Nestor

Absolutely a MUST HAVE! I was skeptical at first & concerned about it being a tourist trap, but this place is a favorite of the locals too! We didn’t get the tortilla, but thoroughly enjoyed the Peppers, Tomato Salad, & Chuleta (steak)! If there’s not room at the bar, find one of the employees and ask if you can wait. Thankfully two spots at the bar opened up right away & we waited just 2 minutes.
Definitely definitely go here!

The most delicious potato tortilla, which you must reserve to get a piece! Also famous for its beef steak, Basque style!

This place is known for 4 things: the tortilla, padron peppers, steak, and tomato salad. It’s not your traditional pintxos bar in San Sebastian where they make a bunch of stuff and have it all out on the counter and you kind of just grab what you want, but it’s certainly one of the more popular bars.
First of all, let’s talk about the tortilla — which is basically eggs, onion, and potatoes cooked in a skillet. This place makes it fresh 2 times a day, served at 1 pm and 8 pm. If you want a piece of the 15 pieces that they serve, you will have to come put your name down around 30 – 45 min ahead of time, and then come back at serving time where they call out your name and serve your piece. Do not be late or they will give your piece away. It’s certainly the best tortilla I’ve ever had, and it was super fresh and delicious. I’d get it again and would recommend it, but I wouldn’t change my entire plans for the day just to come here — you can get other tortillas elsewhere.
The tomato salad is also one of their more popular items; the small size is more than enough for 2 people, so order accordingly. It’s a marathon, not a race, so you don’t want to be completely full from eating too many tomatoes This dish is basically big cubes of tomato swimming in olive oil and topped with rock salt. Good, but not really as mind-​blowing as I expected it to be.
We passed on the steak because it looked too large for 2 people to share and still be able to bar hop to try the rest of the pintxos. If you have a group of 4 – 6 people, and don’t mind crowding around a small table or the bar to eat your steak, this would be a great place to come. Next time!
Solid place with a few excellent things that they make, instead of making a lot of mediocre dishes. Worth a stop if you’re in San Sebastian to at least try the tortilla!

10 de 10.
Su carta se limita a: Txuleta, Pimientos y ensalada de tomate. No he probado nada mejor de las tres cosas que he comentado anteriormente.
El trato: Mejor imposible
La comida: Espectacular, la mejor materia prima que he probado en mucho tiempo y todo en su punto!
Dos veces al día sacan pintxos de tortilla de patata que acumula más de un premio MUY MERECIDO, jugosa y en su punto.
Nada malo que decir de este bar con una sola mesa dónde puedes comer en la barra y agarrarte muy fuerte para no caerte para atrás de lo bueno que está todo.

Before this trip I’ve not heard of Txuleta/​Chuleta. Now I’m obsessed with finding that same experience back home. Bar Nestor came on the recommendation of a friend who grew up in San Sebastián and he said every time he heads home, Nestor’s is the only place he goes for steak.
We showed up about 8pm (just before it got realllly busy) and managed to steal ourselves front row seats at the bar counter. They obviously knew what we were there for as not a minute later, two hunks of dark red meats were presented to us. We went with the heavier hunk (obviously) and added on additional starters of padron peppers and tomato salad. Staff were super busy but attentive (One of them offered to sharpen our knives when he noticed we had problems cutting into our dinner). Nestor himself running in and out of the kitchen with sizzling hot plates of beef chops. All in, one 1.25kg txuleta, padron peppers, tomate ensalada, 4 vinos = about € 70 split amongst the 3 in my group. A dinner well spent.
I think I’ll let the pictures do the rest of the talking.

Not your typical pintxos bar because you’re eating a juicy chuleton de buey the size of your head! Came here for lunch, and luckily it had stopped raining in San Sebastian.
Top picks:
Padron peppers: like shishito peppers in the U.S. Light but tasty.
Tomato salad: sounds boring and simple. Not at all! My friend who dislikes 99% of vegetables and fruits, and definitely dislikes tomatoes, LOVED this tomato dish! Firm skin texture, and moist inside, but not mushy. The olive oil they use also brings out the tart yet smooth flavor.
Chorizo: so delicious, my other friend finished the entire plate!
Chuleton de buey: the steak is the main event here. They ask you to choose your piece. Flavorful, tender on the inside, so marbled and moist. I could go on a keto or Atkins diet if I had this back at home… So much good fat on the outside, that at first, I thought they were potatoes! Pair with the house rioja, and you are ready for your siesta afterwards.

We didn’t get the tortilla because they ran out.
Afterwards, wash it down with a shot of Eskartxa. I’m not a fan of most of the Spanish after dinner liqueurs because they taste very herbal, but this was so good, we bought a bottle from the local wine store.
Eat, drink, and be merry, standing in the comfort of your own restaurant window. Locals we chatting with come here weekly. It’s that good.

Best steak, tomatoes and peppers! I especially loved the olive oil — best I have ever had. Don’t miss this place if you like steak

Tomato dish, Pimientos (green peppers), and the steak are must haves here!
First off this place has awesome food and great service. We came during lunch hour to make reservations for dinner but they don’t take reservations as there’s only one sit down table and few tables/​places by the bar with standing room.
For dinner we managed to snag an outdoor table and ordered the tomate, pimientos, and steak. As a side note, the pimientos and tomate were so good I regretted not getting an order for myself. (My bf and I ordered one order each to split) the steak was amazing and better than florentine steak IMO.
Additionally we paired the steak with red wine and the starters with chacoli (their local white wine in the region). So amazing, so good.
Best restaurant I’ve had in San Sebastián hands down! We came back again for lunch the next day to get our last tomate/​pimientos fix before leaving.
Definitely a must have if you are ever in San Sebastián! Get these 3 items, they are sure to not disappoint!
Note: we managed to get the olive oil brand used in the tomato dish! I’m sure you can get it too if you just ask :)

True carnivores must eat here if and when in San Sebastián. The chuleton was absolutely outstanding, beautifully marbled, and seared to perfection; just the sizzling aroma alone as others are getting served will make your mouth water as you’re waiting for yours to come. Get it with the tomato salad and padron peppers. Also a must is the chorizo and jamon as appetizers; I don’t even typically like chorizo but this was ridiculously delicious. If you don’t have a reservation, come 15 – 20 minutes before the 8pm service time and just stand at the bar (they’ll let you in). You won’t care that you’re eating the best steak in your life standing up. My husband and I stood for nearly two hours eating, drinking, and enjoying the atmosphere — when we left, we felt so alive, happy, and full.

Wow! Well worth the wait.
Tip: ask politely to get on the list and hang outside or at a nearby bar until they have space for you. Order the Pedron peppers, tomatoes and of course the amazing beef (rib steak essentially).
Simple preparations and outstanding results. This one is not to be missed.

I loved the simplicity of this place. I knew exactly what I wanted since they only had a handful of items on their menu. A small steak, tomatoes, and peppers. All of the dishes were done well, was it amazing? No, probably not, but it was a very solid place with a good vibe. I did not like how the fat wasn’t rendered on the steak though…
I came by the night before to try the tortilla that everyone raves about, it was good too. I feel like there has been a little hype created based on the limited quantity they make. It’s good, but nothing life changing, I preferred the steak.
Tip: Ask them to sharpen your knife, it makes such a difference!

Rock salt. Olive oil. Lots of warm vibes and hot steak sizzle. And some *sozzle*. Bar Nestor was the perfect Christmas Eve indulgence on our last day in San Sebastián. What’s not to like? The food is outstandingly flavored and the staff is impeccably responsive. The tomatoes with olive oil are exactly the way tomatoes should taste. You’ll want to bite into the light green chillies with the sizzling steak. We washed it down with wine, beer and the local cider. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

You’d be a fool not to eat here. The chuleta is amazing and will run out fast so get there and drink beforehand! It gets crowded. The staff is awesome and friendly. This is Spanish cuisine at its simplest yet finest. Get the tomatoes and peppers. Try the cider too! I can’t rave about this place more

Ya son dos las veces que he podido sentarme en la barra de este pequeño bar de la zona vieja de Donosti. Con una escueta carta formada por tomate en ensalada, pimientos y chuletón, este establecimiento goza de mi total admiración.
Además de contar con un equipo de profesionales, amables y pendientes siempre de ti, el producto es francamente sensacional. Una carne tierna, preparada para el mejor paladar, con un buen vino (a elegir desde el permisivo al prohibitivo) y, de postre, tejas de Tolosa.
Vaya, que yo creo que es un must de la gastro vasca.

There are two reasons to come to Nestor. The first is to eat a proper steak dinner complete with padron peppers, tomato salad, and bread. Doing so would make Nestor your only stop for the night because those steaks are thick.
The second reason, which I partook in, is to eat a portion of their famous not-​so-​secret tortilla. Wait, what? So listen to this: Nestor is known for the best Spanish omelet pinxo in San Sebastian. The trick is that you have to go at 7:15 and reserve a portion, then return promptly at 8 to pick it up and eat it. If you miss your time slot, your portion gets sold. Is it worth the hype? In my book, yes because I love Spanish tortilla and this one was spectacular. However, if it’s impossible for you to get there in time to reserve a spot, don’t sweat it. There are lots of good tortillas out there.
I do want to go back and eat that steak dinner, though! It looks heavenly.

Super restaurant, avec une seule table. On y mange une super salade de tomates, des petits poivrons grillés et de magnifiques côtes de boeuf. La cuisine est ouverte dès 20h.

KenScale: 8.0÷10
The Basque region is well-​known for having all the top echelon fine dining restaurants scattered around San Sebastian and Bilbao but you have to make sure to block some meals for casual pintxos (a collective reference to small plates in the Basque, sort of equivalent to «tapas») around the area as well. The old quarters in San Sebastian, not surprisingly, have a bunch of very well-​known casual bars serving some excellent food. The first stop of my trip was Bar Nestor, a perpetually packed bar with concise yet very popular dishes.
Unlike other pintxos bar, Nestor is really known for its decadent, giant steak dish. The steak doesn’t have the elegance in looks, but the meat was expertly prepared. I wish the salt shavings were not too widespread as I felt the meat’s flavor was sometimes undermined by the salty sensation, but otherwise, it’s a pretty good plate of meat dish. To complement the meat, make sure to order the fresh tomatoes that, again but for the salty oil below, could’ve been the best tomato dishes I’ve had in a while, as well as the peppers. The bar is also known for its egg tortilla dishes but unfortunately I couldn’t get a hold as they tend to sell out early after being available at 1 and 8 p.m. each day.
The bar is very tiny with a single counter and not many dining tables, but the atmosphere is lively and cozy. Make sure to get some wine (try a glass or two of txakoli, a slightly sparkling white wine from the Basque region) to go along with your food fest. If you’re looking for a more decadent experience during the pintxos run in the Basque region, Nestor can be a solid place to begin with.

Muy rico todo, buen servicio y muy buena relación calidad precio pese a todo le pongo 4 estrellas y no 5 porque esperaba mucho más del chuleton y de la ensalada de tomate. Eramos 5 y pedimos una racion de ensalada de tomate, que estaba rica pero tampoco era excepcional (sobretodo porque me habian dicho que el tomate tenia mucho sabor) y esperaba más aun asi muy bien (soy bastante exigente con el tomate y odio que me sirvan un tomate recien salido del refrigerador y que este un poco frio).
Una ración de pimientos y dos chuletones, el primero no estaba muy tierno y estaba un poco más duro, el segundo mucho mejor mas tierno y más sabroso. Cervezas, coca colas y un vino todo por 129 euros casi 26 euros por persona.

Another bar from the list we got from Mugaritz! I love Spain but Spain does not love vegetables. Bar Nestor has the most amazing succulent and juicy tomato salad! It consists of giant slices of firm tomato, olive oil and sea salt. So simply but the flavor is good and a nice change from all of the heavy meats and cheeses we had. We also for the grilled peppers which had a great smokey flavor.
The steaks looked amazing but one order could probably feed 4 – 6 adults because it’s such a thick cut. We went to Mugaritz for lunch so we had no room to try the steaks.

Holy cow! (Pun intended)
The steak here is fantastic. For about € 40 you can get a steak big enough to stuff 2 or 3 people. This is truly a bar as you’ll be standing and eating. There are only about 20 seats available in the entire place. The menu is simple (steak, pepper, tomato salad, ham, cheese). The cooking method is simple but the ingredients are superb.
Tomato salad comes with freshly chopped raw tomatoes seasoned with sea salt over the best olive oil. The steak is cooked on a sizzling plate with just sea salt as the ingredient. Delicious!
House wine and sidre also very good and cheap, about € 2 per glass.

As a red-​meat loving gal, I’ve been to my fair share of steak places all around the world, but Bar Nestor takes the cake (or should I say… the steak?).
Maybe it’s the fact that Nestor works there tirelessly and proudly, and always asks us where we’re from and points fondly to the statue of liberty memento on his mantle, saying «I’ve been to Nueva York before!». Or maybe it’s the tomato salad and the padron peppers that are an amazing prelude to the hunk of meat that’s grilled to order. Or maybe it’s the fact that you eat it in this quaint little bar and it only costs $ 35 for the fattiest, most decadent medium rare piece of steak ever.
I don’t know. It’s just damn good.

Came here after seeing the giant queue that seemed to explode from this place at 1pm when the kitchen opened.
The staff didn’t speak much English but my and my partner’s mediocre Spanish (and the kindness/​patience of a particularly indulgent waiter) helped us to order a few glasses of rioja, a plate of perfectly grilled and salted peppers and a BEAUTIFUL steak, served on sizzling cast iron and cooked to perfection. (We were dying to try the tortilla but all of the slices for the lunch portion had been allocated and we were leaving for Bilbao later that afternoon).
There are no menus here (let alone one translated in English). The only thing served here are steak, tomato salad, peppers, tortilla and pinxtos with olives and anchovies.
To see what is available at any given time, you must ask someone behind the counter to fill you in. If you’re eating steak (you should be eating steak) someone will bring you over a selection of GIANT raw, dry aged steaks for you to choose from – if you are broke like we were, you can ask them to estimate the eventual price for you and request the smallest one available for around 20 euro. You will only be served if you can elbow your way into some counter or table space.
As you struggle to figure out the rules and regulations for this weird and wonderful eating experience, locals will openly laugh at you… it’s totally worth it. This was one of my favorite meals in San Sebastián (aka favorite meals in my life).

I heard you had to line up super early to get a piece of their tortilla because they only make one at lunch and on at dinner, but then the locals in front gave us a tip and said we could reserve pieces?! I ducked under the door and asked the guy inside who was super nice and said «por supesto!» And wrote my name down on a paper. Sure enough, when we came back at 8pm, he called out my name and we got 2 of the first pieces he cut.
Everyone else was getting humongous chuletas, but since we had just finished a 5 hour lunch, we were happy with the tortilla. As for the tortilla, think scalloped potatoes in a thin egg omelette. The potatoes were thin and cheesy, and it was pretty amazing to eat fresh out of the pan!

Media ración de quesos! De los dos que había de cabra. Una de tomate, pan, y el chuleton… de las mejores carnes que vas a comer en tu vida. Uno de esos bares que no parece mucho desde afuera… Pero que nunca nunca lo olvidas

…walk up to this whole in the wall (literally) and there’s a few people flooded out the door… The bar/​restaurant seats maybe 20 people. I was skeptical… But let’s do this!
Greeted with warm smiles and a glass of vino tinto (red wine)… All kinds of people in here… Met some Canadians, French, Americans, and Australian! Pretty crazy that people from all over the world were in this little bar with me!
There’s no menu to order from… They tell you what they have and you say yes or no!
Yes yes yes to all please!
Another glass of wine down, and we finally got a spot at the bar… Standing was perfectly fine with me.
They started us out with fresh tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and coarse sea salt… Too simple? Not a chance! The simplicity made the dish! The tomatoes were perfectly ripe and it came together perfectly!
Next they brought us pimentos (reminded me of shishito peppers)… Not spicy, but came out sizzling hot and tasted like heaven!!!
Next thing you know, the chef comes out with 2 huge slabs of meat… I get to choose which steak to eat… So big or bigger? The marbling was incredible! Perfect amount of fat to meat and bone-​in of course!
Another glass of wine down and here it comes… Sizzling, smokey, and the smell of seared meat! My steak cam out on an cast iron skillet… Amazing crust to the steak… Nice golden brown… Crisp… Sliced and ready to go… It was a perfect rare when it came out and slowly got to a medium rare and I devoured the steak. Again… Just a perfect cook/​sear and finished with a good amount of sea salt! Easily my millionth steak in my life (exaggerating) and I could honestly say that THIS was my best steak ever!!! Juicy. Tender. Just the right amount of fat.
By the time my meal was finished, there were 40 people inside this small bar and another 20 waiting outside! I have never experienced anything like this!!!
Overall, I’d give it 5 stars for everything. Food. People. Ambiance. Drinks. Ohh and I thought this would’ve easily costed me 100 euros… No… Not even close! 60 euro all in! Wow!!!
Definitely a place you need to check out!!!

I’m sure by now, this story gets old, but let me recap other reviewers’ comments in:
1. Get there around 7:15p (for the evening service) to put your name on the list for the tortilla racion
2. Don’t buck the trend… get the holy trinity (tomatoes, peppers and steak… you know, because they’re your only options)
3. You’re a stone throw from the La Rioja wine region, ask for their recommendation on a copa de tinto and roll with it!
I don’t know what type of olive oil they use, but everything from the tomatoes to the steak had a sweet (in a good way) quality to them. Most of this food reminded me of strait back-​yard, simple grilling during the summer, but it was a welcome reminder of home and a really good one at that.
As for the notorious tortilla, it’s good, really good. BUT, don’t get yourself all bent up in a tizzy if you can’t get your fill on one. I’d rate it top 3 I’ve had across Spain, but there are plenty of other good options out there as well… this one definitely has a scarcity aspect pushing up its hype a bit.
Out of everywhere we ate in San Sebastian, this was our favorite. It may have been a combination of getting a table (there are only 2 – 3) and actually not having other people trampling us at the bar, but Nestor was a welcome break from the pixtos craziness that engulfs the Old Town!

Authentique, voila le qualificatif qui sied parfaitement. C’est tout petit, quelque peu rustre, mais c’est bon et pas cher…
Nous avons goûté la tortilla que Nestor venait de cuire et pour laquelle il fallait réserver une part en donnant son prénom. Nous avons vite compris pourquoi … A peine déposée sur le comptoir et partagée entre clients et amis, elle n’était plus qu’un souvenir que nous n’oublierons pas.
Ce bar, qui né sert pas de pintxos, est a conseiller aux bons vivants, amateurs de viande rouge et de produits simples et goûteux, pour une soirée mémorable.

100% recomendable si te gusta la carne buena y bien preparada.
Chuletón y para basarlo una estrella galiza y un tomate picado … sin más historias.

Si estás en San Sebastián, no dudes en darte una cena especial en este Asador. La carne es exquisita y puedes acompañarla de una deliciosa ensalada de tomate y un plato de pimientos verdes asados.
Si además te gusta el café te recomiendo que pruebes el café indio… absolutamente exquisito!!!
La relación calidad — precio es buena y la atención del personal inmejorable.
El sitio es acogedor y si te gusta la pelota vasca podrás ver fotos de muchos pelotaris en activo y retirados que han pasado por el asador.
En resumen es un sitio al que debes ir si quieres degustar la gastronomía vasca. Sin duda nosotros repetiremos!!!

Simplemente ESPECTACULAR! La calidad, la atención y el ambiente que generan hace que sea un sitio imprescindible al visitar Donostia. Repito y repetiré siempre q pueda.
Pese a que la txuleta es el plato estrella, la ración de tomate es casi mejor.

Este lugar es uno de los IMPRESCINDIBLE si tus pies tocan Donostia. Es un local muy estrecho donde no reservan mesas, porque no existen!!!
La dinámica consiste en decirle a Néstor –o a su hermano, hijo o sobrino, es como estar en casa-​, que les honras con tu presencia [insertar aquí el número de colegas que seáis]. Pedís algo para beber (hay Estrella Galicia) y salís a la puerta a tomarlo al aire libre, en una magnífica calle peatonal. Aunque parezca que no, los dueños no se olvidan de vosotros!
Hay mesas altas y ventanas con poyetes donde disfrutas de tu vermú mientras te avisan. Llegado el momento, Néstor te avisa de que tu hueco en la barra está listo.
La ensalada de tomate está exquisita y la recomiendo puesto que es un asador y así rebajas la sensación de empacho. Elijas la carne que elijas, te muestran dos piezas para que seas tú mismo el que te decantes por la que más te guste. Y a disfrutar!
Está en el centro, con un encanto particular lleno de «tascas» al más puro estilo donostiarra.
Si te portas bien, Néstor te invita al chupito digestivo!
Zorionak!

Un must para los que aman el chuletón! Un bar sencillo, de los de toda la vida, con un cuidado para la comida excepcional. Comimos chuletón, tomates y pimientos. Todo por arriba de los estándares!
Todo hecho con sencillez y sabores auténticos. Te hacen ver el chuletón, lo escoges, lo pesan y a la parrilla!
Una nota: abstengan-​se los que quieren comer sentados: en Nestor comes de pié, charlando entre amigos y llevandote a casa un recuerdo y unos sabores inolvidables.

One of the best steaks I’ve had in my lifetime…
Thanks to our new friend Agustin Ciriza, we discovered this wonderful place. It’s pretty simple: tomato salad, peppers and beef — no pintxos. .. and you have never had simple so flavorful…
Tomatoes are served with olive oil and salt. My wife is not a fan of whole tomatoes, but she was a fan of these: sweet and ripe, melt in your mouth goodness. The green peppers were served hot, with a pinch of salt and oil. .. we ate them like chips, they were so tasty. The highlight of the meal (understatement of the year) was the steak. We had been to two pinxtos bars prior, and didn’t think we had the ability to eat a steak. However, one look around and we knew it was going to be special. We asked for the smallest cut available, nicely marbeled and cooked medium. 30 mins later, and the guys brought out a perfectly grilled steak, just a hint of butter present, and oh-​so-​mouth-​watering. .. I can’t exaggerate, one of the best steaks I’ve had in my life. Throw in several glasses of Riojas wine. .. heaven.
Cheers!
RL

Un placer encontrar este sitio. Pocas cosas (pimientos, tomate, chuletas, ibéricos y tortillas) pero PERFECTAS

De primero tomate y de segundo txuleta!!! Impresionante, la nuestra era de 1,2 kg!!! Se te deshace en la boca!!!