San Sebastián (Donostia in Basque) is the birthplace of the Basque burnt cheesecake, the crustless, dark-topped, creamy-centred cake that went viral all over the world. Every bar in town seems to have one, so which is the best? We run a directory of more than 50 places serving it in Donostia, and this is our short list for 2026, written for visitors.
What is «San Sebastián cheesecake»?
«Basque cheesecake», «burnt Basque cheesecake» and «San Sebastián cheesecake» are the same thing: a cheesecake with no biscuit base, baked at high heat until the top is almost burnt, with a soft, creamy, slightly runny middle. It was created around 1990 by Santiago Rivera at La Viña, a family bar in the Old Town. Read the full story in Spanish in our history of the Basque cheesecake.
The best Basque cheesecakes in San Sebastián
1. La Viña: the original
There is no better starting point. La Viña, on 31 de Agosto street, 3 in the Old Town (Parte Vieja), is where it all started, and the cakes still come out of the oven every day. Santiago Rivera retired in 2026, but his children and partner kept the bar and the recipe going. Expect queues at peak times. See our La Viña listing.
2. Bertakoteka: the Michelin-praised one
About 180 metres from La Viña, Bertakoteka (Fermín Calbetón, 17) serves the cheesecake of Ama, a restaurant in Tolosa whose cake the Michelin Guide included in 2026 among the best cheesecakes in its Spanish restaurants. It is taller and creamier, with a tiny touch of blue cheese. Around €6 a slice. See Bertakoteka.
3. Bassk Cheesecakers: best for taking one home
A shop dedicated only to cheesecake, at Reina Regente, 4, next to the Victoria Eugenia theatre. Slices to go and whole cakes, plus a chocolate version. Ideal if you want to bring one home. More in our Bassk Cheesecakers guide.
4. Narru: for a warm, spoonable version
Local food lovers rave about the warm, extra-creamy cheese dessert at Narru, in the Centro. A different take, closer to a cheese cream than a cake. See Narru.
5. Beyond the tourist trail
Some of the most authentic slices are in the neighbourhoods: Gros (near the surf beach), Egia (around Tabakalera) and El Antiguo (near Ondarreta beach). Browse them all in our directory, or find the closest one in our Basque cheesecake near me guide.
How much does it cost?
| Type of place | Price per slice (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Neighbourhood bars | €3.50 – €5 |
| Cafés and bakeries | €4 – €6 |
| Restaurants and specialised shops | €5 – €8 |
Whole cakes usually need to be ordered in advance. Details (in Spanish) in our price guide.
How to order it like a local
- Ask for «una de tarta de queso, por favor» (one slice of cheesecake, please).
- It is served at room temperature or slightly warm, never fridge-cold.
- Pair it with a glass of sweet wine or a coffee.
- Go mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid the busiest pintxo hours.
More tips (in Spanish) in our tourist guide to ordering Basque cheesecake. Curious about other styles? See the world’s most famous cheesecakes.
A one-day cheesecake route
- Morning: coffee and a slice at Bassk, then walk along the Urumea river.
- Lunch: pintxos in the Old Town and the original slice at La Viña.
- Afternoon: compare with Bertakoteka, two minutes away.
- Evening: sunset at La Concha, and a whole cake to take home.
Visiting during the film festival? Read our Zinemaldia cheesecake guide (in Spanish).
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best Basque cheesecake in San Sebastián?
The original is at La Viña (31 de Agosto, 3). For a Michelin-praised version, try Bertakoteka (Fermín Calbetón, 17), and for whole cakes to take away, Bassk Cheesecakers (Reina Regente, 4).
Who invented the Basque cheesecake?
Santiago Rivera created it around 1990 at La Viña, a family bar in San Sebastián’s Old Town.
How much is a slice of Basque cheesecake in San Sebastián?
Usually between €3.50 and €8 depending on the place.
Can I take a whole Basque cheesecake home?
Yes. Many places sell whole cakes, but it is best to order in advance, especially in summer.