The old quarter is full of spots for bar snacks and tapas. The foodie culture is huge here, and pintxos are a fantastic way to get your children to try new flavours in small bites – children are certainly welcome too! They’ll love the experience of going up to the bar and filling up a plate with whatever takes their fancy, and don’t miss the drool-worthy ice-cream chain Boulevard (which you’ll find dotted all around the city). Mimo takes pinxtos tours (pintxos are the single-serve Basque dishes) from the Maria-Cristina, but the quarter is so densely packed with choice you can readily lead your own crawl. Start at Beti Jai Berria on Calle De Fermín Calbetón and making your way door-by-door towards the famous Gandarias or A Fuego Negro on Calle Del 31 De Agosto. From fried cheese croquets and oily fish bruschetta to mushroom tartlets and mini-hamburgers, the idea is simple: order one at a time with your drink or fill a plate with whatever catches your eye. Tip: Don’t pay for pintxos when you order. Eat first, then pay before you leave. You might want more.
Three favourite restaurants:
