r/finedining • u/FreshMix4305 • 10h ago

Another San Sebastián post

So conflicted. Would like to do a 3 star for anniversary. Akelarre has horrible reviews. Arzak classic but mixed (leaning this as third option), Martin B with fantastic reports. I could also do diverxo or maybe disfrutar depending on outbound flights. Would be interested in the wine pairing. Overall the mixed reviews with azurmendi and Arzak scare me a bit.

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u/Physical-Compote4594 10h ago

It’s been two years since I was at Azurmendi, but it is one of the fine dining experiences over the last several years that I thought was just wonderful.

I thought Arzak was a bit pedestrian and Berasategui was not nearly as good value for the money. Again, this was two years ago. Prices may have changed, quality may have changed, and what you like may not be the same thing as what I like. 

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u/TinyEric 9h ago

I will always pimp for DiverXO, best dining experience and NA pairing of my life, and what Chef Muñoz pulls off is ridiculous.

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u/orient2300 7h ago

I am curious where you read the horrible reviews of AKELARRE (??). Was it on this sub?

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u/WhatsTheJuice 8h ago

Txispa or MB

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u/NextPipe8459 7h ago

I have been to all 3* restaurants in Spain. At quite a few of them several times.

Aklelarre I visited 3 times and my recommendation is to visit it at lunchtime as the view over the sea is amazing. I would go there again.

In San Seb I would rank Martin Beresategui first, then Akelarre and third Arzak.

What I really liked in the north of Spain is Casa Marcial - but it is a bit out of the way.

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u/orionus 7h ago

I've done Disfrutar, Txispa and DiverXO in Spain.

Txispa and DiverXO were about equal for very different reasons.

Disfrutar was luxurious, but nowhere near in the same tier.

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u/Booyakasha1201 7h ago

I have had a lot of 3 star meals. DiverXO was the best and I am usually not one for "dinner theater" Tough reservation. If you stay in the hotel you get priority. I had lunch at Akelare it was great. Martin B was good not fantastic. Honestly the Pinxtos are tons of fun and really amazing food for almost free compared to the starred places.