San Sebastián Private Food-Historical tour & meal at a Gastronomy Club
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the charms of San Sebastian, including a private meal in a famous Sociedad Gastrónomica (men's cooking club), during this 4-hour private tour of Spain's culinary capital. This all-inclusive experience includes hotel pickup/drop-off, climate-controlled private transport and a local guide just for your group.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
What To Expect
You are welcome to enjoy the private guided tour along the Old town of San Sebastian and includind as something unique, a meal at a «sociedad» or men’s private cooking club. This tour includes a nice walking tour in the morning, showing and buying seasonal products in the local market gathering with local people. After I’ll cook them for you, while we drink «Txakoli» white local wine, Rioja red wines or cider. Exclusive and unique chance to feel the experience of being in a private cooking club gathering locals. Taste some typical basque fresh and seasonal food, I’ll show you how to cook it too!!(Note: Main rule of the cooking club, following the history of why those clubs were founded, men are only allowed to cook and to access to the kitchen, women can watch , be served and of course enjoy the experience, but Not to Work!!)
Sample Menu
starter
Basque traditonal starters
main
Basque style courses, fish or meat.
dessert
Basque Cake
Options
San Sebastián Private Food-Historical tour & meal at a Gastronomy Club
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Wines, beers, soft drinks
Private cook
All taxes, fees, and handling charges
All the food is included
Professional, personal ,and private local guide
Lunch or dinner
Private tour just for your group
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great pinxtos tour for persons with limited mobility!
SiduriFan,May 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sandra gave us an excellent tour! My wife is loosing her vision and just experienced a recurrence of a condition that limits her walking speed and stamina. It took extra time as menus and historical signs needed to be read to my wife. Sandra was very gracious and patien. After a focused historical overview, she provided an appropriate and memorable tour of churches and the world’s best pinxtos (and Basque cheesecake!). Sandra was clearly well-connected with the local proprietors and managed to get us into the obviously popular spots plus an undiscovered gem. Very satisfied customers.
Unique experience
Gerald S,May 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iker is an excellent guide. Ben is an excellent chef. Both were very engaging. Visiting a private gastronomy club is a unique experience.
The Highlight of Our Trip
M6212JTsarahn,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Not to sound overly effusive, but this was genuinely one of the best tours — and honestly one of the best travel experiences — I’ve ever had. This was our second trip to San Sebastián, and somehow this experience completely blew our first visit out of the water. If you think you’ve “done” San Sebastián because you’ve eaten pintxos and dined at great restaurants, think again. This is something entirely different — and unforgettable. From the moment we met Iker, we knew we were in exceptional hands. Even just walking through Old Town on the way to the gastronomic society, we learned so much — about Basque history, culture, and daily life — yet it never felt like a formal tour. It felt like chatting with a brilliant friend who just happens to know everyone and everything. And then the gastronomic society experience itself… wow. The food was extraordinary — fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared beautifully — but what made it special was being behind the scenes. Watching dishes come together, peeking into the kitchen, picking up techniques we can actually use at home, all while sharing stories, laughter, wine, and cider — it felt intimate and authentic in a way restaurants simply can’t replicate. It truly felt like being welcomed into a private world most visitors never get to see. My only disappointment? That we didn’t do this on our first trip so we could have booked it again this time. We’ve already told every friend planning a visit to San Sebastián that this is a must — not optional, not “if you have time.” A must. If you’re considering it, book it. You won’t regret it.
One of the best meals I’ve had and a brilliant tour company
Harriet K,Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked two tours with Basque Guides for my partner and his two parents who are in their 70/80s - 1) Private Pinxto Tour with Noemí 2) Private market tour and Club de Gastronomía. Having read all the reviews of the Club de Gastronomía and seeing how everyone said it was ‘not to be missed’ I thought it was worth booking. And then given San Sebastián is the heart of Pinxtos I also booked that tour (private so we could make the agenda bespoke with my parents in law who wouldn’t have been able to stand on their feet the whole time). I have to say, hands down, these are two of the best tours I’ve taken in a long time. Noemi was SUCH a character and Iker (who owns the company) organised such a great tour of 5 different pinxtos bars all whilst taking in to account my gluten intolerance and my parents in law requirements with the walking / standing. He even booked us tables at the bars which normally you can’t do. I’m so glad we did that on one of our first nights as it gave us a really quick overview of the Basque culture as well as the key bars to visit. Saving us looking like lemons, not knowing what to order and probably going to all the wrong places! Then came a Saturday lunch at the private gastronomy club with Chef Ben. WOWEE. What an experience. One of the best meals I’ve had in a long time and Ben elegantly designed a menu around my intolerance which honestly felt like I wasn’t missing out. The desert was insanely good! We got to go to the market before and buy some jamon and olive oil which was great. And to be able to see a little insight in to these private clubs was incredible. I think Basque Guides are the only company to offer such an experience and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending them. We literally rolled out of the club with a belly full of good and delicious wine. I can’t fault it at all. But even after the experience Iker kindly gave me and my family some tips of where to watch the Bandera de la Concha boat race the next day as well as some restaurant and bar recommendations. Seriously, book now, you won’t regret it and it’s well worth the price!
Extraordinary experience
facundon,Jul 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extraordinary experience eating in a gastronomic society. Something that no one who visits Saint Sebastian should be deprived of. The deal and compliance of Iker amazing!
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Culinary Experience in San Sebastián’s Hidden World
Melissa B,Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00If you’re looking for something truly special in San Sebastián—beyond the excellent pintxos and postcard-perfect beaches—I suggest you book this experience ASAP! From the moment we met our guide, Iker, we knew we were in expert hands. Passionate, personable, and incredibly well-connected, he didn’t just lead us through the city & markets —he opened doors we didn’t even know existed. We explored the charming Old Town, learned about Basque history and traditions, and stopped at many historic spots along the way. However, the real highlight came when we were invited into a private gastronomical society—a privilege typically reserved for local members only. Walking through the doors felt like being let in on a secret. The atmosphere was intimate and warm, the kind of place where generations of locals come together to cook, eat, and share stories. Iker explained the deep-rooted tradition of these societies and how they’ve shaped the culinary identity of the region. And then—the food. We watched, talked and drank as Iker and Chef Ben prepared a multi-course meal right in front of us using market-fresh ingredients and time-honored techniques. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared and beautifully explained. We were sipping local wines, asking questions, and laughing as though we were with old friends —all while feeling like part of something timeless and truly local. What made this experience unforgettable wasn’t just the food (which was, to be clear, extraordinary), but the authenticity of it all. There was no script, no tourist gimmick—just good people sharing good food in a space filled with pride, tradition, and joy. This isn’t just a dinner. It’s an invitation into San Sebastián’s soul.
A definite must-do!!!
stelhunt,Apr 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Iker is beyond amazing at what he does and an all around wonderful human being. He is so knowledgeable about every single detail of the areas and the history, and kept us all completely engaged for hours! Our children (9 and 11) learned so much and it was an invaluable part of our trip- they will never forget this experience and neither will we! We learned all about the Basque culture and he shared a lot about his personal experiences growing up and living in San Sebastián. We had incredible pinxtos and explored the beautiful town. We cannot wait to do more tours with him when we come back. This is a must do if you are visiting!!
Best experience in San Sebastián
347joellek,Mar 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved every second of this experience. Ben was very fun. I have been to San Sebastián many times but this is the first time at a Sociedad Gastronomika. It was very special to be part of this Basque tradition. Thank you for helping us make some special memories.
Perfect!
952JulieP,Mar 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was a special experience for our family. We enjoyed our guide’s professional/ friendly/vibrant tour through San Sebastián and its market. At the gastronomy club we watched our chef prepare a superb multi-course lunch. We learned about regional wines and they were a great complement to the meal. Exactly the right length and pace. Worth every euro. Eskerrik asko to Iker and Ben. We hope to meet again.
Wonderful dinner in San Sebastian...not to miss!
Connector42037969003,Jan 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely loved this experience! It was so much fun to go to the market to shop for fresh ingredients and then go to the gastronomy club for an incredible dinner. We learned so much about Basque culture, recipes, wines and dessert too! Our chef Ben and our guide Iker made the evening so special and we were made to feel very much at home in gorgeous San Sebastian. We aboslutely recommend this experience when you visit San Sebastian. Thank-you so much Basque Guides!
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Operated by Basque Guides