At San Sebastián's film festival, brunch at the Hotel María Cristina has become one of its most talked-about luxuries. Brad Pitt chose the premium option, which costs 120 euros per person and includes the setting and views, live music, plus a selection of sweet and savoury dishes. Pitt is staying at the hotel while presenting Heart of the Beast, also titled En el corazón de la bestia, at the 74th San Sebastián International Film Festival. The film is scheduled in the programme outside the competition section.
The María Cristina's brunch is a step beyond its ordinary breakfast. The hotel offers a standard brunch for 90 euros per person and a more exclusive package for 120 euros. The higher-priced option includes the brunch and premium drinks, plus one bottle of champagne for every two guests.
The packages differ in their drinks. The standard option comes with Cava Blanc de Blancs de Codorníu, Marqués de Arienzo Crianza wine and Viña Calera white wine. The premium version swaps those for Marqués de Riscal Reserva and Marqués de Riscal Verdejo, and adds the shared bottle of champagne.
The food is served in the Ibaia room or on the hotel's outdoor terrace when the weather allows. Live music runs through the meal, turning Sunday brunch into a longer social occasion rather than a quick start to the day. Guests can choose sweet and savoury dishes inside one of San Sebastián's best-known historic hotels.
The setting is part of what guests pay for. Spanish coverage of the hotel's offer says brunch is served on Sundays from 13:30 to 15:00. The terrace opens when weather conditions permit.
The Hotel María Cristina has been closely tied to the San Sebastián International Film Festival for decades, and many international film stars have stayed there. Brad Pitt is there for the 74th edition. IMAGO and Spanish news reports place his arrival at the hotel on 20 September 2026. The building's Belle Époque character gives the meal a setting almost as prominent as the menu.
Pitt's appearance has drawn more attention to a festival already attracting major Spanish and international names. Penélope Cruz, Los Javis, Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Blanca Suárez, Vicky Luengo, Macarena Gómez and Nieves Álvarez are among the Spanish figures mentioned around the event. Naomi Watts received the Premio Donostia. Orlando Bloom and Pitt have also drawn attention from festival visitors. El Español, Europa Press, Telecinco and Heraldo reported a large crowd of fans around the María Cristina after Pitt's arrival.
The American actor returned to San Sebastián after 17 years. He has described the city as one of his gastronomic destinations. The official San Sebastian Film Festival diary says his previous visit was connected with Inglourious Basterds. Miguel Ángel Silvestre, Naomi Watts and Orlando Bloom have also been linked to food stops around Donostia. The festival is due to continue until Saturday 26 September, with more events expected before it closes.
The international attention around San Sebastián is separate from the political events covered in earlier coverage. Here, the calculation is simpler: the María Cristina is selling food alongside access to a historic festival setting, at a price of up to 120 euros per guest.
That price puts the brunch firmly in the luxury category. Its appeal comes from the celebrity connection and the festival, set against Belle Époque surroundings with live music and premium service. Pitt's choice puts a precise figure on the hospitality San Sebastián offers during its biggest cinema event. For 120 euros, guests get the meal and historic setting, with the festival occasion adding to the price.
