Gran Sol

Pintxos on Calle San Pedro

Gran Sol is one of the bars on Calle San Pedro, the pedestrian street of pintxos in the Marina, Hondarribia's old fishermen's quarter. Its website presents it as an emblematic bar of the town and defines its pintxos as miniature cuisine. The Michelin Guide recommends it, notes that its name comes from the legendary fishing ground of the North Atlantic and says it has won prizes in miniature-cooking competitions. It places it in its lowest price bracket.

It is usually full: it is one of those bars with the counter packed and the terrace occupied, and it is part of the Marina's pintxo crawl.

What to order

The pintxos have names of their own. On the menu on its website you will find the Jaizkibel, the soft-boiled egg, the Hondarribia salt cod tosta, the mussel disguised as sushi, the Iberian shoulder ham and the anchovies, as well as portions such as the squid or the crispy prawns. The Michelin Guide also recommends the Mika and the Tizón, and points out that some dishes can be ordered as a half portion, a good way to try more things. The website does not publish prices: ask at the bar.

If it is your first time, a sensible round is the Jaizkibel, the soft-boiled egg and the salt cod tosta, which are the ones the bar itself puts first on its menu.

When to go

According to its website, the bar opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10:30 to 15:00 and the kitchen runs from 12:30 to 15:30. Sunday is its day off and Monday it is also closed. The Michelin Guide listing gives somewhat different hours, Monday to Saturday from 10:30 to 16:00: if in doubt, call 943 642 701. It is a lunchtime bar; for pintxos in the evening in the Marina you will have to find other bars on the street.

It does not take reservations: tables are given as they come free, so arrive early or eat at the bar. The terrace fills up early on sunny days.

Getting there and what to combine

It is at number 63 Calle San Pedro, in the Marina, a few minutes' walk from the walled old town. If you come by car, leave it outside the Marina and walk in. The boat to Hendaye leaves from the quay, and Hondarribia beach is a stroll away, so it fits nicely into a morning of old town and sea.

The house also has a second venue in Tokyo, Gran Sol Shibuya.