This restaurant is a real institution in San Sebastián as it obtained its first Michelin star in 1974 and has just celebrated its 50th anniversary in the Michelin fold. Hospitality, history and modernity converge in this century-old family mansion in Alto de Miracruz, a culinary mecca run by the tandem of Juan Mari Arzak and his daughter Elena (the latter taking over the reins in magnificent fashion) who have succeeded in perfectly combining the most surprising innovations with expertise rooted in Basque tradition. The creativity, presentation and intense flavours of their dishes are the result of experiments conducted in the Laboratorio Arzak in the same building, where they work, with utmost respect, with a “flavour workbench” of more than 1 000 ingredients. Guests can choose between an extensive tasting menu with a wine-pairing option, and the set menu-style à la carte, with a choice of dishes that varies with the seasons. The contrast of textures in the sea bass with a green shellfish sauce is truly superb.