Irún, like much of the Basque Country, is a paradise for food lovers. The city is known for its pintxos—small snacks similar to tapas, often served on bread. Visitors can find bars throughout the city offering these delicious bites, typically made with local ingredients like fresh seafood, cured ham, and locally sourced vegetables. Popular dishes include bacalao a la vizcaína (salted cod in a rich red pepper sauce) and marmitako (a traditional Basque tuna stew).
The city’s proximity to both mountains and the sea means that its culinary offerings include a wide variety of fresh fish, meats, and dairy products. Basque cider houses, known as sagardotegi, are popular in the region, where visitors can enjoy cider straight from the barrel alongside hearty dishes such as chuleton (grilled steak) and tortilla de bacalao (salt cod omelette).
For a taste of local flavors, the Mercado de la Bretxa in nearby San Sebastián or the weekly markets in Irún itself offer an opportunity to sample and purchase the best local produce, cheeses, and seafood. Restaurants such as Txingudi or Gran Sol are well-known for their traditional Basque fare.