14 cafés·last updated August 2026
San Sebastián's reputation runs on pintxos, not espresso, but the scene is catching up: Old Town roasts its own single origins in the centre, and Barcelona's Syra and Madrid's East Crema both run outposts between the Parte Vieja and Gros.
San Sebastián's reputation runs on pintxos, not espresso, but the scene is catching up: Old Town roasts its own single origins in the centre, and Barcelona's Syra and Madrid's East Crema both run outposts between the Parte Vieja and Gros.
Last updated August 2026
San Sebastian's old town runs on pintxos and brunch queues, but Old Town Coffee roasts and sources its own single origins rather than treating coffee as an afterthought. Order the brewed cup, not just the flat white.
C. de San Jerónimo
A San Jerónimo branch of Syra Coffee, whose Barcelona roastery turns over a rotating single-origin lineup every week; the espresso here draws praise as rich and smooth, with latte art regulars keep mentioning.
East Crema pours a named Brazilian single origin through a La Marzocco machine, and the group behind it roasts its own beans for coffee houses across seven Spanish cities.
Driper pours espresso, pour-over and cold brew from single origins that rotate across processing styles, with tasting notes printed on the menu.
A brunch stop where the coffee gets equal billing with the food, single-origin espresso, pour-over and cold brew all sit on their own dedicated section of the menu.
The barista walks you through the day's bean selection before pulling a batch brew clean and balanced enough that regulars come back for it daily.
A takeaway-only counter where the cortado, fruit-forward and carefully pulled, would fit right into Boston or Seattle's specialty scene.
The espresso here is fruity and balanced enough that visiting coffee connoisseurs treat it as a genuine destination, not a stopover, and it's poured with fresh local milk instead of the usual UHT barista carton.
Gipuzkoa Plaza
A San Sebastián branch of Barcelona roaster Syra Coffee, worth it for the single-origin beans to take home rather than a can't-miss cup at the counter.
Go for the brunch. The coffee comes from Old Town Coffee, a specific choice rather than a default one.
San Sebastián's favourite brunch stop, better known for its food than its espresso. Order the cold brew, the safer bet over the milk drinks.
Barista-made coffee that reviewers single out as a genuine find in a city where good espresso is hard to come by, poured inside a concept store stocked with bakery goods, kombucha and clothing to browse while you wait.
Skip the brunch queue and order the flat white or cortado, the drinks that keep getting singled out. Right by the harbour, it's been called some of the best coffee in San Sebastián.
A sunny square-side table in Gros, worth stopping at for a V60 and a fresh pastry rather than going out of your way for it.