A wine cellar with over 100,000 bottles that happens to have a restaurant attached — or perhaps a traditional Basque grill house that happens to have one of Spain's most extraordinary wine collections beneath it. Either way, Rekondo on the road to Monte Igueldo is a pilgrimage site for oenophiles and carnivores alike, serving grilled meats and fish with the confidence of a kitchen that has been doing this for generations.
Location
Igueldo, San Sebastián
Insider Intel
The txuleta — grilled over coals in the Basque tradition, this is one of the great steak experiences in Spain. Then ask for the wine list and prepare to lose yourself. The fish is excellent but the grill and the cellar are why you came. Idiazabal cheese to finish.
Lunch on a weekend for the full leisurely Basque meal with time to explore the wine list. Book ahead — the terrace tables with views toward the sea go first. Summer is ideal for the outdoor setting.
The wine cellar is the stuff of legend — over 100,000 bottles spanning decades, with verticals of the great Rioja and Bordeaux houses that you will not find anywhere else. Ask for a cellar tour if they offer one. Located on the road up to Monte Igueldo, so combine with the funicular or a walk. A taxi is the practical choice for the return, especially after exploring the wine list. Txakoli from the barrel as an aperitif.