Experiencing San Sebastian Gastronomic Societies
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Experiencing San Sebastian Gastronomic Societies

Experiencing San Sebastian Gastronomic Societies

Restaurants aren’t the only place locals in San Sebastian go for a quality meal. The Spanish city is also home to several gastronomic societies or private culinary clubs, typically closed to the public. Here’s what you need to know about these foodie forums—and how to experience one for yourself. 

What Is a Gastronomic Society?

Called a txoko in the Basque language, a gastronomic society is a place for the food obsessed to cook, eat, drink, and socialize. Once men-only clubs, gastronomic societies today also welcome women. In communal kitchens, locals gather to experiment with new ways of cooking and share recipes. There are no reservations, no waiters, and no official closing time. Join one of these legendary gatherings and you’ll get the chance to peek behind the curtain of San Sebastian’s vibrant culinary scene. 

How to Visit a Gastronomic Society

While gastronomic societies are notoriously closed to the public and open by invitation only, there are a few tours that offer exclusive access. A private tour of San Sebastian’s Old Town also includes lunch or dinner in a txoko. If you’re interested in exploring the city’s markets, sign up for a private market visit, complete with lunch at a gastronomic society. To get active before a big meal, one tour includes a hike along Saint James Way followed by a gastronomic society dinner. No matter how you do it, spend a night at one of these exclusive clubs and you’ll sample traditional dishes accompanied by local beer, wine, and smiles.

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2 Tours and Activities

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San Sebastián Private Food-Historical tour & meal at a Gastronomy Club

San Sebastián Private Food-Historical tour & meal at a Gastronomy Club

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18
Savor a meal you won't find in any restaurant with a private dining experience in San Sebastian, often considered Spain’s culinary capital. Stroll through Old Town with a personal guide, stopping to people watch and browse fresh produce at a local market. Head to a ‘Sociedad Gastrónomica’—a private cooking club—where you'll be treated to a chef’s lunch or dinner of regional specialties prepared just for your group. Sip regional wine or cider as you enjoy being part of this delicious and personal Basque tradition.
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  • 4 hours
  • Free Cancellation
From
USD293.32
Price varies by group size
From
USD293.32
Price varies by group size

3 Day Basque Country Private Tour

3 Day Basque Country Private Tour

star-5
14
Maximize time in the Basque Country with a 3-day private tour. Explore San Sebastian with a local guide, including sampling Txakoli white wine and visiting a private gastronomic society. Venture beyond San Sebastian with excursions to Biarritz, San Juan de Luz, and Hendaya in the French Basque region. Finish the multi-day tour in Bilbao, including the Guggenheim museum.
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  • 3 days
From
USD950.57
Price varies by group size
From
USD950.57
Price varies by group size