El Bar by Paulo Airaudo: the bar at the Villa Favorita Hotel stands out as one of the top bars in the Basque Country
El Bar by Paulo Airaudo: the bar at the Villa Favorita Hotel stands out as one of the top bars in the Basque Country
The adults-only Villa Favorita boutique hotel in San Sebastián has set itself apart since its opening thanks to the exquisite decoration of its 23 rooms and suites, its views of La Concha Bay, and its personalized concierge service. The establishment’s food and wine options stand out, materializing in the Amelia Restaurant –which has two Michelin stars– and in El Bar by Paulo Airaudo – undoubtedly one of the top bars of the Basque Country.
Featuring an elegant interior designed by Rafael Sitges and an outdoor terrace with sea views, Villa Favorita’s El Bar by Paulo Airaudo is a must in San Sebastián at any time of day. Mornings begin with a supreme breakfast with eggs (Benedict, scrambled, fried; served with salmon or Iberian ham) from happy hens, toast made with traditional freshly baked bread, plain yogurt with homemade granola, and traditional puff pastries and cakes. All of this is washed down with a Kir Royal, a Bellini Royale, or an Ernest Remy Grand Cru champagne.
At lunchtime and in the evening, Chef Paulo Airaudo offers dazzling daily specials made with seasonal ingredients fresh from the market. Vitello tonnato with fried capers, squid in its ink, spiny lobster medley, rice with seafood, and monkfish in parsley sauce with razor clams and Padrón pepper are just a few of the creations that diners may try. And we must not forget the desserts, with delicacies such as orange crème brûlée and roasted figs.
The bar also has a menu that includes pintxos, snacks to share, platters, and sweets: special Daniel Sorlut oysters, traditional spiny lobster and Wagyu empanada, Italian buffalo burrata with seasonal tomato confit and basil, and the famous cheesecake.
To accompany these dishes, El Bar by Paulo Airaudo boasts a wine list with 850 leading labels: champagnes, sakés, orange wines, white wines, red wines, and fortified and sweet wines. Domaine Bizot “Cuvée 3+1” 2018, François Carillon Chassagne-Montrachet 1er Cru Les Macherelles 2020, Valcuerna Relevo La Lámpara 2013, Méo-Camuzet 1er Cru Aux Boudots 2020, Elio Grasso Gavarini Chiniera 2017, and Vega Sicilia Único Reserva Especial 2014 are just some of the essential wines available.
In the afternoon, cocktails take center stage, with classic recipes such as the Negroni, Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned, Americano, Dry Martini, and Manhattan, as well as outstanding house creations like La Favorita (with Campari, cranberry, lime, orange, and egg white). The drinks menu is truly extensive and surprising, featuring a wide range of gins, vermouths, craft beers, whiskeys, mezcals, and high-quality Armagnacs, all of which pair perfectly with the impeccable service offered by the bar.
Villa Favorita
Calle Zubieta 26, San Sebastián.
Tel.: +34 843 931 111
