Gastronomic experiences are at the heart of Basque culture. From world-renowned steaks and fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses and crisp house-made ciders, Pamplona is a paradise for foodies, especially during the Running of the Bulls fiesta. If you'd like to experience Basque cuisine during your trip to Pamplona this July, here's your guide!
Consider Making a Reservation in Advance
The Running of the Bulls festival brings in crowds of hundreds of thousands of people into the very small Casco Viejo neighborhood of Pamplona. For those of you interested in trying Basque food at Pamplona's most celebrated restaurants, consider making your reservations in advance. You can easily make reservations online through the links provided below.
Beware: many tour groups will offer to pre-reserve restaurants for you for a wildly inflated price. Save your money by making your restaurant reservations directly on the restaurant's website.
Restaurants to Consider
Here's our curated list of some of Pamplona's best restaurants. If you click the "Reservas" tab on their website, you can reserve your table in advance.
Award Winning Restaurants
- Rodero, Calle Emilo Arrieta, 3 | 1 Michelin Star, 2 Repsol Suns
- Alhambra, Calle Bergamín, 7 | 2 Repsol Suns
- Les Amis, Calle del Pozo Blanco, 20 | 1 Repsol Sun, Michelin recommended
- Baserriberri, Calle San Nicolás, 31 | 1 Repsol Sun, Michelin recommended
- Europa, Calle Espoz y Mina, 11 | 1 Repsol Sun & 1 Michelin Star
- El Mercáo, Calle Tafalla, 5-7 | Michelin Bib Gourmand
Other Great Restaurants
- Chez Belagua, Calle Estafeta, 49-51, Calle Iturralde y Suit, 24
- Errejota, Plaza Principe de Viana, 1
- Zanpa, Calle Estafeta, 48
- Katuzarra, Calle San Nicolás, 34-36
- La Mandarra de La Ramos, Calle San Nicolás, 9
- Sidería Auzmendi, Calle de Joaquin Beunza Kalea, 17
- Kalean Gora, Calle Tajonar, 29
- Restaurante Anttonenea, Calle San Antón, 48
- Bertiz, Calle Mutilva, 15
- El Burladero, Calle de Emilio Arrieta, 9
- El Búho, Calle de los Descalzos, 56-58
- Casa Manolo, Garcia Castañón, 12
- Casa Otano, Calle San Nicolás, 5
- Enekorri, Calle Tudela, 14
- Artwohl, Calle de los Teobaldos, 2
- Asador Olaverri, Calle Santa Marta, 4
- La Viña, Calle Jarauta, 10
Reservation Options
When making reservations at some of the nicest restaurants, you may be asked to choose between two different reservation options. Here's what they mean:
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Menu para gustar: This typically refers to a traditional menu that includes appetizers, entrées, and desserts.
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Menu para degustar: This translates to "tasting menu," and it is a curated culinary experience. A tasting menu usually consists of several small courses, each showcasing a different flavor, ingredient, or cooking technique. It's meant to provide a culinary journey, allowing diners to sample a wide range of dishes in smaller portions.
Quick and Cheap Food Options
If you're looking for something quick, there are also tons of cheap and delicious street-food options available at every corner, including locally-sourced mussels (try "Cervecerías La Mejillonera"), tasty bocadillos de jamón (try "Oink"), and traditional tortillas de patatas (try "Mesón de la Tortilla") right in the heart of the Casco Viejo.
Basque Foods to Try in Pamplona
Wondering what to try? Start your journey with pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, which are small bites such as mushroom skewers or grilled sausage on bread. For an entrée, try Basque classics like bacalao al pil pil, made with salted codfish; txuleta, a thick rib-eye steak grilled on an open flame; or marmitako, a hearty tuna stew. Wash it all down with a glass of crisp txakoli, the region's famed dry white wine, or sip on a glass of Basque cider.
If you're feeling adventurous (you're at the Running of the Bulls, after all!), consider trying some of these Basque delicacies: kokotxas (gelatinous fish heads), tripotx (veal intestines stuffed with blood and rice), or txipirones en su tinta (squid simmered in their own ink).
Finally, for dessert, you can't miss Basque cheesecake! Basque cheesecake has a delicious, gooey interior and a rich, caramelized exterior, which gives it its classic burnt appearance. The dessert originated in the nearby coastal city of San Sebastian, and it has become one of the most beloved desserts in the region.
We hope you love Basque food as much as we do! ¡Buen provecho! Or as we say in Basque, On egin!