to watch the Bandera de la Concha boat race the next day as well as some restaurant and bar recommendations. Seriously, book now, you won’t regret it and it’s well worth the price!