The final 111 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago from Sarria is one of the most popular stretches – in part, because it’s one of the shortest stretches that still grants a certificate. As the route winds through many traditional villages, there’s ample opportunity to sample some Galician cuisine.
Sarria is where it begins
Your food experience can begin at Meson Roberto which is a beloved institution among pilgrims since the late 90s. It’s on the riverfront with a sunny terrace and serves grilled meats, fresh seafood and authentic Galician dishes. Their ribeye steak, scallops and octopus á feira are the three that arise most in reviews, while their €12 daily menu offers great value for budget travllers.
Portomarin for elevated dining
After crossing the medieval bridge into Portomarin, head to O Mirador for perhaps the finest of dining experience along the route. Their garlic prawns are legendary, though this option is less of a budget-conscious one, particularly as the views are great. The terrace is ideal for resting up between stretches.
For a local specialty, try the traditional Orujo liquor. It’s a grape brandy that comes in both classic and herbal options.
Melide: The octopus capital
Melide is the undisputed capital of pulpo á feira (Galician-style octopus). Two establishments stand out:
Pulperia A Garnacha has a third-generation pulpeiro who can often be seen preparing octopus in the front window. This is right in the heart of town, meaning it’s got a great atmosphere in the evenings, along with generous portions of perfectly seasoned octopus.
Pulperia Ezequiel is an old school option with over 50 years of history. It’s become a Camino institution and despite mixed reviews about service, the quality of their octopus is consistently high.
Arzua: Cheese country
Arzua is also on the route and is known for its Arzúa-Ulloa cheese. Teodora is a family-run restaurant in the town center and has some great Galician cuisine, but importantly you’ll find the renowned local cheese throughout the menu.
Celebrating your achievement in Santiago
Let’s not forget your pilgrimage ends in Santiago, where celebration begins. For the ultimate splurge, Casa Marcelo has a Michelin-starred experience just seconds from the cathedral. Chef Marcelo Tejedor offers Galician-Japanese fusion cuisine with surprise tasting menus that change regularly. This is a treat.
For a more casual celebration, Bar La Tita is known for its tortilla de Betanzos – a local variation of Spanish omelet made without onions and served very gooey.
Mercado La Galliciana is also a great spot for food lovers as it features everything from traditional seafood to international options. The market atmosphere buzzes with the energy of pilgrims and locals.
Wine experiences along the way
Throughout your journey, Galicia has some excellent wines, particularly the crisp Albariño whites and earthy Mencía reds. Many restaurants offer local Ribeiro and Rías Baixas wines that pair well with the local seafood, but don’t miss an opportunity to take a look around a vineyard or two.
This 111+ km route shows that Camino de Santiago isn’t just a spiritual journey or hiking experience, but a culinary journey too, with some seriously indulgent options that have served pilgrims for decades.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
