Bar & grills

Sandoñana

A 22-seat kitchen run by Eleni & Yassine, serving the dishes their grandmothers argued about on Tuesday nights in Kreuzberg.

C. Casimiro Sainz, 17, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain €10–20
4.5
1,854 notes from regulars
01 The story, in three paragraphs

Why everyone keeps coming back.

Situated in the heart of Santander, Sandoñana stands out as a premier destination for lovers of authentic Cantabrian cuisine in a warm and inviting bar & grill setting. This restaurant masterfully captures the essence of the region’s culinary heritage, serving up dishes that delight the senses with every bite.

The moment you step inside Sandoñana, you’re greeted by a clean, modern ambiance that perfectly balances casual comfort with elegance. The atmosphere is intimate yet lively, making it an excellent spot for everything from a relaxed lunch to a memorable evening dinner. Attentive and friendly service further elevates the dining experience, ensuring you feel cared for throughout your visit.

The menu is a true tribute to local flavors, with standout dishes that have earned praise from discerning diners. One cannot miss the exquisitely prepared octopus, grilled to tender perfection, showcasing a delicate smoky char that enhances its natural sweetness. The anchovies—fresh, flavorful, and expertly cured—offer a bite of the sea that is both rich and refreshing. Additionally, the variety of jamón specialties are a must-try, each slice bursting with deep, savory intensity that speaks to the region’s mastery of cured meats.

Portions here are generous yet balanced, inviting you to indulge without hesitation, and impressively priced considering the high quality and careful preparation of each dish. Patrons like Patrick Star have found the experience so exceptional they pair their stay in nearby accommodations with easy access to Sandoñana’s culinary delights, emphasizing the convenience and satisfaction of dining downstairs after exploring Santander.

Every dish is not just food but a sensory journey—a burst of textures and flavors that tell a story of Cantabria’s rich gastronomic landscape. Whether it’s the subtle sea-salt kiss on the fresh anchovies or the smoky char on the octopus, Sandoñana’s kitchen brings thoughtful attention to detail and authenticity to your plate.

If you’re seeking a place where local Basque and Cantabrian culinary traditions meet impeccable quality and heartfelt hospitality, Sandoñana is an absolute must-visit. From the welcoming staff to the genuine flavors of the region, it’s a dining experience that stays with you long after the last bite.

Conveniently located on C. Casimiro Sainz, 17, this gem of Santander invites you to dive into the authentic tastes of Cantabria with every carefully crafted dish.

03 Notes from regulars

1,854 notes — the real pulse of the room.

4.5
Based on 1,854 verified notes
5 1,252
4 450
3 115
2 27
1 52
All Fried Calamari Octopus Spanish Omelette Chlamys Varia Pintxos Chipirones Anchovies Cheesecake Galician-style Octopus Mussels
Patrick Star.
3 month ago
We stayed in the Sandoñana apartment for the duration of our stay in Santander The apartment was immaculate, beautifully finished and had everything we needed and more Sandoñana is one of the best restaurants in Santander so being able to pop downstairs for an incredible meal was perfect We had so many of the dishes and loved every single one Portions were fantastic as was the price I cannot recommend this place enough
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H F.
3 month ago
Clean and modern restaurant with high quality local dishes like anchovies and various jamón-related things that I cannot name. Lady who served us was nice.
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M..
3 month ago
The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the service is friendly and attentive, and the food… absolutely exceptional. The standout dish? The octopus—tender, flavorful, and perfectly grilled. It was a true showstopper that alone is worth the visit. Every bite was a testament to the chef’s skill and attention to detail. We also enjoyed a variety of other dishes, all beautifully presented and rich in flavor, but the octopus stole the spotlight. Whether you're a local or visiting the city, Sandonana is a must-visit. Can't wait to come back!
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Yue Yuan.
4 month ago
Wonderful food,reasonable price with high quality! Great waitress,nice and kind! A must to try in Santander!
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Eugenia.
4 month ago
The food was AMAZING, tipical basque cousine at an honest price. The service was excellent and we really had a great time. 100% suggested if you’re visiting Santander!!
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Weronika Jarowa.
4 month ago
We really liked this place. We will come back when again in Santander. Delicious, good presentation and fair price. The only thing is that is not children friendly place. No baby chair or the changing place. I think they can improve that. The rest is very good.
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Tommy Hughes.
5 month ago
Loved this place. The gambas alioli were off the chart amazing. The tortilla with blue cheese and caramelised onion likewise. We loved everything we ate. A real gem.
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Vanessa.
5 month ago
All the dishes we tried were delicious and plentiful, and there is a good choice of wines. The staff is really friendly and the prices are fair. Our favorite restaurant in Santander!!
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04 When to visit & how to find us

Hours & the door on Bergmannstraße.

Opening hours
Monday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wednesday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Thursday 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday (today) 07:00 AM - 05:00 PM 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM 08:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Sunday 12:00 PM - 05:00 PM 08:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Finding the door

C. Casimiro Sainz, 17, 39004 Santander, Cantabria, Spain

05 What makes this place friendly

The details you usually have to call and ask.

Service options
  • Outdoor seating
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • No Delivery
Highlights
  • Great coffee
  • Great dessert
  • Great wine list
Popular for
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
Accessibility
  • No Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • No Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
  • Alcohol
  • Beer
  • Coffee
  • Food
  • Food at bar
  • Hard liquor
  • Healthy options
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Wine
Dining options
  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Table service
Amenities
  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
Crowd
  • Groups
  • Tourists
Planning
  • Brunch reservations recommended
  • Lunch reservations recommended
  • Dinner reservations recommended
  • Accepts reservations
Payments
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
Children
  • High chairs
Parking
  • Free street parking
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Parking
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