The Thrifty Gourmet’s Alternative to Mugaritz… Um Sorta
Normally, when I find a GREAT restaurant that is not mainstream, I want to keep it to myself. My reasoning is that a secret gem is hard to find these days. So, why ruin it for everyone else? Other times, I am so blown away that I want to let the entire world know how amazing the experience was, especially when the price beats all expectations.
This is exactly how I feel about Kokotxa Restaurant in San Sebastian, Spain. Any serious foodie knows that this is the city with the highest concentration of Michelin stars per square foot. Food is a very important part of the Basque culture and good restaurants abound all over. In the city where culinary perfection is a basic requirement for restaurants, when discerning local foodies rave about an establishment, it is exceptional.
Kokotxa is one of them, an elegant yet unpretentious restaurant that distinguishes itself from others with a creative menu that celebrates local traditions and pays homage the region’s cuisine. Daniel Lopez and his partner Estella opened Kokotxa 2002. Six years later, the restaurant received its first Michelin star. Chef Lopez puts a modern and innovative spin on traditional Basque cuisine. Guests can choose to dine a la carte or opt for the eight-course tasting menu. At 58 Euros, chef Lopez’ tasting menu is one of the best deals in town.
Kokotxa is undoubtedly The Thrifty Gourmet’s alternative to upper echelon dining in San Sebastian. The dishes are inventive, but not intimidating. From start to finish, the service is impeccable and each bite leaves you wanting more. At the end of each meal, Chef Lopez personally makes a round to greet every patron and ensure that service was flawless.
Kokotxa Restaurant
Campanario 11,
San Sebastian – Donostia 20003, Spain
Phone: +33-943421904
By Thrifty Gourmet on December 17, 2008 | 0
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