
Juanito Kojua
A venerable institution in San Sebastian's old town, serving creative takes on traditional Basque seafood and grilled meats with decades of loyal patr...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Juanito Kojua

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A venerable institution in San Sebastian's old town, serving creative takes on traditional Basque seafood and grilled meats with decades of loyal patronage.
"Experience traditional Basque cuisine at its best in a warm, intimate atmosphere."
Weekday Lunch for Quiet
Visit on a weekday for lunch to enjoy a quieter dining experience with a more intimate atmosphere.
Pre-order Seasonal Delicacies
Consider pre-ordering seasonal delicacies like angulas (elvers) during winter months for a special treat.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Basque
Price
$$$
Phone
+34 943 42 01 80
Address
Portu Kalea, 14, 20003 Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain
Website
grupogarrancho.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Basque Seafood
Experience the authentic taste of Basque Country with their renowned fresh fish and shellfish, prepared using robust, traditional recipes.

Cozy & Intimate Atmosphere
Dine in a warm, rustic, and intimate setting, perfect for a quiet and pleasant meal, especially during weekday lunches.

Exceptional Seasonal Dishes
Savor unique seasonal offerings like white asparagus, mushrooms with egg, and angulas (elvers) when in season.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Weekday Lunch for Quiet
Visit on a weekday for lunch to enjoy a quieter dining experience with a more intimate atmosphere.
Pre-order Seasonal Delicacies
Consider pre-ordering seasonal delicacies like angulas (elvers) during winter months for a special treat.
Daily Menu Value
Opt for the daily menu to sample a variety of tasty starters and mains at a good value.
Pair Dessert with Port
Pair your dessert with a glass of port wine for a delightful combination, especially with their cheesecake.
Tips
from all over the internet
Weekday Lunch for Quiet
Visit on a weekday for lunch to enjoy a quieter dining experience with a more intimate atmosphere.
Pre-order Seasonal Delicacies
Consider pre-ordering seasonal delicacies like angulas (elvers) during winter months for a special treat.
Daily Menu Value
Opt for the daily menu to sample a variety of tasty starters and mains at a good value.
Pair Dessert with Port
Pair your dessert with a glass of port wine for a delightful combination, especially with their cheesecake.
Expect Quality, Higher Prices
Be prepared for higher prices, but expect top-notch quality ingredients and well-prepared dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Juanito Kojua is celebrated for its traditional Basque cuisine, particularly its fresh seafood and grilled meats, served in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. While many praise the quality of ingredients and preparation, some reviews note issues with food temperature or preparation inconsistencies. Service is generally friendly, though occasional language barriers exist. Despite not holding a Michelin star, it's considered a high-quality dining experience for those seeking authentic local flavors.
"Traditional, produce-focused, basque cuisine at its best at this venerable place in San Sebastian’s old part that has definitely passed the test of time. Traditional decor and ambiance complemented by friendly service. They were very accommodating and we were able to pre-order angulas (elvers) while in season (winter), which were perfectly cooked to highlight their texture and delicate flavours."
Antonio Sanchez
"Everything was perfect for us!
First, since we went on a weekday in February for lunch, right when they open, we practially had "private dining", which in this restaurant already creates such an amazing atmosphere.
Second, the service staff is well educated in their craft and gives just the right amount of attention to the guests. This adds to the experience of being comfortably pampered while enjoying some great food.
We took the daily menu, with croquettes and jambon with bean pods as a starter. This perfectly set the stage for some smooth-tasting mains -- the cod in vizcaina souce and the beef cheeks. Both cooked to perfection, in taste and texture.
To finish our meal we took the cheese cake and the sheep's milk "yogurt". Again just perfect.
What a great start into a sunny spring-like afternoon in San Sebastian."
Mario J Aigner
"A friendly and charming restaurant serving traditional dishes that are typical of the region. The cheese for dessert was lovely when paired with some port. And the Gilda tuna / anchovies was very special - a great spin on a classic."
Mez Pahlan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Juanito Kojua specializes in traditional Basque cuisine, with a focus on fresh seafood and grilled meats.
Despite its reputation for excellent food, Juanito Kojua does not currently hold any Michelin stars.
The restaurant offers a warm, rustic, and intimate atmosphere, ideal for a pleasant and quiet dining experience.
Yes, Juanito Kojua offers unique seasonal dishes like white asparagus, mushrooms with egg, and angulas (elvers) during winter.
Given its popularity and intimate setting, reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.
The restaurant is generally open for lunch and dinner, with hours typically from 1:00-3:30 PM and 8:00-11:00 PM.
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Featured in these publications
7 Places to Eat in San Sebastian, Spain
Most Spaniards would consider Juan Iturralde of Juanito Kojua (Puerto 14; tel. 34/94/342-01-80; www.juanitokojua.com) as the third pillar of San Sebastian's gastronomic culture. Though Michelin stardom has somehow escaped this snug seafood restaurant in Old Town, with its unpretentious 1950s-vintage pine-paneled decor, it's famous throughout Spain for the reliable excellence of its fresh fish and shellfish, prepared with robust Basque recipes.
Best San Sebastian Gastronomy - Basque Country Cuisine
The Restaurant Juanito Kojua is situated in the old part of San Sebastian and has been warmly decorated in a rustic style. Reportedly the oldest restaurant in San Sebastian it is undoubtedly one of the most consolidated gastronomic establishments in San Sebastian. It is efficiently managed by a family that over the years has earned a loyal and fixed client base.
10 Best Local Restaurants in San Sebastian - Where to Find San Sebastian’s Best Local Food?
Juanito Kojua is a renowned fine-dining seafood spot in the Old Quarter of San Sebastian. The restaurant started in 1947 as a modest meeting place for local fishermen. It has persisted – and improved – over the decades because it still serves the original dishes that made it famous: fresh fish and shellfish prepared in the traditional Basque style.
Best restaurants for a special dinner in San Sebastian
Monday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Friday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM
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