casa valles:::txipiron a la plancha (grilled calamari)

Calle de los Reyes Católicos, 10::Donostia-San Sebastián

Casa Valles is another bar 'de toda la vida', with a long history in San Sebastián. In fact, it is in this bar that the gilda was said to be invented (don't mention that to anyone in Bilbao, though).  From its privileged position behind the Buen Pastor Cathedral, Casa Valles turns out reliably good traditional pintxos (like this calamari with tender potatoes and mirepoix) in a reliably good traditional atmosphere. You can even spot local celebrites, like owner/chef of a certain secret restaurant.