Amelia by Paulo Airaudo

"In terms of technical excellence and personality, this restaurant is constantly striving to be different, to challenge the palate of its guests, and to be the benchmark eatery on La Concha bay. Housed in the Villa Favorita hotel, this restaurant is presided over by chef Paulo Airaudo, who hails from Córdoba (Argentina). Here, he conjures up creative cuisine that stands out for its excellent fish and seafood, combining the essence of Basque culinary traditions with subtle Spanish, Italian and Asian influences. The decorative backdrop strikes an aesthetic balance between the classic and the modern, with three large tables and a bar where you can eat while watching the chefs at work – the latter also serve the dishes themselves. The single tasting menu with wine-pairing options (including champagne) and wines by the glass is based around premium ingredients from around the world. As a result, a strong international feel is evident in everything that happens here. We loved how they use every part of the lobster, and particularly enjoyed the combination of Banana/Mole/Rum. Before preparing each dish, the staff show guests the ingredients they will be working with." - Michelin Inspector

Friends of Eater Miami Share Their Best Restaurant Meal of 2023 | Eater Miami

"Dinner at Amelia in San Sebastián was fantastic — chef Paulo Airaudo’s cooking leans on excellent Basque Country ingredients with thoughtful Japanese and Italian influences (and a touch of Star Wars whimsy)." - Olee Fowler

Eat Like a Chef: Follow Zén's Tristin Farmer as He Dines His Way Through Spain

"Everything here radiated personality: the setting, the food, the young chefs, and Paulo’s infectious energy, which even comes through in the décor. Standouts for me were the barbecued lobster with miso and pumpkin and a dessert of banana, rum caramel, and caviar—trust me on this one." - Mikka Wee

The MICHELIN Guide Spain and Portugal 2022 a breakthrough for young talent in all four corners of the Iberian Peninsula

"In Donostia/San Sebastián, the Amelia by Paulo Airaudo restaurant earns two new MICHELIN Stars and is part of local gastronomic scene that is already particularly bright. Within this intimate restaurant with direct access onto La Concha beach, happy customers who are lucky enough to be seated at the counter or at one of the three tables that make up the dining room will appreciate the finesse and audacity of the cuisine from a chef who, through a particularly creative tasting menu, deftly marries Basque gastronomy to culinary influences with an Argentinian, Italian or even Japanese flavor." - Le Guide MICHELIN

Da Terra at Bethnal Green’s Town Hall Hotel Brings Michelin Star Basque East | Eater London

"Located in San Sebastián’s Romantica district, this restaurant champions seasonal and sustainable raw materials and the revaluation of forgotten products, pairing that approach with an exclusively organic and biodynamic wine list. The dining room is contemporary-industrial in style and the menu is intentionally ambiguous and seasonal, offered alongside a choice of three drinks pairings; its philosophy and restrained, produce-led cooking are often compared to Copenhagen spots such as Relae, Amass and 108, and to London peers like Lyle’s and Portland. The kitchen is led by a chef with experience at Heston Blumenthal’s three-Michelin-starred Fat Duck, and the restaurant won its first Michelin star in November 2017." - Adam Coghlan