📍 Where it is and why we visit it
Located on San Martín street, in the heart of Donostia-San Sebastián and a step away from the La Concha beach, Sukaldean by Aitor Santamaría is a restaurant that surprises with its innovative proposal within an environment with history: the old convent that today houses the Hotel Zenit San Martín.
Our visit was on a Sunday at noon, with a clear intention: to repeat an experience that we had previously liked. We went straight for the chop, which we remembered as having good flavor… although what ended up winning us over was much more than that.
🍽️ What we ate and what the experience was like
The restaurant is spacious, distributed in different areas, with special lighting that comes in from the ceiling despite being located on the ground floor. The atmosphere was calm, elegant, without fanfare, ideal to enjoy without rushing.
The treatment of the staff was one of the strong points: close, attentive, very professional. We especially appreciated the suggestion of ordering half portions of fish, since we like to share plates and that allowed us to try more things.
As soon as we sat down, they offered us a small oil tasting and a welcome aperitif, a detail that already anticipated the customer service that characterizes the place.
What we ask for:
- Red tartar and red tuna nigiris: absolute freshness, delicate flavor, impeccable presentation.
- Grilled sea bass and cockles: both in half portions, perfect for sharing. The grilled kokotxas especially surprised us with their deep flavor and just the right texture.
- Chop: the great protagonist, well executed, with a perfect point… although on this occasion it was not the most surprising.
- chocolate dessert: balanced, without sweet excesses, ideal to close the menu.
📸 Image gallery
🗣️ What others think
The opinions on Google and Tripadvisor reflect a highly valued gastronomic experience. Clients usually highlight:
- ✅ The quality of the product and the freshness of the ingredients.
- ✅ Professional and attentive service.
- ✅ The originality of some dishes such as “euskal sushi” or the selection of cheeses.
- ❌ Some mention that it is not a cheap restaurant, although they justify it by the quality of the proposal.
In our case, we agree with these assessments. The treatment and quality shine above the price, which, although not low, is in line with what is offered.
💸 Average price and value for money
The average price per person ranges between €40 and €60, depending on the wine and dishes chosen. Our meal was complete and varied, with high-quality products and careful service, so we consider the value for money to be good.
It is not a restaurant for every day, but it is perfect for celebrations, special visits or simply for those who enjoy eating well without rushing.
🗺️ Useful information
- Address: Calle San Martín, 45 – Donostia / San Sebastián
- Hours: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.–11:00 p.m.; Sunday: 1:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday: closed
- Web: sukaldeanaitorsantamaria.com
- Telephone: +34 943 56 39 02
- Extras: accessible, options for celiacs, family atmosphere, careful service
⭐ Our conclusion
Sukaldean by Aitor Santamaría is a proposal with a Basque soul and a global outlook, which knows how to surprise without giving up the essential. A restaurant with personality, excellent product, and a balance between traditional and contemporary.
Ideal for those looking for a complete and different experience in Donostia. We will return, surely to continue exploring their menu and discover new surprises outside the chops.
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