A story of tradition, fire and family roots
Founded by José Antonio Ayestaranthe restaurant Zelaï-Zabal was born with the aim of offering traditional Basque cuisine in a familiar and close environment. From the start, his letter revolved around grilled meats and seasonal local products.
Located in an old house in the district of Argixão de Zumarragathe establishment won prestige thanks to word of mouth and recognition of difficult guestsincluding personalities from Basque politics, culture and sport.
A closure that marks the end of an era in Zumarraga
The decision to close the restaurant It was not easy for Ayestaran familywho has run the company since three generations. The lack of generational change and the transformations in the hotel sector have been decisive.
The last service of Zelaï-Zabal was charged with emotion. Long-time customers have wanted say goodbye to this place where they celebrated weddings, birthdays or business lunches. Some left written messages in the guestbook, thanking them for decades of hospitality and culinary know-how.
Gipuzkoa loses one of its gastronomic references
THE Guipuzcoan gastronomy suffers a significant loss with this farewell iconic steakhouse. In a context where many historic establishments are disappearing, the closure of Zelai-Zabal It also symbolizes the decline of a restoration model based on local identityfire cooking and family management.
According to data from Basque Institute of Statistics (Eustat)the number of traditional restaurants In Euskadi there was a decrease 12% over the last decademainly in rural areas and small towns like Zumarraga.
Zelai-Zabal’s legacy: much more than gastronomy
Closing does not erase the legacy of Zelai-Zabal. Beyond their grilled chops and fishthe restaurant was a space of coexistence, transmitter of valuestraditions and local culture. A place where friendships, businesses and memories were made.
Zumarraga says goodbye a piece of its history, and with it also a way of understanding the restoration which marked several generations. He Zelai-Zabal doesn’t just close a dining room: a fire that has been burning for more than 70 years old.
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