Here are ten of our favorite restaurants in Pamplona:
1. Rodero – Michelin-starred, elegant setting, contemporary Navarran menus, and a long family tradition of culinary excellence. Address: Calle de Emilio Arrieta, 3, 31002 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 225 438
2. Restaurante Europa - Michelin-starred, modern Basque/Navarrese cuisine. These chefs are known for their innovative dishes using seasonal produce, and the restaurant boasts an extensive wine list. Centrally located, just off the Plaza de Castillo. Address: Calle Espoz y Mina, 11, 31002 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 221 800
3. Alhambra - Family-run restaurant known for consistent quality, fresh ingredients and superb service. Traditional Navarrese menu. Address: Calle de Bergamín, 7, 31003 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 245 007
4. Baserriberri - Creative plates and pintxos (tapas), in a lively, casual-chic atmosphere. Modern, Basque-Navarrese dishes. Centrally located in the old city. Address: Calle San Nicolás, 32, 31001 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 596 174
5. Iruñazarra - Well known restaurant-bar in an historic building in the old town, popular for its varied small pintxos (tapas) and classic dishes. Address: Calle Mercaderes, 15, 31001 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 222 021
6. La Cocina de Álex Múgica - Innovative Navarrese cuisine, elegant setting with exceptional service. Chef Álex Múgica’s is known for his inventive tasting menus and refined pintxos (tapas). Very centrally located on the bullrun route. Address: Calle Estafeta, 24, 31001 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 510 125
7. Otaño - Traditional Navarrese dishes and pintxos (tapas), favored by locals, served in a restaurant-bar, very centrally located off the Plaza del Castillo. Rustic tavern vibes and grilled meats. Address: Calle San Nicolás, 5, 31001 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 228 035
8. Bar Gaucho - Well known pintxos (tapas) bar, favored by locals, very centrally located off the Plaza del Castillo. Frequently hailed as one of the best pintxos (tapas) spots in Pamplona— famous for their foie gras and mushroom specialties. Address: Calle Espoz y Mina, 7, 31002 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 225 073
9. Café Iruña - Classic Spanish café fare, pintxos (tapas), and drinks. One of Ernest Hemingway's favorite hang-outs. Iconic 19th-century café directly on the Plaza de Castillo and featuring restored Belle Époque décor. Address: Plaza del Castillo, 44, 31001 Pamplona. Phone: +34 948 224 293
10. La Nuez: Cozy atmosphere with healthy, seasonal, and creative dishes, including vegetarian-friendly options. Frequented by well-known, experienced San Fermin bullrunners and authors. Address: Calle Lindachiquía, 11, 31001 Pamplona. Phone: +34 - 948 596 259
Tips for Enjoying Pamplona’s Dining Scene:
- Reservations: Highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons or festivals like San Fermín.
- Timing: Spanish lunch typically starts around 1:30–2:00 p.m., dinner from 8:30–9:00 p.m. onward.
- Pintxo Culture: Don’t hesitate to explore multiple bars, sampling one or two pintxos (tapas) at each restaurant or bar, a beloved local Spanish tradition.
- Check for Updates: Menus and opening hours can change, especially during the San Fermín fiestas; a quick call or online check is always a good idea.