The most magical dining experience during my Spain trip. Arzak was the sole reason why opted to visit San Sebastian. Everything from the silverware to the after dinner treats were whimsical and innovative. A dining sensation that kept me guessing through the whole meal.
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| artistic settings at Arzak |
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| bread with olive oil |
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| kabraroka pudding with kataifi |
This was one of my favorite dishes of the meal. The server described it as a pudding, but it was more like a thick soup. It had a slight sweet taste with a surprise of mushrooms on the bottom. Not only was this dish delicious, but it was so fun to eat with the long pointed silverware.
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| Marinated anchovy and strawberry |
An odd combination to me, but sardines are highly regarded in the Basque region. The strawberries were fresh and slightly tart. Not as strange tasting as I thought, but not one of my favorites either.
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| yellow crispy rice with mushroom |
Two corn crackers, similar to a rice cake, housed a mushroom creme filling in the middle.
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| Seafood creme wrapped in noodles and deep fried. |
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| Ham and tomato smoke |
Slightly smokey tomato topped with a toasted slice of jamon.
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| Cromlech with onion, coffee, and tea |
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| a peak inside |
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| Lobster Coralline |
The tiny bits of mango highlighted the sweetness of the lobster.
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| Tapioca salad with citrus |
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| Dusted egg and mussel |
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| mussel |
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| Low tide monkfish with red seaweed |
The monkfish was tender and very light tasting. The red seaweed had a extremely gelatinous texture.
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| Pigeon with orange and corn |
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| Lamb with Rosemary and tumeric |
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| crispy rice balls with chocolate sauce |
First glance at this dish you would think it looked like a meat ball, but actually its a crispy rice ball.
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| "playing marbles" with chocolate |
This dish shows the playfulness of Arzak. Each sphere popped inside your mouth expelling a chocolate filling. The strawberry sauce and the basil sorbet provided a refreshing compliment to the chocolate.
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| chocolate sorbet |
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| Apple ice cream |
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| Pistachio and beetroot stone |
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| Banana ice cream |
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| orange flavored sorbet |
Another playful dish - the smooth creamy orange taste was taken to another level by the pop rocks!
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| jellies |
Each of these handmade jellies gave a different flavor - cola, mango, chocolate, etc.
Verdict: One of the most innovative meals I've had in a while. I love the playfulness Arzak puts on food, showing that food can be both beautiful, delicious, and fun.
Address: Arzak
Avenida Alcalde Jose Elosegui, 273
San Sebastian, Spain
Type: modern Basque
business casual/casual
Chomp worthy: tasting menu
Pass: nothing
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