Pontevedra: a feast of flavours for the most discerning palates
Pontevedra is a culinary paradise that combines tradition and innovation in every dish. The food of the Rías Baixas is famous for its fresh and high quality seafood. If you are wondering where to eat in Pontevedra, here are some suggestions to immerse yourself in the exquisite local gastronomy:
Star Bar
Located in the heart of the city on Rúa Figueroa, next to Plaza de la Herrería, Mesón Bar Estrella is a gem of local gastronomy. Although it is small and has a cosy terrace, we recommend booking to guarantee your table. It specialises in tapas such as omelettes, croquettes and empanadas, and seafood delicacies such as mussels and razor clams. It stands out for its pleasant atmosphere and friendly staff. An essential place to eat in Pontevedra.
Bagos Wine Library
Right in the centre of Pontevedra, on Rúa Michelena, you will find Viñoteca Bagos. A perfect place to enjoy an excellent meal accompanied by a good wine. Its menu is varied and innovative, highlighting dishes such as anchovies, marinated tuna or prawns with curry. Asian flavours and careful presentation are its hallmarks. Its excellent food and the attention of its staff will convince you that it is an outstanding place to eat in Pontevedra.
Restaurant La culpa de la gula
In Rúa Real you will find this restaurant that stands out for the originality and quality of its culinary proposals. With a menu that changes every month, it offers tasty and elaborate dishes. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary to eat in Pontevedra, this is the place for you. Its customers highlight the octopus with cheese and the burrata salad.
Octopus is a very common ingredient in Galician gastronomy, especially in the famous "pulpo a la gallega" recipe. However, this version adds an innovative touch by including cheese in the preparation. Here is a simplified recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 medium octopus
- 1 wheel of cheese (preferably a creamy or semi-cured cheese)
- Salt, paprika and olive oil
Preparation:
- Cook the octopus. It is most commonly boiled until tender.
- Once cooked, cut the octopus into slices.
- On a plate, place the octopus slices and add pieces of cheese on top.
- Finally, sprinkle with salt, paprika and a dash of olive oil.
Bar Barullo
This traditional tavern, located on Rúa da Princesa, in the heart of the old town, is a highly recommended option for tapas in Pontevedra. Its menu offers innovative dishes such as tuna tartar, croca, ceviche or nachos, along with a selection of desserts and cocktails.
Novo Soto Restaurant
Novo Soto is a classic of Pontevedra's gastronomy. Located at Calle Virgen del Camino 20, it offers homemade and hearty food, reminiscent of grandmothers' meals. With a good value for money menu of the day, with dishes such as broth, Galician stew or grilled fish.
Mesón Los castellanos
Located at Rúa da Oliva 23, Los castellanos is an excellent place to eat in Pontevedra. With traditional dishes such as empanada, xoubas stew, chicken stew or various fish dishes. And for dessert, you can't miss their acclaimed brownie with ice cream and hot chocolate. It also offers a high quality daily menu.
A Parrilla do Servando
Located at Calle Poeta Uxío Novoneyra 3, A Parrilla do Servando offers a varied menu with starters, salads, toasts, scrambled eggs and desserts. In addition, with each drink they serve different pinchos and they usually have some product of the day off the menu. This is another place you can't miss when wondering where to eat in Pontevedra.
Pizzeria Il Piccolo
If you are looking for an Italian option, Il Piccolo is your place. Located on Calle Virgen del Camino, this restaurant offers a wide range of gluten-free, lactose-free and vegan-friendly products. Awarded as the best Italian in Europe outside Italy, Il Piccolo also offers home delivery service.
IceWolf Restaurant
At Rúa de Dona Tareixa, 4, IceWolf fuses traditional Galician dishes with influences from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and America. With vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, its star dishes are prawns in tempura and pasta with mushrooms and truffle. Undoubtedly, an interesting place to eat in Pontevedra. Finally, remember that in Pontevedra gastronomy is a celebration of flavour and tradition. So, wherever you choose to eat in Pontevedra, you will surely enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience. Enjoy your meal!
This is a dish that combines Galician and Asian cuisine, with the prawns coated in a crispy tempura.
Ingredients:
- Prawns
- Wheat flour
- Egg
- Very cold water
- Frying oil
Preparation:
- Peel the prawns, leaving the tails on.
- To make the tempura, mix the flour with the egg and add cold water little by little until you obtain a light batter.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan or deep fryer.
- Dip the prawns into the tempura batter, making sure they are completely covered.
- Fry the prawns in the hot oil until the tempura is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on kitchen paper to remove excess oil.
Conclusion
Pontevedra is a culinary destination par excellence. Its gastronomic offer is vast and varied, from traditional Galician cuisine to international influences, there is something for all tastes and budgets. Whether you are looking for a bar for tapas, a restaurant for dinner or a pizzeria for authentic Italian cuisine, in Pontevedra you will find the perfect place to satisfy your cravings. We recommend you to explore and try for yourself the charms of this wonderful city. Enjoy your meal!
Recommendation
If your visit to Pontevedra is part of a larger trip, you may be interested in learning more about the Portuguese Way to Santiago. We recommend you to read our post about the Stages of the Portuguese Way from Tui. In it, we detail each stage of the Camino, providing useful and practical information. The Portuguese Way is a unique cultural and spiritual experience that will allow you to discover the beauty of Galicia and Portugal from a unique perspective. Don't miss it!
Before you set off on your journey to Santiago de Compostela, we invite you to read our complete guide to The Weather in Santiago de Compostela. Here you will find everything you need to know about the weather to prepare properly and make the most of your experience.
