Galicia, on the North West coast of Spain, is well known for its abundance of fresh seafood with ports and fish auctions found across the area. Here are top 10 suggestions for the best fish and seafood in the region.
Established in 1952 by Manuel Vázquez Salcedo and Amparo Yañez Vázquez, Restaurante Campos serves a variety of seafood fresh from the Galician coast. With more than 60 years’ experience, it is one of the finest seafood restaurants in Lugo. All dishes here are made entirely from scratch. Dishes include Galician octopus, lobster, monkfish and flounder with courses varying according to the season. This restaurant has won prizes for its food and hospitality, including the 1995 Lifetime Prize for their commitment to Galician-style cuisine.
Located in Lugo, Galicia, Mesón de Alberto is described as a culinary treasure. The restaurant was opened in 1975 by Patriarch Alberto García and has done extremely well. Although originally opened as a small restaurant within an antiques building, it now occupies four floors of the building. Meals are cooked in the traditional Galician style. Dishes include octopus, calamari and lamprey. The restaurant is divided, with the upper floors reserved for more formal affairs. Downstairs, the ground floor providing a more casual eating experience in the form of tapas.
Located in a renovated 19th-century home within the Ourense countryside, Restaurante Galileo is constantly producing delicious seafood dishes loved by locals and visitors. Owned by Chef Flavio Morganti, it is renowned for its fresh seafood with an array of dishes such as pastas and risottos. It is not hard to guess the chef’s Italian origins. Many of these dishes change seasonally in order to use the freshest ingredients. Seafood courses include lobster, octopus and smaller shellfish dishes. However, there are alternative meat options for guests who desire something different.
Located in the center of Baiona, Casa Rita is renowned for its fresh produce and delicious dishes. Owned and run by a husband and wife team, this is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch or dinner. Much of the produce is sourced from the local market or fish auctions in areas such as A Guarda and Ribeira. The seafood is well known for its good quality with dishes prepared in the traditional Galician way. House specialities include dover sole, plaice and baby squid. The seafood paella is also a popular choice.
Situated in Galicia’s capital Santiago de Compostela stands the small restaurant of Casa Marcelo. Just a short distance from the Cathedral of Saint James, this restaurant has been awarded a Michelin star for its wonderfully inventive courses and delicious cuisine. The chef Marcelo Tejedor is a strong believer in the use of local ingredients. Seafood courses are popular here with dishes such as scallops considered a real treat for the palate. Chef Marcelo is one of a number of cooks who believes that restaurants should focus on the quality of the product above all else. This restaurant is not one of the cheapest in Galicia but worth a visit if visitors are looking for a high-quality seafood meal.
Located in Santiago de Compostela, Don Gaiferos has traditional style and cuisine. Found near the Church of Santa María Salomé, this restaurant was established in 1975. It serves an array of fresh seafood delivered from A Coruña. Courses include cockles, anchovies, hake and scallops. Other dishes such as beef and veal are also served, however, the seafood is highly recommended. The atmosphere is relaxed and tasteful with surroundings perfect for small and large groups alike.
Situated in A Coruña, Alborada provides a wonderful variety of seafood dishes. Courses are seasonal depending on the produce available throughout the year. The restaurant is divided into two dining rooms with an open kitchen amazing panoramas of the ocean. As well as its modern dishes, there is also a range of menus such as the ‘menu clasico’ which aims to represent traditional Galician cuisine. Although there are meat dishes such as ham and lamb, the seafood courses are the best picks.
This lovely restaurant in Sanxenxo specializes in seafood and traditional Galician cuisine. The seafood is always fresh with dishes ranging from prawns and calamari to crab and octopus. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the restaurant is popular for its reasonable prices and tapas-style dishes. This is perfect for customers who wish to try small portions made from good quality, fresh and local ingredients.
Located in A Coruña, only 30 meters from the Malpica Beach, Casa Rosa provides customers with fresh, quality courses prepared in the traditional Galician manner. All produce is locally sourced and reasonably priced. In fact, it’s so fresh that customers can see their fish or shellfish before it’s prepared. You can get all of the information on price and weight before tucking in. Service is friendly and the restaurant is decorated in a typical Galician style.
In Calle de la Estrella, described as one of the most atmospheric areas in A Coruña, lies A Taberna de Cunqueiro. Established in 2009, this restaurant contains a warm, homely atmosphere alongside delicious seafood. Octopus is a firm favorite among customers, with the chefs aiming to convey traditional flavors and cooking styles. Customers can choose to eat their food in the restaurant’s outside area on one of A Coruña’s oldest streets. Staff are pleasant and decor is traditional with a modern twist.
