Among the tapas bars in Pamplona, you can find bar Zanpa. A local favorite.
The best tapas counter.
Tapas bar ZANPA, openend a couple of years ago at Estafeta 48. Right in the middle of the Main Street of the running of the bulls. It is very easy to spot it, there is always music and a lot of people having fun.
The bar is divided in 2 parts. At the front you can find a tapas bar, but if you go all the way to the back, they have a seating down restaurant. If you are coming to Pamplona during the year, I would recommend the restaurant, they have great steaks, the best tomato salad, and some very well cooked traditional plates. But if you come during San Fermin, it will be too noisy, so stay at the front of the bar.
The tapas are all amazing, it is with Gaucho bar, my personal favorites. Here you need to try their “tortilla de patata” potatoe omelet. It is like an Italian frittata, but much better. They don´t overcook it, so the egg is a bit runny. The have some great croquettes, and their salmon toast is incredible.
If the food here is good, the vibes are even better. Yes, you will find a lot of tourists, but, look around, most of the people there are locals. So if you want to enjoy San Fermin as a local, Zanpa is a place to visit. Also, very often they have life music. Sometimes it is a jazz band, others a Mexican mariachi…. It is always fun.
One more thing, not everyday, they have a Jamón cutter. This is the Spanish serrano ham. They hire a professional cutter to freshly cut the ham. It is not cheap, but much worth it. Ask for some Navarra red wine and a platter of Jamón. SOOOOO good.
Serrano cutter
