The Mediterranean Insider

Santiago De Compostela, Spain

Santiago de Compostela’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The Mediterranean • Eat & drink • Santiago de Compostela’s 5 best restaurants (and must-try dishes)

The guide to Santiago de Compostela’s best restaurants

Santiago de Compostela is a Spanish city that feeds the soul in more ways than one. Beyond the towering cathedral and the rhythm of pilgrims arriving from the Camino, there’s a dining scene shaped by Galicia’s wild Atlantic coast and deep-rooted traditions. This is a place where pulpo a la gallega – tender octopus dusted with paprika – arrives on wooden platters, where slow-braised beef simmers for hours and where every meal seems to end with a slice of golden, almond-rich Tarta de Santiago. The chefs here don’t just cook; they honor centuries of culinary heritage while adding their own stamp, whether through fire-kissed seafood, traditional stews or the perfect pour of crisp Albariño. In this guide, we share our top picks of the must-visit restaurants in Santiago de Compostela and the dishes you shouldn’t miss!

Top photography courtesy of A Maceta

Simpar

Simpar is a restaurant in Santiago that brings local ingredients to a new level. Led by award-winning chef Axel Smyth and his co-leader Claudia Merchán, this Michelin-starred restaurant opened in August 2023 and has quickly become a local favourite. Their philosophy centers on celebrating Galicia’s pristine seasonal produce – ingredients sourced daily from nearby markets form the backbone of their tasting menus. You can choose between the 14-course Simpar or the 11-course Conocer menu, each beginning with a creative twist on mushrooms and ending with a version of the traditional Santiago tart. Some standout dishes include an award-winning tripe stew – recognised as one of the world’s best – and their signature ham croquette perfected with a delicate bechamel enriched by jamón ibérico (cured pork).

Simpar
Rúa do Vilar 47
Santiago de Compostela
Spain

Photography courtesy of Simpar

Abastos 2.0

Occupying six modest market stalls inside the Mercado de Abastos, Abastos 2.0 is an innovative eatery offering an intimate and authentic experience, where the day’s freshest catch and local produce take centre stage. Each day, the menu changes depending on what is available, which means you can expect a variety of fish, shellfish and vegetables prepared in new ways. The intimate setting, complete with both indoor and outdoor seating under umbrellas, invites you to relax as you enjoy the delicious raciones and tapas. The idea is to bring a modern touch to a traditional market dining experience. For us, Abastos 2.0 felt like a true window into the local food scene – one where you can taste the very best of what Santiago has to offer without any fuss.

Abastos 2.0
Mercado de Abastos
Praza de Abastos
Rúa das Ameas 13 -18
Santiago de Compostela
Spain

Photography courtesy of Abastos 2.0

A Maceta

A Maceta is a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant, led by chef Jorge Gago, who masterfully fuses traditional Galician flavours with subtle Asian influences. We love its rustic–contemporary ambience, characterised by exposed stone walls and a welcoming patio-terrace that’s perfect for al fresco dining. The menu features fusion dishes such as mackerel sashimi that highlights the delicate texture of fresh fish, the tender beef cheek accompanied by chestnuts and mushrooms, alongside sweet creations like a hazelnut mille feuille for dessert. The emphasis on seasonal produce is clear, ingredients are sourced locally from the Mercado de Abastos, ensuring each dish incorporates the best of Galician bounty.

A Maceta
120 Rúa de San Pedro
Santiago de Compostela
Spain

Photography courtesy of A Maceta

A Viaxe

A Viaxe is a small bistro-style restaurant that is inspired by Peruvian influences, located in a charming square near the center of Santiago. The name A Viaxe, which translates to The Journey, reflects the eatery’s culinary philosophy of taking diners on a gastronomic voyage. The chef draws on his own travel experiences and heritage to create an exciting tasting menu called Destinos. Each course is designed to take you on a little journey, we love how every dish highlights a different destination, with each dish’s origin – be it Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Galicia or the Basque Country – forming part of the story behind the meal. The space is modest but welcoming, with simple decor that lets the food stand out. You can even opt to sit at the counter, where you can chat with the chef and learn more about the inspiration behind each dish.

A Viaxe
Praza do Obradoiro 3
Santiago de Compostela
Spain

Photography courtesy of A Viaxe

Anaco

Anaco is an intimate restaurant located on the threshold of Santiago de Compostela’s historic quarter. The interior is modern and understated. The ancient, bare stone walls echo the city’s historic charm and the ambiance is relaxed but refined. This establishment is the personal venture of chef Víctor Lobejón, who, after honing his skills in several renowned kitchens, chose Santiago as the place to inaugurate his solo project. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on seasonal cuisine with straightforward preparations that honor the integrity of each ingredient. Anaco collaborates closely with a network of small-scale producers and artisans, ensuring that their menu showcases the finest offerings from Galicia’s rich larder. You can choose between the Amesaposta tasting menu, which evolves daily to reflect the freshest market selections or select your dishes from the à la carte menu. Give the shrimp fritters and steak tartar a try!