Donosti, 1940: where it all began
Taverns, pintxos, vermouth, and nights of jazz.
Donosti, 1940: the origin of everything
In the 1940s, San Sebastián experienced a unique cultural golden age. The old-town taverns of the Parte Vieja were the vibrant meeting grounds for fishermen, musicians, artists, and locals sharing newly invented pintxos, craft vermouth, and endless conversations.
In this setting the gilda was born, widely celebrated as the first modern pintxo: a simple, bold, and characterful skewer, named after the unforgettable heroine played by Rita Hayworth in the 1946 film Gilda.
The gilda became the timeless symbol of an unpretentious culinary lifestyle: honest ingredients, uncompromised flavors, and lasting personality.
Rita Hayworth and the legend of Gilda (1946)
Green, salty, and a little spicy: that was how Donosti locals described the revolutionary pintxo combining olive, Cantabrian anchovy, and pickled pepper, christened after Rita Hayworth’s iconic character.
Green: firm Manzanilla olive and gentle Ibarra pickled pepper.
Salty: prime Cantabrian anchovy fillet 00 cured in traditional sea salt.
Spicy: the zesty, tangy bite that awakens the palate and calls for another vermouth.
Jazz in San Sebastián: the heartbeat of a city
The 1940s and 50s fostered a deep and enduring love affair between Donosti and jazz. The city welcomed visiting international musicians, basement clubs, and flyers announcing nights of swing, bebop, and standards that remain part of Basque cultural heritage.
That atmosphere—blending elegance, bohemian freedom, and creative warmth—is the soul of Ca La Gilda. We want every visit to evoke that feeling: soft jazz, amber glow, authentic conversation, and an easy pace that invites you to stay.
Historic Photo Archive
A visual journey into the origins of Donosti, early pintxo taverns, and the 1940s & 50s jazz scene.
Donosti Fishing Port & Bay (1940)
Archival view of San Sebastián bay and harbor with traditional fishing boats and vintage beachgoers.
Vintage Acoustic Jazz & Swing Band
Vintage musicians playing banjo, trombone, saxophone and violin, the classic atmosphere inspiring Ca la Gilda.
Classic Tavern Bar & Service (1927)
Archival 1927 photo of a tavern counter with bartenders in white aprons, vintage bottles and patrons.
Classic Movie Poster «Gilda» (Rita Hayworth)
Original cinematic poster of the legendary film that inspired the classic Basque skewer: green, salty, and spicy.
Our philosophy: bringing two worlds together
Uniting pintxo and gilda culture with the aesthetics and spirit of 1940s Donosti jazz.
At Ca La Gilda, we treat the tavern as a cherished social sanctuary where quality is never compromised and genuine hospitality makes all the difference.
Come experience Ca La Gilda
We bring this rich heritage to Granollers, creating a distinctive gathering place to share fine food and good music among friends and family.