Itzuli is a recently awarded Michelin-starred restaurant located on Mount Igeldo in San Sebastián, within the Luze Boutique Hotel. Opened in 2025, the restaurant is led by Basque chef Iñigo Lavado, who returns to the city after a successful career of more than twenty years in Irun. The name “Itzuli,” meaning “to return” in Basque, reflects this personal and professional homecoming.
The restaurant distinguishes itself through a contemporary interpretation of Basque cuisine, executed with refined technique and a precise balance between tradition and innovation. Its culinary proposal is organized around two tasting menus: one inspired by Lavado’s formative years and mentors, and a second called “Cocina de Emociones,” which focuses on creative expression and personal flavors. Selected dishes from both menus can also be ordered individually, allowing guests to tailor their experience.
The dining room stands out for its Belle Époque aesthetic, enhanced by panoramic views of the Cantabrian Sea. Service is designed to be professional yet close, with Lavado’s own family forming part of the team, including the in-house sommelier. This approach reinforces the restaurant’s intimate and personal identity.
Itzuli’s cuisine emphasizes high-quality produce sourced from the Basque territory and nearby regions. The dishes combine local seafood, seasonal vegetables and fine meats, often enriched with subtle French influences. One notable example is the natural oyster served with pickled vegetable cream and a reduction of suckling pig, an emblematic dish that illustrates the restaurant’s combination of finesse, originality and rootedness in regional flavors.
More info: https://www.restauranteitzuli.com/
Posted on December 9, 2025
