Upon completing the Camino de Santiago and arriving in Santiago de Compostela, every pilgrim celebrates their journey in the old town of this city. And what better way to do so than by exploring the most emblematic, modern, and curious bars and restaurants in Santiago de Compostela? Santiago is a very culturally active city with a vibrant nightlife, hosting a multitude of bars along its cobblestone streets that will surprise you. Whatever your style or taste, we are sure that Santiago has the perfect bar for you.
Are you ready to discover the popular restaurants where to eat in Santiago de Compostela? If you’re looking for bars with unique atmospheres and restaurants with innovative dishes, keep reading. By the end of this article, you’ll have an incredible list of places to enjoy on your next visit to Santiago de Compostela after finishing a jacobean route.
After a Good Camino, ham and wine
Trendy Bars in Santiago
Among the trendy bars in Santiago, there are bars with unique atmospheres, bars with live music, and bars with signature cocktails. Bars, what places! And many, of course, offer pinchos and tapas. Want to know where you absolutely must stop for a drink in Santiago?
La Tita
La Tita is famous for its generous tapas and cozy atmosphere, especially its famous pincho de tortilla. With traditional Galician décor, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon with friends. However, it’s very popular, so if you plan to meet here, arrive early to secure a table.
A pilgrim measuring the size of a tortilla
O Gato Negro
This is one of the most emblematic establishments in Santiago de Compostela. With a history that spans decades, this bar is famous for its rustic ambiance and authenticity. Upon entering, you’ll be greeted by its stone walls, wooden floors, and décor that evokes the traditional Galician spirit. It’s known for its generous and delicious tapas, including octopus, mussels, barnacles, empanadas, and other local delights.
La Flor
Home to the compostelan “modern”, a place frequented by bohemians and artists where you might even run into a famous actor. It’s a very versatile spot, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea or coffee with a good book, or for having a few beers with tapas or toasts.
Hotel Costa Vella
The most characteristic and remarkable thing is that you don’t expect to find what you find after entering. From the outside, you can’t imagine the spectacular garden terrace this place has. It’s perfect for enjoying a good breakfast or a coffee with dessert.
The terraces and interior gardens of some bars in Santiago de Compostela are surprising
Bandullo do Lambón
Perhaps, the home of beers in Santiago, next to the Cathedral and with a huge variety. Craft beers of very high quality at an unbeatable price. With over 200 beer references, it is an internationally recognized venue.
Casa das Crechas
Another emblematic place in Santiago de Compostela, known for its cultural atmosphere and historical charm. Located in an old stone house, its rustic and cozy interior invites you to relax and enjoy a unique experience. It is famous for its live music events, where you can listen to everything from traditional Galician music to contemporary artists’ concerts.
In Santiago de Compostela, there are many places to listen to live music
Modus Vivendi
Part of the “art taverns” in Compostela, a renowned venue that has been in operation for many years. This is undoubtedly one of the mods spots in Compostela. Good music and atmosphere characterize it, in the heart of Santiago’s historic center.
Borriquita de Belém
With eclectic and cozy décor, here you’ll find an intimate atmosphere ideal for enjoying live concerts spanning various musical genres. It is the perfect place for those looking for a lively night in Santiago, enjoying good drinks and music in a charming setting.
Atlántico
This is one of Santiago’s most iconic bars and restaurants, which has successfully reinvented itself over the years. They specialize in cocktails and drink preparations, and the place couldn’t be cooler. The atmosphere is always very pleasant, as is their music selection.
Camalea
Located in the heart of the city, this bar offers a unique experience with its modern and cozy décor, along with its beautiful terrace. This bar is known for its innovative cocktails, created by expert bartenders using fresh ingredients and creative techniques to surprise their customers. Besides its excellent cocktails, it is the perfect place for those looking to enjoy a sophisticated and fun night in Santiago.
Riquela
Riquela is that typical bar that has undoubtedly made a name for itself in Compostela’s nightlife scene. It’s perfect for a snack, a pre-dinner beer, or some drinks after dinner. Its live music always draws you in during Santiago’s evening and night.
A good Galician queimada will warm you up and protect you from evil spirits
Fuco Lois
An excellent pub to have a beer, a drink, or even… a real queimada! Yes, here you can arrange a Galician queimada show, besides enjoying this charming bar in the historic center.
Embora Bar Cultural
A legendary bar in the old Compostela area. It is located next to the Faculty of Geography and History and stands out for being an intimate and cozy place in the city center. Perfect for enjoying good cocktails and its vermouth sessions with concerts on the terrace.
Momo
This is a popular destination in Santiago de Compostela, known for its bohemian atmosphere and unrivaled interior décor… To understand it, better visit it! Located just outside but near the old town, Momo offers a cozy and eclectic space to enjoy a vibrant night. The bar is famous for its interior and terraces, always creating a dynamic and entertaining atmosphere. Besides the music, it offers a selection of drinks that perfectly complement the experience.
Bartolo
Bartolo is a must-visit spot for punk music lovers in Santiago de Compostela. Its décor is vibrant, with walls covered in concert posters and graffiti, creating a unique atmosphere that takes you to the heart of punk culture. Plus, it has a foosball table!
Trendy Restaurants in Santiago
Santiago has countless restaurants, offering traditional cuisine with a modern twist, vegan, vegetarian, and international cuisine. Many of them are located in the well-known Rúa do Franco, the city’s wine area, but we’ll also give you options outside it. Below we offer a selection where you can experience Galician cuisine.
Wandering through Santiago de Compostela, you can find an endless number of restaurants
O Gato Negro
This tavern, probably one of the oldest in Santiago and located in the center of the old town, gives you the feeling of being just another local. A picturesque tavern with special charm, where you won’t find grand decorations, but you will find a very cool and familiar atmosphere and exceptional product quality.
La Cueva
Another classic, known for its “angry tigers”, which usually come as a tapa. A charming corner tavern, with all the flavor of traditional and neighborhood Galician cuisine. Simple menu, but everything homemade.
Abastos 2.0
This restaurant offers a modern atmosphere inside the market. Its central bar and shared tables create a unique experience while you enjoy creative tapas. For a Michelin-starred restaurant, it has quite affordable prices, a very interesting option for anyone wanting to taste authentic flavors.
A Moa
A charming bar that stands out for its homely atmosphere and rustic décor. This cozy establishment offers an authentic gastronomic experience, with a selection of homemade tapas and traditional Galician dishes. Its terrace, ideal for sunny days, adds a special touch, allowing visitors to relax outdoors while savoring their food.
In the historic center of Santiago, as well as outside it, you will find many gastronomic proposals
Petiscos do Cardeal
Famous for its creativity in pinchos. The kitchen is visible through glass walls, where they prepare flavorful and homemade dishes, betting on local products.
El Papatorio
Located in the historic center of the city, this establishment offers a contemporary and elegant atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a memorable meal. A great restaurant, especially if you like meat. Before entering the dining room, the sight of the grill already tells you you’re in for a treat.
Abellá
It’s fantastic for a snack, as its portions, tapas, and pinchos are generous. And of course, a crocodile tapa shouldn’t be missed… There you have it! Also, the tortilla and lobster rice stand out among diners.
A’Charca
Carmen Iglesias has been in charge of the kitchen at A’Charca for half a century. A classic where meats, fish, seafood, and rice dishes stand out.
Take the opportunity to taste the best of Galician cuisine in Santiago de Compostela
A Tafona
Another Michelin-starred restaurant in the city, run by chef Lucía Freitas. Avant-garde culinary proposals made with the most authentic and native products.
Casa Marcelo
Famous for its innovative approach to Galician cuisine. Its tasting menu constantly changes to always offer something new. A restaurant to indulge in a gastronomic treat, where the menu is a surprise, and it’s not a problem if you dislike something or have intolerances.
L’Incontro
Perhaps the best Italian restaurant in Santiago de Compostela. If what you seek is pizza and pasta with Italian ingredients and preparation, this is your place, in the heart of Compostela’s historic center.
Hui Kitchen
Though outside the historic center, it is a traditional Chinese restaurant with many vegan options. It is run by a very nice couple who serve you with great affection.
Mama Peixe
An excellent place with a great atmosphere. Delicious cuisine with seasonal products and typical dishes, notable in Santiago for being outside the tourist areas.
Garum Bistró
A cozy place with a surprising and eclectic menu, reasonably priced, and with excellent service. It is located just before entering the historic area, so it is a bit away from the tourist zone.
In Santiago de Compostela, you can find vegetarian and vegan options
Greenhouse
A cozy place with very original décor, known for its creative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Its relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make it very popular among locals and tourists. The food is tasty and lovingly cooked, a great option for lovers of vegetarian and vegan food.
Tips for enjoying a gastronomic weekend in Santiago
- Plan ahead: book at the most popular restaurants in advance, if possible, to secure your table.
- Try a bit of everything: Santiago has a wide variety of gastronomic options, so don’t hesitate to experiment.
- Enjoy the atmosphere: part of the experience is enjoying the unique atmosphere of each place. Take your time to relax and absorb the surroundings.
- Ask for recommendations: locals always have the best advice on where to eat and what to try.
- Take advantage of the tapas: many bars and restaurants offer tapas, which allows you to try several options without getting too full. Though sometimes, you still end up full!
And there you have it! Now you have all the information you need to enjoy the best trendy bars and restaurants in Santiago de Compostela. Are you ready to explore these amazing places and live an unforgettable gastronomic experience?
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