Best pintxos bars in Pamplona’s old town
Pamplona’s old town is the heart and soul of the city, a labyrinth of narrow streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant gastronomic scene that makes it a must-visit destination for food lovers. While the city is famous for the Running of the Bulls, it’s also a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life, particularly when it comes to food. Pintxos, the Basque Country’s answer to tapas, are small, flavorful bites that showcase the creativity and skill of Pamplona’s chefs. These culinary delights are often found in the bars lining the streets of the old town, and a pintxos crawl is one of the best ways to experience the city. As you wander through the cobbled streets, you’ll discover a variety of bars, each offering its own unique take on these miniature masterpieces. From classic combinations to modern interpretations, Pamplona’s pintxos bars are a testament to the region’s rich culinary heritage. This article will guide you through some of the best pintxos bars in Pamplona’s old town, where you can indulge in the flavors of the Basque Country while soaking up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Pintxos on Calle Estafeta
Calle Estafeta is one of the most famous streets in Pamplona, known for its role in the Running of the Bulls during the San Fermín festival. However, outside of festival season, it’s a vibrant hub for food lovers, lined with some of the best pintxos bars in the city. Start your pintxos journey at Bar Gaucho, a local favorite renowned for its creative and beautifully presented pintxos. Here, you’ll find a wide array of options, from traditional flavors to more avant-garde combinations that push the boundaries of Basque cuisine. Try their signature pintxo, a delicate foie gras served with a sweet berry sauce, a perfect example of the blend of flavors that Basque cuisine is known for. As you continue down Calle Estafeta, stop by Bar Mô, where modern design meets traditional flavors. The bar’s minimalist interior is a stark contrast to the explosion of flavors in its pintxos. Don’t miss their solomillo al foie, a succulent piece of beef tenderloin topped with foie gras, a luxurious bite that melts in your mouth. Another standout is the carpaccio de pulpo, thinly sliced octopus served with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of paprika, a dish that highlights the freshness of the seafood. Further along the street, you’ll find Bar Iruñazarra, a cozy spot with a warm atmosphere and a reputation for some of the best pintxos in Pamplona. Their menu features a mix of traditional and modern pintxos, with a focus on high-quality ingredients. One of their standout dishes is the bacalao ajoarriero, a traditional Basque dish made with salted cod, garlic, and peppers, served as a pintxo with a slice of bread. The balance of flavors in this dish is a testament to the skill of the chefs at Iruñazarra. Calle Estafeta is also home to Bar Chelsy, a popular spot for locals, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious pintxos. Here, you can try their gambas al ajillo, a classic Spanish dish of prawns cooked in garlic and olive oil, served as a pintxo. The simplicity of this dish allows the flavors of the fresh prawns to shine, making it a must-try for seafood lovers. As you explore Calle Estafeta, you’ll find that each bar has its own unique character and specialties, making it a perfect place to experience the diversity of Pamplona’s pintxos scene. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or modern interpretations, Calle Estafeta has something to offer every palate.
The Hidden Gems of Calle San Nicolás
Calle San Nicolás is another iconic street in Pamplona’s old town, known for its vibrant nightlife and bustling pintxos scene. This street is a treasure trove of culinary delights, with a mix of traditional pintxos bars and modern eateries that offer something for everyone. One of the hidden gems on Calle San Nicolás is Bar Otano, a historic establishment that has been serving pintxos since 1945. The bar’s rustic interior is a nod to its long history, but the pintxos are anything but old-fashioned. Otano is known for its innovative takes on classic flavors, like its pintxo of bacalao al pil-pil, a traditional Basque dish of cod cooked in a garlic and olive oil emulsion. The creamy sauce perfectly complements the flaky cod, making it a standout dish on their menu. Across the street, you’ll find Baserri Berri, a modern pintxos bar that has quickly gained a reputation for its avant-garde approach to Basque cuisine. The chefs here are constantly experimenting with new flavors and techniques, resulting in a menu that is both exciting and delicious. One of their most popular pintxos is the txalupa, a miniature boat-shaped pastry filled with a rich mixture of seafood and béchamel sauce. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is a testament to the creativity of the chefs at Baserri Berri. Another must-visit spot on Calle San Nicolás is Bar Gaucho II, a sister bar to the famous Bar Gaucho on Calle Estafeta. The menu here features a mix of classic and modern pintxos, with a focus on high-quality ingredients. One of their standout dishes is the foie a la plancha, a seared foie gras served with a sweet apple compote, a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. For a taste of traditional Basque flavors, head to Bar Casa Jesús Mari, a family-run bar that has been serving pintxos for over 50 years. The menu here is filled with classic pintxos, like the tortilla de patatas, a Spanish omelet made with potatoes and onions. This simple dish is a staple of Spanish cuisine, and the version at Casa Jesús Mari is one of the best in Pamplona. As you explore Calle San Nicolás, you’ll find that each bar has its own unique take on Basque cuisine, making it a perfect place to experience the diversity of Pamplona’s pintxos scene. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or modern interpretations, Calle San Nicolás has something to offer every palate.
Discovering Pintxos on Calle Comedias
Calle Comedias is a lesser-known street in Pamplona’s old town, but it’s home to some of the city’s best pintxos bars. This quiet street is a hidden gem for food lovers, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the bustling Calle Estafeta and Calle San Nicolás. One of the standout bars on Calle Comedias is Bar Loreto, a cozy spot known for its inventive pintxos and friendly atmosphere. The menu here features a mix of traditional and modern flavors, with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One of their most popular pintxos is the pulpo a la gallega, a Galician-style octopus served on a slice of bread with a sprinkle of paprika and a drizzle of olive oil. The tender octopus and smoky paprika create a perfect balance of flavors in this dish. Across the street, you’ll find Bar La Mandarra de la Ramos, a modern pintxos bar with a sleek interior and a menu that showcases the best of Basque cuisine. The chefs here are constantly experimenting with new flavors and techniques, resulting in a menu that is both exciting and delicious. One of their standout dishes is the solomillo de cerdo con foie, a pork tenderloin topped with foie gras and served with a sweet red wine reduction. The rich flavors of the foie gras and the tender pork create a luxurious bite that is sure to impress. Another must-visit spot on Calle Comedias is Bar Catachu, a small bar with a big reputation for its creative pintxos. The menu here changes frequently, but one of their most popular dishes is the bacalao con pimientos, a piece of salted cod served with roasted red peppers and a drizzle of olive oil. The combination of the salty cod and sweet peppers creates a perfect balance of flavors in this dish. For a taste of traditional Basque flavors, head to Bar Idoia, a family-run bar that has been serving pintxos for over 30 years. The menu here is filled with classic pintxos, like the croquetas de jamón, a Spanish croquette made with ham and béchamel sauce. The crispy exterior and creamy filling make these croquetas a must-try for any pintxos lover. As you explore Calle Comedias, you’ll find that each bar has its own unique take on Basque cuisine, making it a perfect place to experience the diversity of Pamplona’s pintxos scene. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or modern interpretations, Calle Comedias has something to offer every palate.
A Pintxos Lover’s Paradise on Calle de Zapatería
Calle de Zapatería is another must-visit street for pintxos lovers in Pamplona’s old town. This bustling street is home to a variety of bars, each offering its own unique take on Basque cuisine. One of the standout bars on Calle de Zapatería is Bar Bodegón Sarria, a historic establishment that has been serving pintxos since 1959. The bar’s rustic interior is a nod to its long history, but the pintxos are anything but old-fashioned. Bodegón Sarria is known for its innovative takes on classic flavors, like its pintxo of bacalao al ajoarriero, a traditional Basque dish of cod cooked with garlic and peppers. The bold flavors in this dish are a testament to the skill of the chefs at Bodegón Sarria. Across the street, you’ll find Bar La Viña, a modern pintxos bar that has quickly gained a reputation for its avant-garde approach to Basque cuisine. The chefs here are constantly experimenting with new flavors and techniques, resulting in a menu that is both exciting and delicious. One of their most popular pintxos is the txalupa, a miniature boat-shaped pastry filled with a rich mixture of seafood and béchamel sauce. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is a testament to the creativity of the chefs at La Viña. Another must-visit spot on Calle de Zapatería is Bar El Mentidero, a cozy spot with a warm atmosphere and a reputation for some of the best pintxos in Pamplona. The menu here features a mix of traditional and modern pintxos, with a focus on high-quality ingredients. One of their standout dishes is the solomillo al foie, a succulent piece of beef tenderloin topped with foie gras, a luxurious bite that melts in your mouth. As you explore Calle de Zapatería, you’ll find that each bar has its own unique character and specialties, making it a perfect place to experience the diversity of Pamplona’s pintxos scene. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or modern interpretations, Calle de Zapatería has something to offer every palate.
The Ultimate Pintxos Experience
Pamplona’s old town is a culinary paradise, with a pintxos bar on every corner offering a feast of flavors for food lovers. From the bustling streets of Calle Estafeta and Calle San Nicolás to the hidden gems of Calle Comedias and Calle de Zapatería, each bar has its own unique take on Basque cuisine, making it a perfect place to experience the diversity of the region’s culinary traditions. Whether you’re looking for traditional flavors or modern interpretations, Pamplona’s pintxos bars have something to offer every palate. With their focus on high-quality ingredients and creative combinations, these bars are a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Basque Country. So, grab a glass of Txakoli, the region’s famous white wine, and embark on a pintxos crawl through Pamplona’s old town. It’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
