For people like me who don’t like the cheesecake you find in NYC or the States, then you’ll LOVE this one. It’s a combination of light cheesecake with a custard center layer and a semi sugar-torched crusted crème brûlée crust. For people who love cheesecake, it’s not what you would think of as cheesecake. No picture because I wanted it so badly, I ate it before I could take the photo. 2 slices on each plate, for 5 euros. I gave it 4 stars: 5 stars for the cheesecake, 3 stars for all the jostling and crowd pushing to get to the bar to order the cheesecake and during eating the cheesecake when standing at the ledge.
Lauren W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Paris, France
Hate to sound like a broken record, but really the best baked cheese cake I’ve ever tasted and I’m not usually a fan of crusty was or baked varieties. Extremely light in texture and rich in flavor. Order one per person because you’ll definitely regret it if not.
David P.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Windsor, CO
I agree with several of the reviews below, cheese cake exceptional, service and food superb. Tapas bar very good, but try the restaurant in back, best sole and hake ever. We went back twice too. Owner /chef came by to visit, then had his own lunch at a table nearby, overall a lovely experience.
Ane D.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa
Pintxos clásicos de gran calidad. Merluza exquisita. Croqueta y ensaladilla rusa muy buena. Está en la parte vieja, en la calle donde hay los mejores pintxos de donosti
Rafael F.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Fort Pierce, Estados Unidos
El mejor cheesecake de todo país vasco. Inevitable no recomendarlo. Punto en contra: solo aceptan efectivo. Deberían tener en cuenta que la buena fama se gana con un buen servicio también
Izzy K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Santa Barbara, CA
This was on our list for tonight’s tapas crawl, and, honestly, I think we’ll be headed right back tomorrow. The food and service alike were excellent. Very reasonably priced, too. We ordered two glasses of wine, four different tapas(be sure to get the chorizo), and cheesecake and were only down 16 euro by the end. The cheesecake, as everyone else will agree, is fantastic. The texture is something between what we’re accustomed to in the states and a thick custard. Really, really great.
Nina H.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sacramento, CA
I had my doubts that I would like this cheesecake, especially since it has no crust. I’m not even huge on cheesecake since it usually tends to be so dense and heavy. But this cheesecake hit the spot, it was just perfectly sweet and light. Portions are huge though. If you come with 2 – 3 people, one portion is good. Two if you are super hungry. I also had some sardines and peppers here. Super good. I was also starving at the time, which may have played a part in how I remember it, but I devoured that plate. This place definitely has that neighborhood bar/friendly vibe which I loved.
Thalia A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Vancouver, Canada
Only went here for cheesecake and I LOVE cheesecake. Best one I’ve ever had in my life(no joke!) It was so busy that we ate it standing, it looks underwhelming at first but that first bite changes everything.
Kelly Y.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Dallas, TX
5 stars for the cheesecake! This place is known for their cheesecake and it did not disappoint. The cheesecake was light and airy and had a thick pudding like texture in the center. It’s not overly sweet but everything about it was perfect. It reminded me a bit of the cheesecake I had in Tokyo with its light texture. Going back again tonight !
Gar B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Dublin, Republic of Ireland
We only had time to try the famous cheesecake here, and couldn’t help but feel that it was slightly over hyped. It’s a racion portion, so be prepared for two slices per portion! Having said that, I would definitely recommend you try it
Tammy K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 New York, NY
BESTCHEESECAKEEVER. It’s a racione, and it goes perfectly with a glass of sherry. Apparently they have other dishes here, but I’ve never tasted them.
Jin Y.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Los Angeles, CA
One of our main go to’s while we were there pinxto hopping. They had amazing cheesecake(lifechanging) but their pinxtos were equally amazing. The chorizo, octopus are everyone’s fave but the chorizo was honestly what kept me coming back.
Pen L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 London, United Kingdom
Bar la vina is famous for their basque style cheesecake. We ended our first night pintxos bar crawl with a slice of cheesecake at la vina. I am not usually a fan of cheesecake but as it is the specialty of this place I had to give it a try and was not disappointed!
Liz L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Charleston, SC
Great food, atmosphere and service. The merluza we had there was among our favorite pintxos in all of Donostia. The cheesecake is as good as everyone says. Add this spot to your pintxo hopping list!
Mario R.
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
This place was my favorite of our first evening in Donostia. It feels like a classic spot and the staff is really happy despite maintaining the hectic pace of these pintxo locales. They’re experts at serving txakoli and the classic pintxos are fantastic, as is their 1999 originality prize-winning cheese and sardine in a cone. I think everyone else who reviewed this place mentioned the cheesecake. It is like no other dessert I’ve had. Truly phenomenal. Enjoy.
Irati G.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Barcelona
Si queréis leer mi experiencia en La Viña podéis hacerlo en mi blog
Berta B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Madrid
Es, sin duda, la tarta más buena que he probado. Increíble! Es como una especie de mouse de queso de textura perfecta, la superficie de la tarta es un poco tostada y recuerda a algo así como crema catalana… Uhmmmm! Estoy deseando volver a la viña a comer y comprar este postre. Los pinchos son un poco más de andar por casa… Así que yo recomiendo ir sólo a por el café y la tarta!
Mike K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Orange County, CA
La Vina is supposed to be THE place to get a unique basque style cheese cake with a slight burnt top to add to the flavor complex. It’s not as creamy as most American style cheesecake, its more custard like but its good. Ultimately I think i’ll stick with the American kind but its worth a try if you can get past the lines out the door.
Christie K.
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
Out of all the places we went to in San Sebastian, this is the only place we came back to for a 2nd time… and got take away! During our pinxto tour in the afternoon, this was our 3rd and final stop before going to the beach. We ordered the tortilla, pulpo, jamon and cheesecake with of course a round of txakoli. We ordered the regular tortilla and it was amazing. It was so fluffy yet with simple flavours that we had to ordered a 2nd round… The pulpo was amazing — something you can’t get outside of the north of Spain. Jamon was good as expected… even if you don’t plan on ordering it — the legs on the ceiling really tempt you! Lastly the cheesecake. It is a much lighter version of a cheesecake compared to an American style one. It was lovely! Not too sweet which makes you want more! After having dinner at Urbano, we wanted to have cheesecake for dessert. Also ordering another order of tortilla. The place is closed on Mondays so we decided to order 2 full tortillas, one to bring back to our loved ones in London and the other to have at the airport the following evening. Looking back it was such a good idea as the airport shops in Bilbao didn’t have a lot of places to eat. The place is really busy but the service is great. The waiter even remembered us from the day before and didn’t look at us a bit crazy asking for tortilla to go. One of the girls in my group had a gin and tonic — it is massive! Definitely recommend if you’re a gin fan. If I come back to SS, I’d definitely go back to this place again and again.
Oulie T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Banning, CA
At the end of the night of your pintxos crawl, when you’re craving dessert, head over here for the cheesecake! That’s what they are famous for. It’s creamy, decadent and not too sweet! I can’t attest to the rest of the menu but the cheesecake is top notch. Don’t miss out on this San Sebastián institution.
Monty W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Northbrook, IL
one of my favorite experiences — the cheesecake was excellent best I’ve ever had. The bar keep was totally friendly and super quick and entertaining. I must have returned to this restaurant three times in our 4 night stay in San Sebastian. Each time for the cheesecake. Everything else that I tried was awesome as well. Definitely slower during the normal week days and early dinner hours — but its hopping on the weekends.
Joe A.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Virginia Beach, VA
After seeing the reviews and having his restaurant suggested by a local, I am disappointed. I admit that I haven’t written as many reviews as other people. But I’m a traveling businessman, to minor and major cities, and travel extensively on holidays. So, I know a good meal, atmosphere, and restaurant when I dine at one. We’ve also been to Barcelona, Madrid and Tudela this trip alone. Service(seated at a table in the back) it may have been an off night, but the waiter didn’t seemed pleased to serve us and it showed. He/she was very short with us despite ordering in Spanish/Euskara. My wife and I try to participate in local culture as much as possible. We ordered multiple courses that included pintxos(primeras), ensalade(segundos), and entrees. For only having 4 seated tables, service was slow(understanding dinner is no rush in Europe). For each course, our waiter brought our food to the wrong table. Food– The pintxos, meh… I’ve had better in Barcelona, Madrid and the little town of Tudela; which is disappointing as I’ve read S.S. is the foodie capital of Spain. I ordered the lamb chops entrée, which were 75% fat. The cheesecake… was more of custard. Though, I’ll admit I was expecting something more of the New York style. All in all, I’d come just for the pintxos, that area of the restaurant seemed to be more lively, and would have given us the ability to have a few snacks and move on.
Ev A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Chicago, IL
Best cheesecake. Everyone was friendly and professional. I am so happy a friend told us to stop by at La Viña.
Jone C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Sebastián, Guipúzcoa
Increíble la tarta de queso, la tortilla de patatas, y los fines de semana el Pintxo de changurro que suelen hacer…
Lazaro M.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Santa Eulària des Riu
Solo por la tarta de queso merece la pena ir, nosotros solo comimos el postre pero volveré tantas veces como pueda. De lo demás no puedo decir nada.
Yusef F.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Oakland, CA
So many people have mentioned how good the cheesecake is and they are absolutely correct. Best cheesecake I’ve ever had. Light and creamy with a strong flavor. Enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants in town, but make sure to save room to drop by La Viña for some late night cheesecake!
Maria G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Honolulu, HI
The goodness never ends!(Thank God!) A solid traditional(vs molecular/modern) Pinxto place that everyone should check out. Their specialty is their cheesecake(Basque style) but their Sardines, torta and pretty much everything else is delicious. Of course there is Mikael(super friendly server that has super powers in remembering who ordered what) who really made our experience quite a pleasant one. They have an area in the back for a sit down meal as well, but really, I think the PInxtos are where it’s at. Don’t forget the Txacoli!!!
Ben W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Westminster, CO
Our best meal yet in San Sebastian. After 5 nights of Pintxos standing, we were ready to sit, take our time, and savor basque cooking. At La Vina, we sat down, ordered a variety of Pintxos for the table, and then(out of character for San Sebastian) had entrees. The standouts were the octopus in sauce, peppers stuffed with Cod, the mussels, and even just getting a light green salad. For entrees, the flank steak with Roquefort sauce was a great treat. And, owing to consistent reviews to the positive, we had to try the cheesecake, which was indeed the best we have ever had. In all, we felt a little«American» for siting down for this great meal, but it was well worth it!
Daniel B.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Melbourne, Australia
This place you must visit. Great food, great service, great vibe. Go for the octopus, it’s delicious. Then you cannot leave — or at least do a lap of a few more bars and come back for the cheesecake. It’s amazing, even for a guy like me who really doesn’t like cheesecake! and as a side note, look out for the guy behind the bar who looks like the dude from that show Castle