Saizar Ciderhouse is one of the best places to experience the traditional Basque cider house culture. Located in the countryside near Usurbil, a short drive from San Sebastián, this family-run sagardotegi combines excellent cider, high-quality grilled meat, and the lively atmosphere that makes Basque cider houses so special.
Traditional Basque cider houses are deeply rooted in local gastronomy and rural culture. During cider season, visitors gather around large wooden barrels to taste natural cider directly from the kupelas while enjoying a classic shared menu. The experience is informal, noisy, and very social, with guests regularly standing up to hear the famous cry of “Txotx!” announcing that a new barrel has been opened.
At Saizar, the traditional menu includes cod omelette, fried cod with peppers, and the iconic txuleta: a large bone-in beef steak cooked over charcoal. The restaurant is especially famous for the quality of its grilled meat, and many visitors consider its txuleta among the best in Gipuzkoa. In fact, Saizar won the National Grill Competition 2022 (Ganador del Concurso Nacional de Parrilla 2022), further strengthening its reputation among meat lovers.
The cider produced at Saizar is also highly respected and can be tasted directly from the barrels during the meal. The combination of natural cider, charcoal-grilled steak, and traditional Basque atmosphere creates a memorable dining experience.
Their Txotx season ( cider season ) begins in January and continues until the end of May, but the restaurant remains open all year round, serving lunch and dinner. Reservations are strongly recommended during cider season, especially on weekends, as the restaurant is extremely popular with both locals and visitors.
More info: https://www.sidrassaizar.com/sidreria/
Posted on May 10, 2026
