Bar Néstor

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.

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.

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!

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.