The Basque Country’s bars and restaurants provide the inspiration for Pintura’s bite-sized pintxos and tapas dishes. Dark leather booths, an elegant wood and copper bar, and colourful posters of San Sebastian’s arts scene make the venue (opened in 2015) a vibrant setting for drinks or dining. Appetisers comprise charcuterie and Spanish cheeses, as well as pintxos bar classics such as octopus with cherry vinegar, to enjoy with aperitifs. Among the impressive variety of tapas, we relished the tender house-smoked duck breast with sharp yet creamy celeriac rémoulade; crisp croquetas; smoky chorizo in cider sauce; and vermouth-cured Scottish mackerel – not forgetting a refreshing salad of mixed Basque beans with semi-dried tomatoes and vinaigrette. Desserts include classic Santiago tart, and mini cinnamon doughnuts with homemade dulce de leche and salted almonds. You shouldn’t miss sampling the 100-strong gin list, with varieties from around the world, nor the cocktails with a Basque twist.