Pamplona is much more than San Fermín. Its gastronomy is one of the city’s great attractions: Besides the famous pintxos in the Old Town and the steakhouses with top-quality T-Bone steak, you can find all over the city set menus that rival those of any big-city restaurant. If you are staying in our tourist apartments in the Pío XII area — opposite Hotel Blanca de Navarra and just a 3‑minute walk from the Clínica Universidad de Navarra — you are in a privileged location to eat well without going too far.
In addition, the bus stop is right in front of the building, and therefore the Old Town is just ten minutes away. Here is our complete guide on where to eat in Pamplona according to your plans and preferences.
💡 💡 Looking for an apartment in Pamplona to enjoy its gastronomy? Book directly on our website and get the best price: no commissions!
🍽️ Restaurants right next to the apartments
These are the best options in the immediate vicinity of the apartments, ideal if you want to dine out after a long day or a medical visit to the CUN.
Sidrería Pil Pil
Located at Travesía Acella, 3–5 — literally on your doorstep — Sidrería Pil Pil is the most convenient option and one of the most recommended in the area. Specializing in traditional cuisine from Navarra, it offers a daily set menu, cider-house menu and group options. Perfect whether you are looking for a relaxed meal or arriving with a large family.
More Than Burgers
Just 100 meters away, this place offers gourmet burgers made with fresh, quality ingredients. Good value for money and an informal atmosphere. Ideal for a quick dinner or a casual lunch.
Bistró de Capellanes
At Calle Acella 5, Bistró de Capellanes offers a varied menu at a competitive price and a wide breakfast selection. One of the best options to start the day with or want a simple lunch.
Pizzería Isla Sicilia Pamplona Pío XII
It’s about 200 meters away from our reception. Authentic Italian cuisine in a family‑friendly atmosphere. It´s ideal for those looking for something different from local cuisine.
Asador Menchu
Renowned for its traditional Spanish and Basque cuisine, Asador Menchu is a local reference for those seeking top‑quality meat in a cozy setting. The culinary essence of Navarra is just a few steps from your apartment.
🏛️ Where to eat in Pamplona’s Old Town
Visiting Pamplona without strolling through its Old Town and having some pintxos means missing half the experience. Calle Estafeta and Calle San Nicolás are packed with bars and restaurants with a huge variety of menus. Here are some must‑visits:
Café Iruña — Plaza del Castillo
A Pamplona institution. Café Iruña has been the city’s meeting point for over a century, with its impressive modernist décor and traditional cuisine from Navarra. Located right on Plaza del Castillo, it is a must‑visit even if only for a drink and to feel the atmosphere.
Bar Gaucho — Espoz y Mina 7
Considered one of the best places in Pamplona for pintxos, Bar Gaucho combines local tradition with avant‑garde touches. Its creative pintxos have won several awards and are the reason why there is always a queue. No reservations.
La Mandarra de la Ramos y Txirrintxa
Two classics on Calle Estafeta, essential to understand Pamplona’s pintxo culture. Authentic atmosphere, reasonable prices and a bar packed at any time of day. Perfect for a pintxo crawl.
🐂 Restaurants near the Bullring
If you visit the area around the Bullring — especially recommended during San Fermín or if you take a guided tour — these two restaurants are well worth a stop:
Restaurante El Burladero
Located right in front of Pamplona’s Bullring, El Burladero is an excellent showcase for local product‑based gastronomy. Its menu is built around seasonal vegetables, meat from nearby pastures and fish from the Cantabrian Sea. Good value for money.
Restaurante Alhambra
Fine dining at reasonable prices, with dishes that have become Pamplona classics: “Ajoarriero” cod with lobster, cylindrical egg with truffled parmentier and caramelized brioche French toast for dessert. A complete gastronomic experience without having to go to a Michelin‑starred restaurant.
⭐ High end gastronomy in Pamplona: For special occasions
If you are looking for a top‑level gastronomic experience to celebrate something special or simply want the very best Pamplona has to offer, these are the city’s two key references:
Asador Olaverri — Calle De Santa Marta 4
One of Pamplona’s most recommended grill restaurants, with top‑quality meats as its calling card. T-bone steak is the star of the show, but turbot and the rest of the fish are just as good. Book in advance, especially in high season and during San Fermín.
Restaurante Rodero — Guía Michelin
At Calle Emilio Arrieta 3, Restaurante Rodero is the safest bet if you are looking for haute cuisine in Pamplona. Listed in the Michelin Guide, it combines exceptional market‑fresh produce with avant‑garde presentation and service that takes care of every detail. An evening you will not forget.
💡 Practical tips for eating well in Pamplona
- Opening hours. Restaurants in Navarra serve lunch between 13:30 and 15:30, and dinner from 21:00 onwards. Outside these times, most kitchens are closed.
- Set lunch menu. In Pamplona the set lunch menu is an institution: starter, main course, dessert, bread and drink for 12–15€ in most restaurants in the area. It is the most economical way to eat well.
- Pinchos vs. pintxos. In Navarra they are called “pinchos”, not “pintxos” (the Basque term). The difference is cultural, but both are equally good. You can find pintxos in almost every Old Town bar. The prices range between 1€ and 3€ depending on the bar and the type of pintxo.
- Bookings in high season: During San Fermín (6–14 July) and Easter, the best restaurants get fully booked weeks in advance. Always book in advance, especially for El Burladero, Alhambra, Olaverri and Rodero.
💡 From our apartments you can reach the Old Town by bus in 10 minutes (the stop is right across the street) or in about 20-25 minutes on foot along a pleasant walk through the city.
Staying in Pamplona? Stay in our apartments
Pamplona’s gastronomy is one of the reasons to stay in Pamplona for more than a day. If you want to enjoy it calmly and fully, our tourist apartments in Pamplona offer a comfortable space that a hotel cannot: a fully equipped kitchen, living room, up to 4 bedrooms. And all this just 3 minutes away from the best restaurants in the area and 10 minutes by bus from the Old Town.
Book directly on our website and get the best guaranteed price, with no intermediary commissions.
