Amelia by Paulo Airaudo.

Amelia defies the hushed, ceremonial expectations of a two-star establishment. Located in the Villa Favorita hotel overlooking La Concha Bay, Chef Paulo Airaudo’s restaurant replaces starched white tablecloths with a counter-service format and playful pop culture nods, ranging from Star Wars figurines to Pulp Fiction art. The Argentine chef, a veteran of Arzak and The Fat Duck, prioritizes technical precision over theatrical service. Most guests sit at the kitchen counter, watching chefs finish plates that bridge Basque traditions with Italian and Japanese influences. Expect a menu defined by world-class seafood and inventive pairings, such as banana with mole or eel with horseradish. It is a highly personal, globalized version of fine dining that feels modern, approachable, and intentionally different from its more traditional San Sebastián neighbors.