Where to eat well on the French Way from Sarria: recommended bars and restaurants

The Camino is also savored

The French Way from Sarria is not only a spiritual and cultural experience, but also a gastronomic adventure. Along its more than 115 kilometers to Santiago de Compostela, pilgrims can enjoy a wide range of bars, taverns and restaurants that combine Galician tradition with homemade flavor and the hospitality that characterizes the Camino de Santiago.

From a plentiful and affordable pilgrim menu to typical dishes such as pulpo á feira, Galician empanadas or Arzúa cheese, eating well is part of the pleasure of walking this route. In each stage, you will find places to regain strength, share a meal and discover the culinary essence of Galicia.

➤ Sarria: starting point with Galician flavor

Before starting the first stage, Sarria offers an excellent introduction to the local gastronomy. This town in Lugo has taverns, inns and restaurants where the pilgrim can try the best of traditional Galician cuisine.

• Mesón Roberto: a classic among pilgrims, famous for its octopus, Galician broth and friendly service.
• O Descanso do Andante: homemade cooking with local products, ideal for a quiet meal before departing.
• Roma Ristorante: a mix of Galician cuisine and international options, with a varied pilgrim menu.
• Panadería Pallares: the perfect stop for breakfast before leaving: empanadas, artisanal pastries and coffee.

Tip: enjoy a good dinner the night before. The Camino begins better with a happy stomach and a motivated heart.

➤ Portomarín: gastronomy with views of the Miño

After the first stage, Portomarín welcomes the pilgrim with its emblematic bridge and a gastronomic offer that combines history and tradition. Here, the specialty is Galician meat and hearty dishes to replenish energy.

• Mesón O Mirador: excellent views of the Miño River, abundant pilgrim menu and friendly service.
• Restaurante Pérez: famous for its churrasco and Galician empanada.
• O Bispo: homemade cooking with modern touches, well-presented dishes and fast service.

Recommendation: try a glass of Ribeira Sacra wine. It is the perfect complement for an afternoon of rest by the river.

➤ Palas de Rei: the art of traditional cooking

In Palas de Rei, the pilgrim enters the rural heart of Galicia. This town, with Jacobean charm, is an ideal place to enjoy hearty stews and Galician dishes.

• Casa Curro: one of the most popular inns on the Camino, known for its octopus, tripe and homemade empanadas.
• Restaurante A Parada das Bestas: a gastronomic reference stop, with organic products and creative Galician cuisine (reservation required).
• Mesón O Camino: traditional menu, friendly service and generous portions at a good price.

If you are looking for a more authentic experience, order a plate of lacón con grelos or Galician broth. They are classic dishes that never fail.

➤ Melide: the mecca of octopus

No pilgrim should pass through Melide without trying its star dish: pulpo á feira. It is one of the most emblematic gastronomic stops on the French Way from Sarria.

• Pulpería Ezequiel: an institution in Galicia. The octopus is served in the traditional style, on a wooden plate, with paprika and olive oil.
• Pulpería A Garnacha: an equally famous alternative, with a pilgrim atmosphere and fast service.
• Casa Alongos: offers tapas, Galician wines and homemade desserts, ideal for a sweet finish.

Tip: accompany the octopus with a young red wine or an Albariño. And don’t forget the Galician bread, essential at any good table.

➤ Arzúa: land of cheese and good food

Arzúa is synonymous with cheese. Arzúa-Ulloa cheese has a Designation of Origin and is a must-stop for lovers of smooth and creamy flavors. In addition, the local atmosphere and rural inns make this town one of the most pleasant places to rest and eat well.

• Casa Teodora: family tradition and Galician cuisine with soul, featuring its Galician beef and homemade desserts.
• O Rueiro: cozy atmosphere, pilgrim menu and generous dishes.
• Casa Nené: modern restaurant with nods to contemporary Galician cuisine.

And if you like sweets, try the Arzúa cheesecake: a creamy delight that is hard to forget.

➤ O Pedrouzo: penultimate stop with flavor

Before reaching Santiago, O Pedrouzo is the perfect place to regain strength. The gastronomic offer here combines tradition and a pilgrim atmosphere.

• Casa Santaia: abundant menus, friendly service and typical desserts such as almond cake.
• Restaurante O Recuncho: excellent value for money and fresh local products.
• O Muíño do Peleteiro: homemade cooking in a charming rural setting, ideal for groups.

➤ Santiago de Compostela: the final culinary reward

After days of walking, arriving in Santiago de Compostela is a reward. And its gastronomy, another. The city offers a wide variety of restaurants to celebrate the end of the Camino with an unforgettable meal.

• Casa Manolo: a classic among pilgrims, with traditional menus and a cozy atmosphere.
• O Curro da Parra: modern Galician cuisine with local ingredients.
• A Noiesa: in the historic center, ideal for tasting Galician seafood and fish.

And, of course, the finishing touch: a slice of tarta de Santiago accompanied by a good Galician coffee.

➤ Tips for eating well during the Camino

• Choose pilgrim menus: economical, complete and available in almost all towns.
• Try local dishes: each area has its specialty: octopus, empanada, broth, cheese or wine.
• Eat light at midday: avoid excess to maintain energy on long stages.
• Stay hydrated: water and Galician wine are your best allies.
• Enjoy the moment: meals on the Camino are moments of meeting and rest.

Eating well on the French Way from Sarria is an essential part of the journey. Each dish, each table and each conversation are a way to savor Galicia, share the Camino and discover that, in each stage, the soul is also nourished.