Somebody Feed Phil in San Sebastian: A Taste of Basque Soul

What is Somebody Feed Phil?

Somebody Feed Phil is a travel and food series built on curiosity, kindness, and humor. In every episode, Phil Rosenthal shares meals with chefs, locals, friends, and strangers alike—creating spontaneous stories around food and connection. Season eight, released on June 18, 2025, dedicates one of its most compelling episodes to the Basque Country, with San Sebastian at its heart.

Titled Basque Country of Spain, the episode begins in Donostia-San Sebastian, where Phil joins the beloved local tradition of hopping from bar to bar enjoying pintxos—miniature works of culinary art that reflect both innovation and time-honored recipes. He is joined on his journey by chef Ander González, culinary advisor at La Jarana Taberna and Bistroteka Zinema7, and by food writer Marti Buckley, both of whom help illuminate the region’s rich food culture. Together, they visit a gastronomic society—an exclusive communal kitchen where friends and families gather to cook and share meals, a cornerstone of Basque identity.

The journey continues to Orio, where Phil savors grilled sea bream at Asador Joxe Mari; then to Getaria, the birthplace of txakoli wine and a haven for fresh seafood, where he samples kokotxas and txangurro at the legendary Elkano restaurant. In Axpe, he experiences the world-renowned Etxebarri, ranked the second-best restaurant in the world, where fire and raw ingredients are elevated into culinary poetry. Finally, Phil stops at Zapiain Cider House to learn about traditional Basque cider and the deep cultural ties embedded in these historic establishments.

This episode is more than a travelogue—it is a warm and vibrant portrait of a land where food is not just sustenance, but a language, a meeting place, and a symbol of belonging.

Phil Rosenthal: A Storyteller at the Table

More than just a television creator and food lover, Phil Rosenthal is a storyteller who uses cuisine as a way to understand the world. After creating the hit show Everybody Loves Raymond, he launched Somebody Feed Phil—now in its eighth season—bringing audiences around the globe into his joyful, heartfelt adventures.

His visit to San Sebastian clearly moved him. He highlights the extraordinary quality of the ingredients, the mastery of the local chefs, and the deep passion San Sebastian’s residents have for their cuisine. Whether tasting a gilda at La Espiga or uncovering the secrets of anchovy perfection at Txepetxa, each stop is a tribute to authenticity.

San Sebastian on Screen: A City That Moves You

This episode is a love letter to San Sebastian. Each frame captures its elegance, warmth, and quiet beauty. From the soft curve of La Concha beach to the narrow alleys of the Old Town, the camera lingers on moments others might miss: the sparkle of sunlight on the sea, the delicate crisp of a croqueta, a waiter’s knowing smile.

One of the most memorable moments unfolds at Etxebarri, nestled in the heart of Atxondo, where every course is kissed by fire. Phil also visits Casa Urola, a beloved spot where tradition meets creativity. The episode pays homage to Elkano and several other culinary sanctuaries that define the region’s excellence.