Everything travelers ask, answered.
Where do the experiences meet?+
I meet everyone at Plaza Sarriegui, right in the center of San Sebastián — next to the old town and La Bretxa market.
Are the classes hands-on or a demonstration?+
100% hands-on. You cook, taste and plate everything yourself, and I guide you through every step.
What is included in a cooking class?+
Most classes include a market tour, a welcome drink, my instruction, the hands-on class itself, a multi-course lunch made of the dishes you cook, a selection of Spanish wines, and the recipes to take home. Each experience page lists exactly what it includes.
How many people do I need to book?+
Classes run from a minimum of 2 people. Prices per person go down as the group grows — see each experience for the exact tiers.
What language are the classes in?+
I teach in English or Spanish.
Is there an experience for families with children?+
Yes — the Kids & Parents class is designed as a 100% hands-on experience for children and their parents to cook together.
I have a dietary restriction or allergy — can you adapt the menu?+
Tell me about any dietary needs when you book (there is a field for it in the booking process) and I will confirm personally what is possible for your date and menu.
Can Chef Ben cook privately at our villa or rental home?+
Send me your request through the contact form with the details of what you have in mind, and I will get back to you personally to see what we can arrange.
Do you cater for large groups and celebrations?+
Yes — private dinners work well for anniversaries, honeymoons, birthdays and groups of friends. Share the occasion when you enquire and I will plan the menu around it.
Can you handle allergies and dietary needs at a private dinner?+
Yes. Let me know about any allergies or dietary needs — gluten-free, vegetarian, pescatarian and more — when you plan the menu, and I will confirm what I can prepare for your group.
Is this at a Michelin star restaurant?+
No — I don't run a restaurant. The class happens in my private kitchen and studio in San Sebastián, but the produce, technique and precision are the kind you'd expect from Michelin-level cooking — several guests have described the meal that way.
Who is Chef Ben?+
Bendur Elizondo — I am a chef born in Donostia-San Sebastián. I trained in the professional kitchens of Launceston Place in London and IL BUCO in New York, and was the first head chef of Mimo San Sebastián. My experiences are rated 5.0 on TripAdvisor, where I'm ranked #1 among food activities in San Sebastián.