Octopus in its juice
TO CURVE _(Rafael Pico, 56; Portonovo; Pontevedra; tel. 620 25 25 73) _
Few bars can boast such a wine list like this, much better than some renowned restaurants. And to accompany them you have to let yourself be advised by Miguel, especially in what to fish of the day is concerned. You won't go wrong.
CANADA _(Marquis of Trives, 23; A Pobra de Trives; Ourense; tel. 988 33 02 08) _
Who resists a good ' lard biscuit ’? This typical sweet, originally from the south of Lugo, is addictive. If you open the box (and it's not small) you won't be able to stop until you finish it. Here the 'bica' is made with love and it is perfect to accompany it with a good herbal liqueur from the land or a coffee for those who do not like to cheer up a bit.
DURAN HOUSE _(Marrúa, 25; Moaña; Pontevedra; tel. 986 31 16 53) _
The best traditional restaurant in Galicia, always faithful to his ideas, tasty stews and, above all, great raw material. Spectacular mussels and razor clams, very fresh fish ( the stripe in sauce is from another world) and an unbeatable value for money.
Scallops
CASAL DO UMIA (Campo da Vila, 2 C; Oubiña; Pontevedra; tel. 986 542 737)
You'll have to earn the lid. but only for that dry cooked octopus it's worth the trip. So put on the GPS, don't get impatient and enjoy this place that boasts authenticity and a good atmosphere. Its terrace is one of those that fall in love in summer , although the interior is also warm and welcoming.
THE NAUTICAL (Praia da Barrosa, s/n; San Vicente do Mar, Pontevedra; tel. 986 73 82 20)
A beer on this terrace overlooking the small beach where it is located or a cocktail in the afternoon is a unique experience. At night, it is transformed into a concert hall, with a magnificent program in summer . It is not Ibiza nor does it pretend to be, but its proposal is very attractive.
HOTEL NOVAVILA (Santo Tomé de Nogueira; Pontevedra; tel. 609 11 10 23)
Stone walls, wooden ceilings and very careful furniture in a hotel with design details in which the objects, in addition, are for sale. They organize tastings to taste the Albarino produced by the family that runs it. Accommodation for adults only. A family bet in a corner to get lost.
Hotel Novavila dining room
OR DRINK (Ángel Rebollo, 34; La Coruña-A Coruña; tel. 981 21 06 09)
Delicious tapas and portions, starting with the scallops , followed by a perfect octopus and an excellent 'raxo' (pork loin, another classic of Galician gastronomy), framed in a very welcoming atmosphere in which the tavern philosophy is maintained. Another of its star dishes is the scampi, however, they also dare with other international dishes, although whoever comes here wants to taste the local tapas. But above all, it is one of those places with charm that has had its doors open since the 1970s and has done its job well. Who needs more?
OR PAZO ASADOR (15917, Pazos; Padrón; A Coruña; tel. 981 81 15 07)
This is the place for those looking a meat establishment in capital letters in the land of seafood and fish. Just entering the maturation chamber is impressive. Spectacular beef carcasses. Intense flavors. And to water all these delights, a remarkable spirits menu (gins and whiskies, mainly) and wines, with two albariños , Pazo Arretén, self-made. Let yourself be advised by the service and enjoy the gastronomy of the area.
Dining room of the O Pazo Asador
ORELLAS (Santo Domingo, 2, Ourense. Tel. 988 37 25 59)
In this mythical place in the old part of the city you won't have any doubts about what to eat. The pig's ear cap is mandatory but, if you are not satisfied, you can try the tapa de rabo, or lacón... because as the saying goes, here everything is used from the pig. the renowned Cea bread (protected for being a handmade product) and a drink of ribeiro are also mandatory . Being well known for its great value for money at peak times it is extremely crowded.
PAJON (Carme, 17; Lugo; tel. 982 22 85 27)
Hidden at the gates of the wall, in a corner known only to the natives, is this classic from Lugo, which used to be said to have the best octopus for its quality and its price. Today, the traditional taste and charm continue to fill its tables. Basic pantry (minimum menu), but if it's good, why else?
_* Published in the Condé Nas Traveler Gastronomic Guide 2015, it is now on sale in digital format at Zinio and Apple. _ You can also download the application for Android and on the App Store completely free of charge and start diving into the Spanish gastro map.
*** You may also be interested in...**
- Download the free application of the Gastronomic Guide 2015 in the App Store and for Android
- Interview with Pepe Solla
- Gastro route through Madrid: David Muñoz's favorites
- The other gastronomy of Galicia
- Seafood safari in the Rías Altas
- Seafood safari in the Rías Baixas
- Basic dictionary to defend yourself if you travel to Galicia
- Eight ways to eat octopus in Galicia
- Dishes to eat in Galicia in summer
- Five things to eat in Galicia (and they are not seafood)
- You know you are Galician when... - Uses and gastronomic customs of Galicia
Hmm... octopus...
Portrait of Pepe Solla