The establishment, founded on December 28, 1999, by four friends with experience in Basque cuisine, recently celebrated its first anniversary under the new ownership. This revitalization coincides with the arrival of the Temps de Flors event in Girona, a period of high visitor numbers in the city.
The new owners, with backgrounds in gastronomy, distribution, and design, were regular patrons of the venue and have decided to maintain the aesthetic, atmosphere, and menu that made Zanpanzar a local landmark. The offering includes a wide variety of pintxos, such as those with omelette, txistorra, anchovies, or ham, in addition to classic tapas and dishes like patatas bravas, Galician-style octopus, or txuletón.
“"We wanted to maintain its essence. Zanpanzar had carved out a niche in the city with its pintxos and tapas, a quiet atmosphere, and soft music that allowed for conversation."
The decision to take over the business arose almost by chance, when the previous owners announced its transfer after 25 years of operation. After several months of negotiation and preparation, which included assembling a new team and selecting suppliers, the new Zanpanzar opened its doors last May.
The new management has focused on offering quality products without increasing prices, bringing back popular dishes and introducing new items such as cod with piperrada or cachopo. The team, consisting of about ten people, with Noa Coll managing the dining area and Sam Calvo in the kitchen, allows the venue to open every day in the afternoon and evening, and on weekends also at midday, ensuring a consistent presence for customers.
The owners express their satisfaction with the positive reception from customers, both locals and visitors from Girona, who have appreciated the changes introduced while preserving the original spirit of the place. This acceptance has allowed Zanpanzar to continue being a gathering spot where customers can enjoy their favorite selection of pintxos and tapas.
