San Sebastian isn’t just about pintxos and stunning coastal views; it’s also a top destination for cooking classes that bring you closer to authentic Basque cuisine. Whether you’re a total novice or a seasoned home chef, the city offers a variety of hands-on experiences. We especially love the Basque Cooking Experience (see details here) for its market tour and small-group intimacy — it’s perfect for those wanting to learn in a relaxed, friendly setting and take home recipes. The Michelin Star Secrets class (more here) appeals to serious food lovers eager to master haute cuisine techniques, while the Private Cooking Class (see more) offers tailored experiences for those seeking a personalized touch.
San Sebastian’s diverse culinary scene is reflected in the range of tours on offer — from lively Pintxos workshops to comprehensive market-to-table experiences and even private chef-led sessions. Below, we’ll walk you through each of these exceptional options.
1. Basque Cooking Experience: Market Tour & Hands-On Class English
This popular experience offers a perfect blend of market exploration and cooking. You’ll start your morning by visiting a local San Sebastian market, where you’ll meet vendors, learn about regional ingredients, and get tips on choosing the best produce. Afterward, you’ll head to a cozy kitchen to prepare a four-course meal, including a sweet treat for dessert. The class emphasizes step-by-step guidance, making it accessible for all skill levels.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to meet local farmers and fishmongers, creating a true community feel. You keep your apron as a souvenir and receive recipes afterward, so you can recreate these dishes at home. With a small group of up to 10, the class feels intimate and personal. The reviews emphasize how engaging the instructor is, with one noting, “Carlos was an excellent teacher and the food was delicious.” Priced at $149.81, it offers great value considering the quality and the included market experience. This class is ideal for food lovers who want a relaxed, hands-on introduction to Basque cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a well-rounded, immersive experience combining market insights and home cooking in a friendly setting.
2. Local Cooking Class in San Sebastian
For around $217.81, this local cooking class dives into the authentic flavors of Gipuzkoa and Bizkaia provinces. Led by a professional chef, the class lasts about five hours and offers an in-depth look at rustic seafood and vegetable dishes. It’s designed for travelers with a real passion for Spanish food, and the small group format allows for more personal interaction.
The highlight is mastering traditional recipes that reflect regional culinary traditions. Chef Patricio, praised for his knowledge and humor, guides you through each technique — from preparing seafood to rustic vegetable dishes. The class concludes with a communal lunch featuring the dishes you made, often paired with local wines. Reviewers describe the experience as feeling like being invited into a chef’s home, which makes it especially warm and engaging. At $217.81, it’s a longer, more thorough experience suited for serious foodies eager to learn authentic Basque cooking.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you want an immersive, hands-on experience that leaves you with authentic recipes and a full belly.
3. San Sebastian: Authentic Basque Cooking Class
This class offers a 2.5-hour hands-on cooking experience in a real restaurant kitchen, making it a fantastic option for those who want to see professional cooking in action. With a small group of just 10 people, you’ll learn to prepare five traditional Basque recipes, gaining insights into tips and tricks that improve your overall cooking skills.
Led by an expert chef and a knowledgeable guide, this class covers classic dishes, with an emphasis on authenticity and techniques. Guests rave about Chef Natalia, who keeps the atmosphere fun and inspiring. The class ends with a communal meal, so you get to enjoy everything you’ve created. It’s priced at $161.39, a reasonable cost considering the intimate setting and quality instruction. If you’re seeking a professional environment with a focus on authentic recipes, this is a top pick.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who prefer a structured, professional experience with a relaxed, small-group vibe.
4. Authentic Basque Cooking Class in San Sebastian Old Town
Situated in the charming Old Town, this cooking class blends culinary instruction with local culture. Over roughly 2.5 hours, you’ll learn to cook four iconic Basque dishes, with a focus on storytelling and cultural context. Led by local chefs Hector and Natalia, it’s a friendly, engaging way to dive into San Sebastian’s vibrant food scene.
What sets this class apart is its local guide who shares stories about San Sebastian’s history and culinary evolution while you cook. The class concludes with enjoying your meal paired with local cider and wine, making it a true taste of the region. Reviewers describe it as “the best class they’ve done,” thanks to the welcoming instructors and delicious food. Priced at $161.39, it’s an excellent value for a full meal and culture.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a lively, culturally rich cooking experience with authentic local flavors.
5. Basque cuisine cooking class
Focused on pintxos, San Sebastian’s famous small bites, this evening cooking class teaches you to prepare seven dishes, including pintxos, while pairing them with local wines like txakoli. For about 2 hours and 45 minutes, you’ll learn from a professional chef in a lively environment, finishing with a full dinner of your creations.
Priced at $154.29, it offers a good balance of hands-on cooking and tasting. Reviewers mention the chef’s experience and humor, describing the class as fun and educational. Since you get to enjoy everything you make, it’s an excellent choice for food lovers wanting a relaxed yet comprehensive evening of Basque cooking.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to learn to make pintxos and enjoy a lively dinner with local wine pairings.
6. Private Cooking Class
If you’re after a tailored experience, this private cooking class offers personalized attention from expert chefs. For around $802.47, you’ll spend about 3 hours exploring a wide range of Basque recipes — from coastal fish dishes to hearty mountain stews.
The main advantage is the flexibility to choose what you want to focus on, plus the intimate setting with just your group and the chef. It’s perfect for couples, groups, or families seeking a custom culinary adventure. Since the menu can be tailored, you could focus on seafood, pintxos, or traditional stews, making it a highly versatile option.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a fully customized, private experience tailored to their culinary interests.
7. Michelin Star Secrets Cooking Class in San Sebastian
This advanced class is designed for passionate cooks eager to learn haute cuisine techniques. Over about 5 hours, you’ll master cutting-edge skills like foaming, spherification, and modern plating in a small-group setting limited to 10.
Led by a professional chef, this class offers a behind-the-scenes look at what makes San Sebastian famous for its Michelin-starred restaurants. You’ll eat the dishes you prepare for lunch, making it a full-on culinary workshop. At $263.67, it’s more expensive but offers a rare opportunity to learn restaurant-level techniques from the best.
Bottom Line: Perfect for experienced cooks looking to push their skills into avant-garde territory and learn Michelin secrets.
8. San Sebastian: Basque Cuisine Cooking Class
This small group class focuses on traditional Basque dishes with an emphasis on regional flavors. With a maximum of 8 participants, it offers a more intimate experience and even private options. Led by knowledgeable guides like Fabio and Natalia, you’ll learn top recipes in a friendly atmosphere.
Participants highlight the instructor’s knowledge and the delicious dishes, like Cod with Pil Pil sauce and tortilla. The class lasts about 3 hours and costs $147, making it a good value for those wanting an authentic, hands-on experience with a personal touch.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a small, friendly class focused on traditional recipes with expert guidance.
9. Pintxos cooking class from the classics to modern pintxos
In this pintxos workshop, you’ll learn how to craft both traditional and modern pintxos in about 2.5 hours. The class is perfect for gastronomy enthusiasts wanting to master San Sebastian’s signature bites in a lively, local setting.
The instructor teaches how to make delicious dishes that you will then taste and take home. Priced at $139.63, it’s a quick, fun way to unlock the secrets behind Basque street food. Reviewers appreciate the approachable teaching style and the delicious results.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want to learn pintxos techniques in a short, energetic session.
10. San Sebastián: Market Tour and Basque Cooking Class English
This combined market and cooking tour takes about 3.5 hours and is ideal for those wanting a comprehensive local experience. You’ll explore a busy market at sunrise, meet vendors, learn about regional ingredients, and then cook a meal in a local school.
It’s perfect for foodies who want to understand the essence of Basque ingredients and how they’re used in traditional cooking. The reviews highlight the immersive nature and the chance to share stories while cooking. It’s excellent for those who want a deep dive into local flavors.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers wanting a full, authentic culinary immersion with market insights.
11. San Sebastián: Market Tour, Cooking Class, & Meal
This experience combines a market visit with a full cooking class and a cider house-style meal. Over about 3.5 hours, you’ll learn about seasonal ingredients, cook a complete Basque meal (including dishes like txuleta and Basque Burnt Cheesecake), and then enjoy your creation with drinks.
It’s perfect for those wanting an all-in-one experience that ends with a full meal and recipe sharing. The all-inclusive nature makes it great for travelers who want to maximize their culinary time and return home with not only new skills but also a genuine taste of Basque hospitality.
Bottom Line: Best for those who want a comprehensive, full-day culinary experience with local food and drinks.
How to Choose the Perfect Cooking Class in San Sebastian
Picking the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re after a quick, fun Pintxos workshop, the Pintxos class offers a lively introduction. For a deep dive into regional recipes and local culture, the Market Tour and Cooking Class or the Authentic Basque Cooking Class are excellent choices.
Serious cooks aiming to elevate their skills to a professional level should consider the Michelin Star Secrets. Those wanting a customizable experience should explore the Private Cooking Class.
Timing-wise, consider how much time you want to dedicate: shorter classes (2-3 hours) are great for a quick culinary fix, while longer sessions (up to 5 hours) provide a more in-depth experience. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred date.
The Sum Up
San Sebastian offers a wealth of culinary experiences tailor-made for all kinds of food lovers. Whether you’re eager to learn about traditional pintxos, master haute cuisine techniques, or simply enjoy a relaxed market tour with cooking, there’s a class for you. The Basque Cooking Experience hits a sweet spot for its approachable format and local immersion, while the Michelin Star Secrets is for the ambitious chef wanting to learn cutting-edge techniques.
Other excellent options include private sessions for customization or full-day courses for a comprehensive taste of Basque flavors. No matter your choice, booking early ensures you’ll experience the best classes the city has to offer. Happy cooking — and buen provecho!
