Where to Eat During the Running of the Bulls: Pamplona’s Top Spots
- The real Wizard
- May 14
- 10 min read
The Running of the Bulls, known as Encierro, is one of Spain’s most thrilling and culturally significant events. Every July, Pamplona becomes a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike, offering not only adrenaline-filled moments but also an incredible food scene.
Whether you're looking for a traditional Navarrese meal, a fine-dining experience, or a casual pintxos bar, Pamplona has it all. In this guide, encierro.com takes you through the best restaurants, bars, and food tips to ensure you have an unforgettable culinary experience during San Fermín.
Pamplona’s Culinary Scene During San Fermín
Pamplona is famous for its rich and diverse gastronomy, deeply rooted in Basque and Navarrese traditions. Expect to find:
Pintxos – The Basque Country’s version of tapas, often served on bread with delicious toppings.
Chistorra – A local sausage, spiced with paprika and grilled to perfection.
Estofado de Toro – A hearty bull stew, traditionally prepared during the festival.
Pimientos del Piquillo – Sweet, roasted red peppers stuffed with seafood or meat.
Txuleta – A mouth-watering, aged beef steak cooked over charcoal.
During San Fermín, many restaurants offer special festival menus, featuring regional dishes and seasonal ingredients. Let’s explore the best places to eat while you’re in town.
Best Restaurants in Pamplona During the Running of the Bulls
1. Café Iruña – The Most Iconic Dining Spot
📍 Plaza del Castillo, 44
Established in 1888, Café Iruña is one of the most famous restaurants in Pamplona, known for its historical charm and Hemingway connection. The café offers classic Spanish cuisine, including pintxos, seafood, and traditional Navarrese dishes.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Grilled squid with garlic sauce
2. Bar Gaucho – The Pintxos King
📍 Calle Espoz y Mina, 7
If you’re looking for the best pintxos in PampThe Running of the Bulls, known as Encierro, is one of Spain’s most thrilling and culturally significant events. Every July, Pamplona becomes a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike, offering not only adrenaline-filled moments but also an incredible food scene.
Whether you're looking for a traditional Navarrese meal, a fine-dining experience, or a casual pintxos bar, Pamplona has it all. In this guide, encierro.com takes you through the best restaurants, bars, and food tips to ensure you have an unforgettable culinary experience during San Fermín.
Pamplona’s Culinary Scene During San Fermín
Pamplona is famous for its rich and diverse gastronomy, deeply rooted in Basque and Navarrese traditions. Expect to find:
Pintxos – The Basque Country’s version of tapas, often served on bread with delicious toppings.
Chistorra – A local sausage, spiced with paprika and grilled to perfection.
Estofado de Toro – A hearty bull stew, traditionally prepared during the festival.
Pimientos del Piquillo – Sweet, roasted red peppers stuffed with seafood or meat.
Txuleta – A mouth-watering, aged beef steak cooked over charcoal.
During San Fermín, many restaurants offer special festival menus, featuring regional dishes and seasonal ingredients. Let’s explore the best places to eat while you’re in town.
Best Restaurants in Pamplona During the Running of the Bulls
1. Café Iruña – The Most Iconic Dining Spot
📍 Plaza del Castillo, 44
Established in 1888, Café Iruña is one of the most famous restaurants in Pamplona, known for its historical charm and Hemingway connection. The café offers classic Spanish cuisine, including pintxos, seafood, and traditional Navarrese dishes.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Grilled squid with garlic sauce
2. Bar Gaucho – The Pintxos King
📍 Calle Espoz y Mina, 7
If you’re looking for the best pintxos in Pamplona, Bar Gaucho is the place to be. This award-winning bar serves up delicate and flavorful pintxos, from foie gras with caramelized apple to bacalao (salt cod) croquettes.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Truffled egg pintxo
3. Restaurante Rodero – Michelin-Starred Excellence
📍 Calle Emilio Arrieta, 3
For a high-end dining experience, Rodero is a must-visit. This Michelin-starred restaurant blends traditional Navarrese flavors with modern innovation, creating a truly unique dining experience.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Roasted lamb with rosemary honey
4. La Olla – Where Tradition Meets Elegance
📍 Calle Estafeta, 71
Located on the famous Encierro route, La Olla offers an authentic Navarrese menu with some of the best meat and seafood dishes in the city. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy bull stew after witnessing the morning run.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Estofado de Toro (Bull Stew)
5. Zatuzarra – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Casco Viejo
📍 Calle San Nicolás, 5
📍 Calle San Nicolás, 34
For an authentic Basque experience, Zatuzarra on Calle San Nicolás is a must-visit. This iconic asador in the heart of Pamplona offers an unforgettable dining experience, with its specialty Barrabrás menu served exclusively at the bar. The star of the show is a perfectly grilled chuletón, complemented by a fresh onion salad and a bottle of Navarra wine.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Txuleta (Aged Beef Steak)
Where to Get Breakfast and Late-Night Eats
San Fermín is an all-day, all-night festival, meaning you’ll need food at odd hours. Here’s where to go:
For Breakfast:
🥐 Churros y Chocolate at Churrería La Mañueta – This 150-year-old churrería serves the best churros and hot chocolate in town.
🥖 Panadería Arrasate – A bakery offering fresh croissants, Spanish pastries, and artisan bread.
🍳 Almuerzo at La Mandarra de la Ramos – A mid-morning Navarrese brunch with eggs, chistorra, and jamón.
For Late-Night Snacks:
🌮 La Mejillonera – Famous for patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) and mussels.
🍕 Pizzeria Il Capo – If you need a quick pizza fix after a night out.
🥩 San Nicolás Asador – A grill house that serves juicy steaks until late night.
Tips for Eating During San Fermín
1. Make Reservations in Advance
Pamplona is PACKED during San Fermín, so book your tables at least a month in advance.
2. Try Local Specialties
Don’t leave Pamplona without trying chistorra, pintxos, bull stew, and Navarrese wine.
3. Explore the Old Town
Casco Viejo (Old Town) is the best area to bar-hop and try authentic pintxos.
4. Experience a Traditional Almuerzo
This mid-morning feast is a must-try for food lovers.
5. Don’t Overpay for Tourist Menus
Some places inflate prices for tourists. Stick to local-favorite restaurants.
Related Reading from Encierro.com
For more expert tips and insider guides, check out these resources:
Conclusion
Eating in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're enjoying a Michelin-starred meal at Rodero, grabbing pintxos at Bar Gaucho, or indulging in churros at Churrería La Mañueta, there's something for everyone.
Make sure to plan ahead, explore local dishes, and experience San Fermín like a true foodie. And for more expert travel and festival tips, visit encierro.com.
Buen provecho and enjoy the fiesta! 🎉
1. Do I need to make restaurant reservations during San Fermín?
Yes! Pamplona gets extremely crowded during the festival, so it’s best to make reservations at least a month in advance to secure a table at popular restaurants.
2. What are the must-try dishes in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls?
Some of the best traditional dishes include:
Chistorra (spiced sausage)
Estofado de Toro (bull stew)
Txuleta (aged beef steak)
Pimientos del Piquillo (stuffed red peppers)
Pintxos (small tapas-like snacks)
3. Are restaurants open all day during San Fermín?
Most restaurants follow traditional Spanish meal times, meaning:
Lunch: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 8:00 PM – Midnight However, many bars and street food vendors stay open late into the night for festival-goers.
4. Where can I get the best pintxos in Pamplona?
Some of the top pintxos bars include:
Bar Gaucho (truffled egg pintxo)
Café Iruña (classic Spanish tapas)
Baserriberri (modern and creative pintxos)
5. How expensive is food in Pamplona during San Fermín?
Prices vary:
Pintxos & casual bars: €2 – €5 per item
Mid-range restaurants: €15 – €40 per person
Fine dining: €60+ per person Tourist areas may have inflated prices, so it’s best to eat where locals go.
6. What’s the best place for a quick breakfast before the bull run?
If you need a fast breakfast, check out:
Churrería La Mañueta – For churros and hot chocolate
Panadería Arrasate – For fresh pastries and coffee
La Mandarra de la Ramos – For a traditional Navarrese breakfast
7. Is vegetarian food available in Pamplona?
Yes, but traditional Navarrese cuisine is meat-heavy. For vegetarian options, try:
Katakrak Café (vegetarian-friendly tapas)
Govinda (vegetarian and vegan dishes)
Pimientos del Piquillo (stuffed red peppers, usually vegetarian)
8. What time do people usually eat dinner in Spain?
Spaniards eat late, usually 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM. If you’re hungry earlier, pintxos bars start serving food around 7:00 PM.
9. Can I eat bull meat in Pamplona?
Yes! Estofado de Toro (bull stew) is a traditional dish served during San Fermín, especially at places like La Olla and Casa Otano.
10. Where can I get late-night food after partying?
For post-fiesta eats, check out:
La Mejillonera – Patatas bravas & mussels
Pizzeria Il Capo – Quick, delicious pizza
San Nicolás Asador – Late-night grilled meats
lona, Bar Gaucho is the place to be. This award-winning bar serves up delicate and flavorful pintxos, from foie gras with caramelized apple to bacalao (salt cod) croquettes.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Truffled egg pintxo
3. Restaurante Rodero – Michelin-Starred Excellence
📍 Calle Emilio Arrieta, 3
For a high-end dining experience, Rodero is a must-visit. This Michelin-starred restaurant blends traditional Navarrese flavors with modern innovation, creating a truly unique dining experience.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Roasted lamb with rosemary honey
4. La Olla – Where Tradition Meets Elegance
📍 Calle Estafeta, 71
Located on the famous Encierro route, La Olla offers an authentic Navarrese menu with some of the best meat and seafood dishes in the city. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy bull stew after witnessing the morning run.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Estofado de Toro (Bull Stew)
5. Zatuzarra – A Hidden Gem in the Heart of the Casco Viejo
📍 Calle San Nicolás, 5
📍 Calle San Nicolás, 34
For an authentic Basque experience, Zatuzarra on Calle San Nicolás is a must-visit. This iconic asador in the heart of Pamplona offers an unforgettable dining experience, with its specialty Barrabrás menu served exclusively at the bar. The star of the show is a perfectly grilled chuletón, complemented by a fresh onion salad and a bottle of Navarra wine.
🔥 Must-Try Dish: Txuleta (Aged Beef Steak)
Where to Get Breakfast and Late-Night Eats
San Fermín is an all-day, all-night festival, meaning you’ll need food at odd hours. Here’s where to go:
For Breakfast:
🥐 Churros y Chocolate at Churrería La Mañueta – This 150-year-old churrería serves the best churros and hot chocolate in town.
🥖 Panadería Arrasate – A bakery offering fresh croissants, Spanish pastries, and artisan bread.
🍳 Almuerzo at La Mandarra de la Ramos – A mid-morning Navarrese brunch with eggs, chistorra, and jamón.
For Late-Night Snacks:
🌮 La Mejillonera – Famous for patatas bravas (spicy potatoes) and mussels.
🍕 Pizzeria Il Capo – If you need a quick pizza fix after a night out.
🥩 San Nicolás Asador – A grill house that serves juicy steaks until late night.
Tips for Eating During San Fermín
1. Make Reservations in Advance
Pamplona is PACKED during San Fermín, so book your tables at least a month in advance.
2. Try Local Specialties
Don’t leave Pamplona without trying chistorra, pintxos, bull stew, and Navarrese wine.
3. Explore the Old Town
Casco Viejo (Old Town) is the best area to bar-hop and try authentic pintxos.
4. Experience a Traditional Almuerzo
This mid-morning feast is a must-try for food lovers.
5. Don’t Overpay for Tourist Menus
Some places inflate prices for tourists. Stick to local-favorite restaurants.
Related Reading from Encierro.com
For more expert tips and insider guides, check out these resources:
Conclusion
Eating in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls is an unforgettable experience. Whether you're enjoying a Michelin-starred meal at Rodero, grabbing pintxos at Bar Gaucho, or indulging in churros at Churrería La Mañueta, there's something for everyone.
Make sure to plan ahead, explore local dishes, and experience San Fermín like a true foodie. And for more expert travel and festival tips, visit encierro.com.
Buen provecho and enjoy the fiesta! 🎉
1. Do I need to make restaurant reservations during San Fermín?
Yes! Pamplona gets extremely crowded during the festival, so it’s best to make reservations at least a month in advance to secure a table at popular restaurants.
2. What are the must-try dishes in Pamplona during the Running of the Bulls?
Some of the best traditional dishes include:
Chistorra (spiced sausage)
Estofado de Toro (bull stew)
Txuleta (aged beef steak)
Pimientos del Piquillo (stuffed red peppers)
Pintxos (small tapas-like snacks)
3. Are restaurants open all day during San Fermín?
Most restaurants follow traditional Spanish meal times, meaning:
Lunch: 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Dinner: 8:00 PM – Midnight However, many bars and street food vendors stay open late into the night for festival-goers.
4. Where can I get the best pintxos in Pamplona?
Some of the top pintxos bars include:
Bar Gaucho (truffled egg pintxo)
Café Iruña (classic Spanish tapas)
Baserriberri (modern and creative pintxos)
5. How expensive is food in Pamplona during San Fermín?
Prices vary:
Pintxos & casual bars: €2 – €5 per item
Mid-range restaurants: €15 – €40 per person
Fine dining: €60+ per person Tourist areas may have inflated prices, so it’s best to eat where locals go.
6. What’s the best place for a quick breakfast before the bull run?
If you need a fast breakfast, check out:
Churrería La Mañueta – For churros and hot chocolate
Panadería Arrasate – For fresh pastries and coffee
La Mandarra de la Ramos – For a traditional Navarrese breakfast
7. Is vegetarian food available in Pamplona?
Yes, but traditional Navarrese cuisine is meat-heavy. For vegetarian options, try:
Katakrak Café (vegetarian-friendly tapas)
Govinda (vegetarian and vegan dishes)
Pimientos del Piquillo (stuffed red peppers, usually vegetarian)
8. What time do people usually eat dinner in Spain?
Spaniards eat late, usually 8:30 PM – 11:00 PM. If you’re hungry earlier, pintxos bars start serving food around 7:00 PM.
9. Can I eat bull meat in Pamplona?
Yes! Estofado de Toro (bull stew) is a traditional dish served during San Fermín, especially at places like La Olla and Casa Otano.
10. Where can I get late-night food after partying?
For post-fiesta eats, check out:
La Mejillonera – Patatas bravas & mussels
Pizzeria Il Capo – Quick, delicious pizza
San Nicolás Asador – Late-night grilled meats
Comments