Where to Eat on Your Route through Galicia
Flavours of Galicia: a gastronomic route through A Coruña, Santiago, and Vigo
Galicia is synonymous with fine dining. Its Atlantic coast, its estuaries (rías), its mountains, and its rural tradition mean that gastronomy here plays an absolutely central role. Travelling through Galicia is discovering fresh produce, unique seafood, recipes passed down through generations, and a commitment to flavour that is part of its identity.
If you are touring A Coruña, Santiago de Compostela, and Vigo, here is an inspiring guide to know where to eat and what to try in each of these essential Galician cities.
➤ A Coruña: Atlantic sea, tradition, and tapas culture
A Coruña is a city where the sea defines everything: the landscape, the history, and the gastronomy. Here, seafood arrives almost directly from the fish market to the plate, and tapas are part of the daily life of the locals.
- Pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus) prepared in the traditional way.
- Percebes (Gooseneck barnacles) and seafood from the Costa da Morte (Coast of Death).
- Empanada gallega (Galician savoury pie) with queen scallops or cockles.
- Recommended area: Calle de la Estrella and surroundings, ideal for trying typical tapas.
- Promenade: restaurants with fresh produce and views of the Atlantic.
A Coruña is a must-stop for those seeking sea, urban atmosphere, and authentic Galician cuisine.
➤ Santiago de Compostela: tradition, produce, and market cuisine
Santiago is not just the finish line of the Camino: it is also one of Galicia's most outstanding gastronomic capitals. Here, traditional cuisine mixes with modern proposals that deeply respect local produce.
- Mercado de Abastos (Market): the gastronomic heart of Santiago, with stalls and restaurants where you can eat the fresh produce of the day.
- Grilled or steamed queen scallops (Zamburiñas a la plancha).
- Lacón con grelos (Pork shoulder with turnip greens), one of the most traditional dishes.
- Tarta de Santiago (St. James's Cake), the quintessential dessert.
- Traditional restaurants in Rúa do Franco, Raíña, and Preguntoiro.
Santiago offers a cuisine with deep roots, based on fresh produce and recipes that have travelled the Camino for centuries.
➤ Vigo: estuary, seafood, and modern cuisine
Vigo is an industrial powerhouse, a modern city, and the heart of the Ría de Vigo (Vigo Estuary). Its gastronomy is a true paradise for lovers of fresh seafood and fish.
- Oysters from the Ría, which you can taste on the famous Calle de las Ostras (Oyster Street).
- Seafood from the ría: razor clams, mussels, clams, scallops, and cockles.
- Caldeirada de pescado (Fish stew) and traditional sailor recipes.
- O Berbés Quarter: historic taverns with authentic Galician cuisine.
- Samil and Vao Beaches: ideal restaurants for dining with a view.
Vigo is the perfect destination for those seeking top-quality seafood and Galician cuisine based on the sea, but with many modern and creative proposals.
➤ Galicia: a route of unique flavours
Galician gastronomy is a mix of sea, market gardening, and tradition. Each city contributes a distinct personality:
- A Coruña: Atlantic tapas and seafood of the day.
- Santiago: traditional cuisine with a pilgrim soul.
- Vigo: capital of estuary seafood.
Travelling through Galicia is savouring the authenticity of its products, enjoying recipes that respect the origin, and discovering the culinary richness of one of the regions with the most gastronomic identity in Spain.
