Urepel

This place was one of the highlights of our entire 2-​week stay in Paris and Spain! My husband and I were super excited to eat in the culinary mecca of San Sebastian, though we weren’t THAT enthused to spend 200 € on one of the Michelin restaurants, which were already booked far in advance. I love me some food but I can’t fathom spending at least 25 € on the dessert alone. Yes, dessert!
Anyway, after some research I found out about Restaurante Urepel and I am so happy that I did. We attempted to go at 9:30 on a Monday night and were told they were full but they could easily accommodate us for the next night. The restaurant is located right on the river just at the edge of Parte Viejo. The interior is quite antique but comfortable and not super stuffy. My husband and I were welcomed with a cava apertif to enjoy while deciding on the menu. We chose the 3-​item tasting course (nuestra menu), which was a gem of a deal for 30 €.
We were given a complimentary potato-​purée soup with crispy fried onions that was unbelievable and set the tone of our delicious meal to come. My husband had the pureed chickpeas and fish entrée. I had the bacalao (cod) soup and the meat entrée. Both were flavorful, perfectly portioned, and not too heavy nor light. My filet of meat came with savory and tart cherries as well as a garnish of whipped cream with herbs. Every bite of the meal was delectable. The dessert was even better, chocolate in various forms — mousse, frozen mousse, hard chocolate, and chocolate crunches. I’m not even a chocolate person and I loved it! Our bellies were happy and full by the time the meal was over.
The best part was that all of that, including a bottle of wine shared between the both of us (included in the nuestra menu price) and a coffee, came out to only 64 €. A complete steal for the incredible dinner we had. If you want a break from the pintxos bar hopping and have an intimate, memorable dinner that won’t break the bank look no further than Restaurante Urepel.

Outstanding Basque spot that is opened on Sunday when many other options are not. We had the 5-​course tasting menu (50 €) that started with a complimentary kir royal apéritif and foamy amuse-​bouche that prepared us for the delights to come. Highlights included a perfectly cooked and peeled soft boiled egg, fish with crispy strand (pic attached) and a perfectly plump grilled pigeon breast and legs. The only bummer of the evening was that I was fighting off a head-​cold and my scene of smell was limited. Still, I knew enough to know that that dishes were prepared beautifully and the presentation makes this a gem worth seeking out.

Another pleasant surprise in the awesome culinary choices in San Sebastian. Known amongst the locals but so much a culinary destination for tourists. It’s been documented that the Basque spend twice as much disposable income on eating as those in the US. It’s no wonder there are so many good places. Urepel is what you call a sleeper. It sits with many of the other historic buildings facing the water on the Paseo de Salamanka. In fact earlier in the trip we walked right by it and never noticed. You may not know from the outside what lies within but once you walk in, you realize the elegance and care that goes into the business.
The inside displays elegance in days of yore. We were dressed pretty shoddily but were still welcomed warmly from the lady running the front of the house. At a little before 3pm we were on the early side but shortly tons of people trickled in, mostly well dressed. Im guessing the big wigs of the area, politicians, business men, and wealthy housewives. we were definitely out of place. Buy hey I enjoy the food just as much as anyone and I think we surprised them with our Basque food knowledge we started asking specifics of the tasting menu, they offered as a special. For 50 euros you get an excellent spread of food that highlights the seafood, meat, and produce of the area from chef/​proprietor Tomas Almandozek.
–Grilled Hake
–Kokotxa — hake collar
–Txitxarro — horse mackerel
–Clams with roasted garlic
–Anchovies and Bluefish in vinegar
Wow, this is Basque seafood at it’s simplest and finest. It doesn’t get much more classic or fresh than it does here. Asking for a glass of wine in Spain is usually a misnomer. They’ll generally pour you a bottle or more and charge you like 6 – 7 euro. A steal. As noted before the service was very warm and welcoming. It probably didn’t hurt that we showed enthusiasm for the food. Another great representation of the Basque way of gastronomy and life.