"Civico 14 is not a restaurant that you bump into while walking downtown San Sebastian. You have to look for it, you have to know it from its exclusiveness; and that 's what we did with a couple of friends... 2 nights in a row, during a long weekend in Donostia. We wandered in on a Friday night, and were immediately greeted by the friendly staff and incredible aroma of fresh pasta. The restaurant was filling up quickly (although it was only 8 pm) but we managed to snag a table. The menu is not overwhelming like those typical touristic places, there are a few options but carefully choosen and prepared, ingredients are fresh and seasonal (they just put up the spring menu) and there are always a couple of pleasent surprises not mentioned in the list. Between the 2 dinners we had, we went basically All in and managed to try a bit of everything. As a starter we had an extremally flavourfull white asparagus, that I have never tried before, then the smoked mackerel paired with blueberry vinegar which was succulent and finally the unforgettable beef tartare cleverly mixed with hazelnut, mustard and cocoa nibs. Then we moved on with the Pasta, my favourite was the Fusilli with lamb ragu, simply spectacular, the pasta was fresh, al dente, well seasoned and a good portion; on the second night I had Paccheri with monk fish and bottarga, another succulent and wonderfully executed dish if you like fish paired with pasta, like I do. At this point we were almost full but that Octopus on the menu was too tempting so we made the effort and we were not dissapointed, it is served with a cream of 'peperone crusco ' and a side of sea asparagus, two things I 've discovered for the first time. 'Dulcis in Fundo ' the desserts; I dont have a sweet tooth myself, but something as simple as strawberry and basil ice cream...yes basil, was incredibly smart and refreshing; then of course the chocolate panna cotta (which is not your average panna cotta with chocolate topping) which comes with raspberry crumbles and orange, in a beautifully presented plate. Finally the Tiramisu was the perfect ending of this food parade. As creamy as it comes, and as dreamy as it suggests...and not to be ignored, made fresh daily. This has been one of the most exhuberant culinary experience I have had in some time. All that being said, I highly recommend Civico 14 if you are near San Sebastian...it will definietly add more beauty to the already beautiful city."
