Bar Nestor

From beginning to end, our experience here was amazing. I’m still trying to figure out how the flavor of the tomatoes and peppers could be so good with just olive oil and salt (I think)! And the steak is probably the best steak I’ve ever had in my life! Even my husband who rarely eats red meat loved it. Everyone who worked there was engaging and simply added to our experience.

I arrived at 6:20 and was about ~10th in line. I waited until they opened the shutters at 7pm and they started taking down our names. They asked us if we were having steak/tortilla as they run out at a certain amount. Instructed to come back at 7:45 for the meal. I was hesitant to wait but I went with my gut and the tortilla truly was 10/10. The steak also amazing! The only reason I gave it a 4/5 was due to the fact that it was very heavily salted but I think that’s a personal opinion. If you’re a solo traveller like me don’t be scared to order the steak - if you can’t finish they can give you a box to go. Tomatoes, glass of wine and a steak total came to 50€. Service was also great! The server had a ton of energy, was quick and very nice. Don’t expect a table as it’s all standing unless you made a reservation ~2 weeks in advance! Thanks for a great meal!

We’ve been four times over the years and love it. Consistently excellent. The tortilla IS exceptional if you’re prepared to wait around 1115-1200 to place your order. Otherwise you’ll not be disappointed by sumptuous plancha txuleta, padron peppers and lush tomatoes. Wines are great and the service is a delight. Genuine hospitality - they make you feel you’re at home for an hour or two.

Amazing meal, we can’t fault it - definitely worth the hype (and the queue!). We came for lunch. They open for lunch at 1pm - to get a table for that time, and a slice of the tortilla, you need to be in the queue at 12pm for them to take your name. We arrived at 11am. Once you've put your name down you can go off elsewhere so long as you are back for 12:45. The food was excellent! Tortilla, tomatoes in salt and oil, padron peppers and steak. Our bill came to €80 euros for 2 people including drinks - very good value!

Incredible food and hospitality. Well worth the wait in the queue, where you’ll be well looked after with plenty of drinks. Our bill came to less than 80 euros for steak, tomatoes, peppers, and a lot of wine! A must visit in San Sebastián.

So worth the wait. Got in line around 2 and was seated in about an hour or so. The server was a multitasking king and friendly at the same time. Tortilla was sold out unfortunately, however, every single item we ate was delicious. Will be back!

I read about the tortilla before coming and thought it would not be worth the wait. However, we had a free day and ended up queuing at 10:45 (line was full at 11:20), putting our name in at 12, and eating at 12:45. It was the best tortilla (omelette) that I've ever had in my life. Hate to say that it was worth the wait, but it was. If you can, try to snag a slice.

Worth the wait! The menu is small but they have mastered their specialties. The txuleta (steak)is amazing! Make sure to have the tomatoes and padrón peppers while waiting. So delicious. I regret we did not get to try their famous tortilla. They only make two per day, one in the morning and one for the evening. If you want to try this dish, prepare to be in line an hour before opening.

If you are looking for a comfortable and relaxed dining environment where you do not have to wait, this is not the place for you; but oh man, if you are looking for truly delicious food, then this place is where it is at. When we went, there were three courses: tomatoes, peppers, and beef. That was literally it. You could order drinks, but that was the extent of the additions. You also get to approve of your cut of beef. Some tips for you: (1) The tomatoes do not look ripe, because they are orange; but trust me when I say that ours were picked at the peak perfection of ripeness that you cannot ordinarily find in the US outside of a garden/farm-to-table restaurant. Yes, they were orange, but that was apparently just the type of tomatoes that they were. They tasted truly divine. (2) You will have to wait quite a while. We waited about an hour and a half. Yes, the experience is well worth the wait. (3) You will want to save at least half of the first two courses -- peppers and tomatoes, in our case -- to eat with the beef. Do not clear out the entire plate and wish that you had not when the beef eventually arrives. (4) There is a bar next to the restaurant, and you can get some tapas or Gildas if you are jonesing for something to eat and drink. Go with friends, and have them save your spot in line. This was, hands down, the best restaurant I went to in Spain: 10 out 10 and **completely** recommend.

Bar Nestor is widely popular for the Spanish Basque Tortilla de Patata. This amazing little place has been featured on television food shows and has plenty of YouTube followers. Nestor's specialty is in the unique way he prepares the tortilla de patata, which consists of seasoned potatoes, eggs, and caramelized onions. The torte is then inverted on a platter. It's similar to a quiche, but thicker, much more moist, and creamy on the inside. In order to eat here for lunch, we had to arrive by 10:00 am to sign up. I believe they only accommodate 30-40 people per meal service, so signing up in advance is a must. Once we were signed up, we went back at 11:15 am to wait in line to enter the small restaurant. The owner comes out about 11:30 and begins calling the names of those who are on the list. All others are turned away. Once seated inside, the doors are closed and the service begins. It's lively, fun and an experience of a lifetime. We were served the sliced tomatoes that are seasoned with olive oil, herbs and spices. Followed by a slice each of the long awaited and anticipated famous tortilla de patata! It did not disappoint. It was definitely the best one I had in Spain. Perfectly cooked, moist, flavorful, and creamy on the inside. We were then shown several cuts of xtuletas (t-bone steaks) to select from. After making our selection, it is seasoned, cooked and served on a sizzling hot iron plate. In Europe the steaks are served medium rare. I'm more of a medium person, but this steak was served on a piping cast iron plate, so I was able to cook a bit longer. I can honestly say that the steak was absolutely delicious! One of the best I've had! It was such a great experience dining at Bar Nestor. We were seated family style with people from London and Mexico, and had a great time eating, talking and enjoy our meal with a good glass of wine! Great food and great experience!

bar néstor was my favorite place in my one week spain trip! First off, the server managing the queue was extremely friendly and kind. It also helped that he was great at english to clear any confusions about how their waiting list works. We came twice - once in the afternoon for the steak and another around 11 to try the tortilla (they only make one a day). While the steak was great, the tomato salad was phenomenal. I've never been a fan of eating tomato's straight up, but the way these were seasoned made it slightly sweet and had a satisfying almost meaty chew to it. The fried peppers are also a great pungent accompaniment for the steak. Bar Néstor is a must try!!

Excellent meat! Loved the bell peppers and tomatoes with olive oil and salt. The kids love it too. They only have two tables and it is impossible to get a reservation. They are also famous for their "tortilla española" which huge lines wait in the morning to get a bite. Definitely recommend as a must stop in your stay in Donostia!

This was a very adorable place that we waited 1 hour to get in to stand at the bar- it was a happening - I heard o should order a gin and tonic and sure enough it was big and great- I loved watching the waiters at this animated bar, plus getting to know my neighbors as we waited in anticipation of all the hype. We got to chose the steak we want when the waiter brought out 2 raw ones to chose from- of course hubby picked the biggest one. Finally the steak came back out in a sizzling platter but still looked raw. I guess that's how Spaniards like their steak - way to red for me. But, when I'm Spain do what the Spaniards do- so I cut into it with excitement and put the first morsel in my mouth- very chewy and not as great as it looked.

the peppers were some of the best i've ever had! so good and so easy to down with some beer. as an arsenal fan, i also loved seeing the mikel arteta jersey so bonus points for that

Excellent food. Very small, lively restaurant -- one table, and everyone else standing to eat at the bar, with a line out on the street. They have only a few items -- we had tomatoes with olive oil, grilled red peppers, and steak. Everything was incredible. Good wine selection, and the gin & tonic was delicious.

I had heard all the hype about Bar Nestor: the best tortilla de patata, or potato omelette, in Donostia. So after three nights of trying unsuccessfully to get into this tiny place in the heart of this seaside city's historic old town, my wife and I got there an hour before the place opened and we got on our name on the list--one of 16 coveted spots that entitled us to enter the bar first and get a slice of the famed tortilla. We were not disappointed! The tortilla was amazing, freshly cooked in a style with the eggs soft and warm, which was out of this world! Then we were asked if we wanted the chuleta, or prime cut of T-bone steak. Of course, we said. Why not? We also ordered the tomatoes garnished in olive oil and salt and the Guernica green peppers sautéed in olive oil and covered with copious amounts of salt. We munched on these tasty entrees and washed them down with Basque sagardoa, or cider. Both dishes were fantastic. While enjoying these starters, we were entertained by the head bartender, who barked out orders to his underlings and enjoyed entertaining the diners with his theatrics and answering questions anyone had about the place. The chuleta came sizzling on a hot skillet, very rare, which I like. But my wife, who prefers her meat more cooked, was able to turn the pieces of steak around on the hot skillet and cook them some more. The entire experience was absolutely first rate! Make sure you get to this place 45 minutes to an hour early to get your name on the list, then when you come back they will call you in the order you are listed. As we enjoyed our meal, a crowd formed outside, all of them hoping to land a spot inside. I felt satisfied and lucky as I ate while the crowds peered inside. I went back a week later with my son, wife and niece. It was just as good, and we all were glad that we has come to this classic eatery.

Come for the food... stay for the food and service. The service is friendly and the food is simply delicious. The two highlights for me were the steak and the tomato salad. You get to choose your cut of steak and then they cook it to perfection. The tomatoes are the perfect compliment and the flakes of salt on both are chef's kiss.

If you consider yourself a 'Foodie,' San Sebastian, Spain should be a the top of your travel list. Filled with pinxtos (tapas) at every bar/restaurant you'll go too, there's one place that is a must-stop, and that is Bar Nestor. Each bar and restaurant in San Sebastian are each known for a signature item, one that they perfected. At Bar Nestor you have to go with the Steak, tomatoes + olive oil, and their tortilla (you have to reserve in advance, good luck!). Your server will bring out two cuts for you to choose from, main difference is size of the steak. It comes out rare, and is absolute meat heaven! The tomato is so simple: tomato, olive oil, sea salt. Not sure what they do, but it's the best damn tomatoes I've ever eaten! Every dish was sharable, which was perfect for the party of 2. I'd say each steak (txuleta) is good for 2-3 people, just depends on your appetite. Honestly, I'd eat one to myself, no shame. Seating is compact here, so large groups might want to break up in order to get seated quicker. It gets packed, so try to go either for lunch or right before the dinner rush. First try, I came an hour before closing, they told me getting a table wasn't gonna happen because of so many people on the list. Next day, I waited about 45 minutes for a table, and it was worth every second. Til this day, I dream about this meal! Thanks to my Dad who recommended this spot!

Nice little spot. Chuleta, Tomato salad, pimientos and tortilla de patatas if your early enough. Great food, a bit of a wait, so get there early. Friendly staff.

4.5 stars There aren't many restaurants in San Sebastian that specialize in just a few menu items. Usually it's the more the merrier, when it comes to selections of pintxos! But Bar Nestor stands out from the crowd for offering just a few exclusive items (the menu isn't even written down and is just given verbally). First, there's the tortilla, of which they make just one for each lunch/dinner service, and it's so popular that you have to put your name down in advance of opening just to get a slice! Shortly after it was brought out, the server portioned out the huge round tortilla and doled slices out on small plates--this omelette made with potato slices was super juicy, such that you had to mop up the runny filling with the piece of bread. Another plate that Bar Nestor specialized in (and that every single table ordered) was the tomatoes, which were sliced, doused in olive oil, and sprinkled with salt. Nothing crazy, but the flavor of the tomatoes was definitely on point. Then there were the fried green peppers, which were simply seasoned with salt, but were definitely on the greasy side. But the star of the show here was the txuleta, a massive, thick steak cooked rare, cut into perfect slices, seasoned with salt, and served on a sizzling plate. When dinner service started, the waiters simply brought around plates of the raw steaks for each table to select from, and the steaks were weighed before being brought back into the kitchen. The huge, thick steaks were cooked to perfection and remained so juicy with tons of meaty flavor. This is not something you have every day, but it makes for an amazing carnivorous treat. On top of the great food experience, the servers here were extremely hospitable and welcoming both to locals and visitors, and the luxurious steak came at an unbelievable value!

Bar Nestor is a must stop if you're in San Sebastian. It's hectic, but the txuleta is worth it. First - if you want the tortilla (good, but we found the best tortilla is at bar zabaleta), then head in 1 hour before they open and put your name on the list. Return back just before opening and wait for a spot. The line for txuleta is separate from that of the tortilla, so get your name on that list as well (and also order txakoli, peppers, and the tomato salad). While you wait for your steak, enjoy the simple but delicious peppers, tomato salad and bread. You're given two options for the steak - they're huge and can easily feed two. We opted for the ribeye, which was super fatty and rich, salty, and delicious. The steaks are cooked rare/medium rare, but you can sear it on the hot plate if you like it a bit more done. It's a tiny, hot space in there, but the steak is worth it (one of the best steaks of my life, and only $40).

Best steak I've had in my life ever. In fact every year for Valentine's Day my husband and I recreate the simple but divine meal we once had here. We've recommended this place to several friends that have visited San Sebastián and it's become a favorite of theirs as well.

One of the best steaks I've eaten at San Sebastián. Service was excellent and I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a great meal. Be ready for a long line as the place is popular.

For dinner service you wait outside for a table with some wine in hand, perhaps a crisp Txakolina. They sit you and present a platter of raw beef. You select the cut of meat that you want and decide whether you want the sliced tomatoes. They grill it. You eat and drink red wine and chat up the staff and patrons. Great service.

All jokes aside, I would spend the rest of my life savings to have the opportunity to dine here once a year. There are three food items on the menu: 1) Tomatoes 2) Spanish style pimientos de Padrón 3) Txuleta (rib eye of an older cow) There is a secret item on the menu: the tortilla. But there is a running waitlist immediately after the bar opens. They only make two a day (from my understanding) and you better get your name on that list as early as you can. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to eat this! Luckily, the portions were more than enough for two and so damn good. I have been converted to a diehard carnivore. The best part about it is that you get to choose your desired slab of rib eye!!!

Worth the wait! This spot is always busy because they're known for their steak, tomatoes and tortilla apparently. We sat by the window and while the guy tending our area forgot about us, the other server kindly gave us a plate of jamon and bread to compensate. You get to pick your steak at the beginning and then 15-ish minutes later, it comes out piping hot and medium rare, closer to rare because it'll continue to cook on the hot plate. Juicy and delicious with just the right amount of salt sprinkled. Highly recommend with a bottle of rioja to wash everything down!

Thought the pintxo was good, but after fours days of eating basically the same bar food, it wasn't that much different then the others we stopped at. The people at the bar where fun and all enjoying the wine and food. Service was nearly non existent. You just take what you like and pay afterwards.

This place was money! We went every day we were in San Sebastián. The menu is simple: Tomato salad Pardon Peppers Gilda Txuleta Iberico ham and cheeses Tortilla! A note on the tortilla, which is incredible! It's made with potatoes and onions and it is heavenly. They only make one a day. The first is cut at 13:00. You have to go in before they open and get your name on the list. Totally worth it! The Txuleta is delicious. Will be cooked rare plus and delicious. The tomato salad is a relief as most menus are meat heavy! I can not recommend this place highly enough. The employees are very nice and food is delicious.

Cyndy's Bottom Line: A very hospitable steak place Everything is simple and delicious! Very friendly genuine service...just like Hawaii. Tomatoes are delicious! Grilled peppers, tasty! Steak is flavorful and tasty delicious! Seasoned perfectly, sprinkled with salt! Mahalo for a wonderful experience!

Bar Nestor is primarily known for 4 things - their tortilla de patata, chuleta (steak), tomatoes and peppers. We tried 3 of those 4 items, and they were out of this world! This was the first pintxo bar that we went to when we first arrived in San Sebastián. I had read about it prior to our trip and knew that I had to go there for the chuleta (steak). The server comes out with two pieces of raw meat (small & large) and asks which one you want. 20 minutes later, it comes out to you on a sizzling hot platter with a little rock salt. It is heaven on earth! Another item we got was the tomatoes. It's basically tomatoes cut up and seasoned with rock salt and olive oil. Simple and good, but not out of this world. We were lucky enough to try the tortilla de patata even though we had missed the reservation window. Basically you need to put your name in for it before 8pm, as they only make 1 a night. Once it comes out, they slice it up and if your name is on the list, then you get a piece. I thought it was good, even though I'm not much of an omelette fan. The staff is very friendly, although I think the owner was friendlier to the locals than the tourists. The food more than made up for it though, so I'm giving this place 5 stars!

Just pure conceptual perfection. That say to pick one thing and do that thing well. Well, in the case of Bar Néstor, they are doing 4 things VERY well! If you've read any other reviews you'll know that they are famous for a few things: the egg pancake, steak, tomatoes and peppers. I was able to partake in all of these things last week (some of them twice) and everything was remarkably amazing! Ito and his crew work hard to get you prompt service and epic eats but, it's usually busy so be patient. The tomatoes might have been some of the best I've had along with the one pintxo they serve (olive, anchovy, peppers) but, the steak is pure insanity. 5-6 inches thick, it's presented to you so you can make a selection before it hits their flat top grill. Once served, it comes out sizzling on a cast iron pan so that if you want to cook your beef a bit more it's up to you. I can't really explain how delicious it is, just stare at my photos. So epic, so epic, so epic. I want to open something like this in the Bay Area. Sweet mother of Mary.

This was the best meal we had in San Sebastián. It was a really fun experience, especially since we had to get here early, and stand to eat our HUGE steak. It was cooked perfectly, and had tons of flavor. The tomatoes literally melt in your mouth. When they ask if you want it with peppers and tomatoes, you say yes (you will regret it if you don't get them)the tomatoes are amazing. We missed out on getting the Spanish tortilla because we didn't know you had to order it earlier on in the day, but we saw people with it and it looked amazing. So pro tip, order it earlier on in the day. This place has been around for years and I'm pretty sure the older guy behind the bar is the owner or the son of the owner. We looked at the walls and there's lots of news articles and sports stuff with him in it which was cool to see. We even came back the next night and ordered tomatoes from the window as an "appetizer" for the night. So if you can't get a spot inside standing, walk up to their window and order a cider and some Tomatoes! Or steak too. This is a must in San Sebastián.

Who stands in line at 1100 am for a eggs? Answer: anyone that knows it's the simplest things that are done well that are worth the weight. There's also a selfish joy eating your slice of tortilla heaven and hearing the disappointment of those that didn't know....you know it's true if you've been there! I don't know what's in those eggs, but it's magical. Same with the tomatoes and peppers--simple ingredients done well. The Txchuleta looked amazing, but this solo diner had overindulge the night before. I'll have to go back---What a great place to hang out for a few bites and drinks in San Sebastián. Loved it!!

We went to San Sebastián just to eat a steak from Nestor's. It was completely worth the trip!

it lives up to the hype. Steak is excellent. very casual and there Is no menu ...which makes it even more unique.

5.2017 Tortilla: Arrive 60 - 90 minutes before they open for lunch at 13:00 or dinner at 20:00. You can always arrive whenever you like but it is likely the 1 tortilla per lunch / dinner will spoken for. When one of the BN gentleman arrive or if they are already there - let them know you're interested in the tortilla. He'll take your name and share one rule. Return at the applicable time 13:00 / 20:00 & not to be late. Side note: One of most amusing and entertaining things in all of Spain is witnessing the Gentleman call out the names when tortilla is ready. Txuleta (beef steak): One rule, try another reputable Txuleta place to better appreciate and understand the regions beef. Don't eat Txuleta only at BN and chirp how it's the best when you have never tried elsewhere. I had Txuleta first at Gandarias and second at Bar Nestor. The Perfect San Sebastián dinner: If you're in SB for other meals, explore the various Pinxtos (pronounced Peen CHoes) but the perfect dinner as described is more satisfying than any 3 Michelin Star meal I had on this trip. Appetizers/Small Bites: 1. Barnacles at Bernardo Etxea and/or 2. Black Rabas  (Fried Squid Ink) at A Fuego Negro. 3. Tortilla, Tomato Salad, Peppers at Bar Nestor. Main Course: Txuleta (comes with perfect Frites and bread) & 1 glass of local Spanish Tinto/Roja/Red wine at Gandarias. Dessert: Fried Milk at La Cepa then Cheesecake next door at La Vina. *All locations are within a 5 minute walk of each other.

Amazing meal. 4 simple menu items (and we only had 3 of them). Tortilla Tomatoes Steak We walked in 30 minutes before their dinner seating and were lucky enough to grab a tortilla reservation. Yes, you want this. Maybe 2 or 4. Then we proceeded to kill time by drinking until the tortilla arrived. That was amazing. Maybe a top 3 item of the Spain vacay. The tomatoes were next and just as good. Eyes roll back in head as something so simple is so delicious. (We passed on the Peppers but regretted it.) Finally giant slabs of beef come out and you claim the one you want them it comes out in all it's glorious medium rareness. If you ever visit. Come here. This meal plus 4 drinks was 50 euro. That's an insane bargain. Just don't come tomorrow as we may try to go again.

Deep in the tourist laden cacophony of the historic district this small (4 tables, and a bar) steakhouse serves up more than just beef.....it serves up an experience. Bar Nestor is everything that most of the other reviewers mentioned, big portions of meat, limited menu and snug atmosphere. We had no idea what to expect as we had not read any reviews of this place. We came here because the owner of our pension said it was his favorite place (plus La Cuchara) in the old town. We found a place at the bar and were asked what we wanted to drink. We told them. Then they asked us if we wanted meat. Not often we get asked that question in such an abrupt way in a restaurant. We shrugged our shoulders and said yes (Its often quite advisable when traveling to just go with the flow.) They then asked if we wanted tomatoes. We said yes. They then asked if we wanted peppers. We said yes. Thant seem to satisfy them. A few minutes later a guy from the kitchen came out with two dinosaur-sized steaks and asked us which one we wanted. We opted for the stegosaurus and left the brontosaurus for someone else. Soon our single serving plate of tomatoes (which would feed three) arrived followed by a plate of sizzling grilled peppers (we could have made a meal out of those alone). Then 20 minutes later a sizzling platter of monster meat arrived sliced and ready to be devoured. We shared out steak with two other travelers from England and still didn't finish it. The steak itself was not the most tender but, it was prepared excellently. Over and above the food served here, Bar Nestor provides the experience that will live in our memory far beyond most other establishments we have sampled. It is common for us to forget or need to remind ourselves of certain places as most meld into each other as we travel along. Bar Nestor is not one of those. We will be back. PS If they are full they also serve steak from their walk up window. If you don't mind eating standing up in the street.

That steak - wow. Be ready to pick your piece of meat, they will give you a few options. It comes out steaming hot, still cooking. Absolutely one of the best pieces of steak I've ever had, for sure the biggest. Oh yeah, we also had the tomatoes. Loved those! Big plate, super simple - tomatoes, olive oil and salt. We came hungry, left stuffed and thoroughly satisfied.

Wish I had done some research in advance! Went at the recommendation of a tour guide not realizing that they serve huge ass steaks vs a tapas. We also did not realize that when you give your name you are just doing so to get on a list for a standing spot at the bar. You don't actually order until they have space, even though when we gave our name we said what we wanted for food as well. Only reason I gave 4 stars is because they did not explain that we had to wait to order and that it would be a long wait, 90+ min, but with all the business they get I'm guessing they can do as they please. On to the food... the tomatoes are awesome! I'm not a huge tomato fan but they were delicious, soaked in olive oil and sea salt. We also shared the steak. It was the rarest piece of meat I have ever had, but we learned if you flip the pieces over on the hot skillet they serve it on that it will cook more. For 2 of us, 4 drinks, tomatoes and steak were about 45 euros. Glad we went and would recommend the spot, but have a game plan and go hungry!

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

We were able to put our name down to reserve a steak in the late afternoon and came in for a late dinner (which was good because we had to digest from our pintxo tour). The tomatoes were great, but might have been more interested in the padron peppers. Come here with an appetite or a lot of friends because all the steaks are at least 2 inches thick. This was one of the nest steak I've ever had. Each medium-rare slice is perfectly accented by the rock salt and you are able to cook it to your desired doneness using the searing hot plate. The people were working there are a lot of fun and are very hospitable to tourists.

I have read several of the reviews, and am sad to see that some people had 1-star experiences here. San Sebastián/Donastia is reknown for it's (Basque) cuisine. It apparently has the most Michelin stars per capita in the world, second only to Kyoto, Japan. So it was extremely hard for us to decided where we would eat in our very limited time in the area. I forget if it was the Yelp or TA app that tipped us off to Nestor, but we bookmarked it and decided to check it out. The first night we hadn't planned the day out too well and by the time we went to get food, we were already starving. We couldn't wait the xx minutes for standing room at Nestor. Fortunately Bar Zeruko was across the street and offered seating right away. First of all, this place is wildly popular. It is very clear if you just google reviews. As with any popular (or good) restaurant, you should expect to have to wait. It's just how it goes. Be prepared and get here a little before feeding time. Also, they are classified as a tapas bar and steakhouse but they are really neither (at least not the standard definition of them). They only serve a limited menu of a handful of items. But they are a delicious handful of items. Our second time back, we were well prepared. We went about an hour before we would really be hungry, expecting a 30m-1h wait time. We were told 40 minutes, so they offered us some wine while we waited. It was hot, so we stepped outside and just people watched (ok we were definitely drooling over other people's meals- but we couldn't help it). We were actually given space much earlier than expected- I think we only waited about 20 minutes. And even better, I feel like we had the best table space in the house- the window space next to the bar. The counter is a bit high for someone like me (5'0"), but I managed. I had a great view of the bar and all they business going on- it was very entertaining. We also didn't have to deal with being crowded on either side, and the staff was very attentive. I want to add that the staff was super nice- they assumed we were tourists because, well to be honest, we look like tourists (Asian girl + SUPER pale white guy - this is a beach/surf town after all). They explained the food to us, even though we had done our research. They also recommended more wine, because who doesn't love wine? We knew we had unfortunately missed out on the tortillas but that was totally ok. We chose a cut of steak the size of my head, along with the padrón peppers and the tomato salad that everyone raves about. Again, we did our homework and knew that they would not ask us how we wanted the meat cooked. That also turned out to be fine- our steak was seasoned and cooked perfectly. Normally, neither of us like ordering steak because we are very picky. Coming from NYC where steak is everywhere, we are both turned off by the over buttered, over seasoned cuts that have taken over the city. Nestor's steak however, was a great cut, cooked medium, with a great consistency and flavor. The peppers were a nice starter and I loved it, but the tomato salad really got us excited (we clearly love food too much). In fact, we still talk about this steak and tomato salad that we had almost 4 months ago today. They season and cook their food in such simple ways, and it really comes out tasting fresh. We made sure to save room for the spiked, layered coffee for dessert- don't miss this, you won't regret it!

The wait!!! The wait was brutal!! Spent almost a week in San Sebastián! Ate everything!! While waiting to taste the streak from here!! And it was just that! The menu has 4 things but lucky me: only got streak!!! They ran out!?!!?!! Eeek! First off: it's across from m favorite cheesecake /tapas bar so I didn't mind waiting but the wait was just that. Brutal!! And the steak!! Worth a wait and then some! Except this was my 5th spot: would've been much tastier if i was starving!! Still cost a fraction of what I spent for my meals in Arzak and Mugaritz!! Worlds #9, #21 best! And the energy! The place is amazing!! I made return visits to every other tapas bar but this one! Always a wait! And worth it! Next time I'm coming here first!!

I know, I know. You think all these raving reviews can't be true right? I arrived at Nestor thinking it couldn't possible be as great as everyone claimed but was pleasantly surprised. Seriously one of our best meals in San Sebastian. Yes, the food is amazing. Get there earlier in the day to get your name on the list for tortilla or arrive just as they open and play the tortilla lottery. We risked not having a piece "reserved" but thankfully got the very last piece to share. It was delicious, but if we hadn't got a piece we still would have loved our night here. Eat the peppers, and the tomato. Order a bottle of wine and point at your favorite monster-sized piece of meat. You can request a smaller piece but it will still be in the vicinity of 800gm and you'll have meat sweats (mmmm sweet delicious meat sweats) all night long. Yes the food is great but what really makes Nestor special is the way the team welcomes tourists as well as locals. They didn't make us feel like idiots for not knowing what the deal was, and they were super focussed on making sure that we were having a great time the entire time. It's super jammed and popular and yet they didn't rush us, which we experienced at other venues across Spain. Five stars and a "must do" endorsement from me.

One of my favorite meals during my stay in San Sebastián. They only had 5 items for lunch and we tried 4 of the 5, all were amazing. Their tortillas (omelette) sell out fast, our friends lined up around noon to make sure we each got slices. The inside is small, so it can be difficult to coordinate for a large group but we got lucky finding space on the bar. We started with the tortilla and it was so light and fluffy, with potatoes and onions inside. I can't believe how much I enjoyed it, and I hate onions!! My only comment is that I would have liked a little pepper to enhance the flavor. Next up was the plate of tomatoes; my initial reaction upon seeing this plate was "it's just a literal plate of tomatoes?!" But oh my gosh, it was one of my favorite things here, and I'm not a huge tomato fan! They're basically cut up tomatoes in olive oil and salted, the flavor was so good and it paired so well on top of the bread! Just writing this makes me want more. The peppers were also good, seasoned with salt, they were a little too salty for me but still good. Lastly, we got the steak. It was cooked a little less than medium rare, but delicious. Also only seasoned with some salt. This place truly shows you the power of simplicity, and I like how they only have a few options but execute each one so well.

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.

I'm glad we ended up here for lunch before going anywhere else because by the time you've eaten a giant plate of tomatoes, giant plate of pimientos de padron and a giant giant steak you won't be hungry and will be ready for a nap (especially if like me you're a bit hungover and got some serious sweats about halfway through the meal, which you will probably eat standing up due to the small size of the place). All of it is mind-blowingly good and don't worry if you don't like the look of the bloody steak when it arrives - the plate is so hot you can cook it further to your liking. Definitely now one of my absolute favourite - maybe even the favourite? - places in San Sebastian and I won't miss it on a return trip. Genuinely doesn't get better than the taste of this amazingly high quality ingredients.

Steak, fried peppers, and a refreshing tomato salad! If you come for lunchthis is a very heavy lunch even for sharing. I believe they only serve these three items plus drinks, so if you do not like steakyou are out of luck. They bring out a few giant slabs of meat and let you pick the one you want before they grill it. The meat comes out steaming hot and incredibly juicy.

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!

Our time at Nestor was a bit of a roller coaster. Our party of four arrived at 6:30 to put our name down for the famous tortilla and we were 16th, meaning we JUST missed getting one of the 15 slices. Disappointed, we decided to persevere for some steak, and as the only people there, we snagged a table outside. My friend had a broken foot at the time and was on crutches/unable to stand, so we dragged a chair from inside out for her, and set up shop with some wine while we waited for the restaurant to open! It quickly became insanely crowded, with soo many people jostling to get space and greedily eyeing our table. We held our own- no small feat- and were told that the steak would be out shortly. 45 minutes later, we had not received any food, but the owner had come out and told us that we weren't allowed to have a chair outside. In spite of our protests and our friend blatantly being unable to stand on her own, he insisted on taking the chair away (but wouldn't help us find a table inside) - forcing her to sit on the dirty ground! We were a bit livid at this point because nothing seemed to be going our way, and we began to doubt whether any steak could really be worth all this trouble. But suddenly, the food gods smiled down on us. In quick succession we were brought our tomato salad, the blistered peppers, AND a slice of the famous tortilla, a gift from the owner because he felt badly about how my friend was treated. The food was simple but so tasty, with everything perfectly seasoned. When the steak arrived it was grisly and massive and tasted great. It wasn't the best steak I've ever had, but overall it was a good meal at a very reasonable price. However, be prepared for significant wait and hassle and don't expect them to be very accommodating to disabled people.

My experience here was awful; one of the worst experiences I've ever had at a restaurant. First, I showed up early, as everyone suggests, to reserve some tortilla for lunch. Upon arrival, I was barked at that they were closed. Very politely, I let the gentlemen know I simply wanted to reserve tortilla for when they do open. Begrudgingly, one of the gentleman took down my name and told me to come back at a very specific time. I came back ten minutes before the time I was told, and they were already handing out the tortilla pieces and there was no room to stand anywhere in the restaurant. I got someone's attention and gave them my name for the tortilla that my wife and I reserved. They pretending to have no clue what I was talking about, then claimed that I wasn't on the list. I pointed out the man that wrote our names down, who was then questioned by the head guy behind the bar. The man said he didn't remember taking my name down, nor remembered seeing me (just 45 minutes prior, mind you). I then became pushy, because clearly neither my wife nor I seemed like we would be receiving this coveted tortilla. Finally the guy pulled out the list, and there was my name, crossed off. Cool. Reluctantly, they gave us one piece, which had somehow gone unclaimed. Anyway, we finally ate this thing, and its just eggs w/ some onions. In essence it was an under-seasoned quiche. I don't get the hype, and I am not saying that due to the way we were treated. I wanted to stay and order steak, but the place was such a giant clusterf*ck, it simply wasn't going to work. Extremely disappointed.

Completely content after my dinner here. Vino rosado from Navarra, pan, ensalada de tomate, y chuleta. The tomato salad is simply sliced tomatoes with olive oil and salt but is so delicious. But then you get the steak, which comes out sizzling on a tray and is cooked to order - we even chose our chop before they cooked it. It was a bit underdone for my taste, but the tray is still so piping hot that you can cook your meat a bit more by just letting it sit for a moment. Everything tasted amazing, and 65€ for four people is a great deal for the quality. A must-visit in San Sebastián!

Stopping here for dinner is a must (they do not serve steak during lunch hours). The entire experience, from choosing our cut of beef, to devouring the entire slab, was phenomenal. Yelp says the venue opens at 7pm. Be prepared to wait but it's totally worth it. You won't get your meat until about 8:15ish if you get there right when the venue opens, which I completely recommend. If you don't, you will be part of the line waiting in or outside as the venue is small and cannot accommodate very many. This is probably not the best place for bigger parties. When you get in, standing at the bar is also recommended. Then you can easily order a drink and the staff are really good about making note of who came in before the other and serving guests in a timely manner. The tomatoes and peppers are a nice side and aren't too filling so you'll have plenty of belly room when the meat is served. Our steak was top notch and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. If we had more days in San Sebastián, I would eat here again because it was that good. Enjoy!!

Bar Nestor serves only three dishes: tomatoes with olive oil and sea salt, peppers with olive oil and sea salt, and steak with sea salt. Each was amazing and can be well paired with good wine upon request! Nestor and his entire staff are incredibly friendly -- if you're friendly to them -- and generous with their time despite a busy and hectic environment. We loved Bar Nestor and very sad to hear it will only be open one more year after being around since 1980 (although we are happy for Nestor as he is very much looking forward to retirement).

Waited an hour before noon in the rain to try to reserve a piece of the highly coveted tortilla. Unfortunately they ran out. There were two pieces that were unclaimed after, and Nestor himself was handing me one. But then a tortilla thief grabbed both and stole mine. Very disappointed that I wasn't able to try it Went ahead and ordered the tomato salad, roasted peppers and they were delicious. Steak was perfectly cooked rare, and had an amazing crust. Would definitely recommend, it was the best steak I've ever had. Watch out for tortilla thiefs, if you see this guy or his wife watch your food.

The dudes are quite funny and the food is on point. I miss the place already. Just get everything and don't be shy.