A Local Secret — Where the Locals Eat

Itsaspe is one of those rare places that residents quietly pass on by word of mouth while travellers dream of finding. It is not a tourist attraction dressed up as a restaurant, nor an overrated gastronomic hotspot. It is simply a place chosen by the people who live here. Founded in 2011 by a Basque family — a husband, wife, and their three daughters — Itsaspe grew from a simple idea: serve traditional food made with quality ingredients and create a welcoming space that guests would want to return to again and again. No pretension, no unnecessary formality, and no inflated prices. Today Itsaspe (whose name means “Under the Sea” in Basque) brings together three restaurants across San Sebastián, Hondarribia, and Zumaia. It is where local office workers gather for lunch, families celebrate dinners, friends meet over good food, and couples enjoy a quiet evening with a glass of wine. On weekdays, the restaurant offers a Menú del Día (€22), one of Spain’s most beloved dining traditions. Guests can choose from three starters, three main courses, and three homemade desserts. Typical dishes include seafood pasta, cod-stuffed peppers, fresh seasonal salads, cuttlefish, grilled fish and meats, and classic homemade sweets. For those short on time, there is also a Dish of the Day (€10) — a light starter followed by a meat or fish main course. Fast service without compromising on flavour. Some dishes have earned a loyal following of their own. The artichokes with Iberian ham and the seasonal Saint-Michel mussels, brought directly from France, are among the restaurant’s signature favourites. The menu also celebrates the best ingredients of the region: locally grown tomatoes, Cantabrian anchovies, fresh tuna, scallops, and the famous Basque chuleta steak. The wine list features a carefully selected range of Spanish wines, alongside the region’s iconic txakoli — the crisp, slightly sparkling white wine of the Basque coast. The restaurant itself holds a pleasant surprise. From the outside, it appears intimate and modest, yet inside it reveals far more space than expected. The entrance level offers both a main dining room and a more intimate salon, while downstairs are two spacious rooms ideal for groups, celebrations, and private events. Itsaspe offers something increasingly rare: the chance to experience the real Basque Country and leave feeling not like a tourist, but like a welcomed guest.
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