3 day Food Lovers Itinerary for Oviedo
Oviedo sits proudly at the heart of Asturias, and its food culture runs deep. This elegant northern city is famous for cider houses, hearty stews and giant breaded cachopo. Cobbled streets in the old town lead straight to the legendary Calle Gascona, Oviedo’s own cider boulevard. Meanwhile, covered markets brim with local cheeses, cured meats and fresh seafood from the Cantabrian coast. Food lovers will find generous portions, warm welcomes and cider poured with real flair. This three day itinerary takes you through Oviedo’s best bites, so let’s tuck in.
Day 1: Old Town Wandering and the Cider Boulevard
Ease into Oviedo gently, with a wander through its handsome old town, before diving into the city’s famous cider culture come evening.
Morning: Mercado El Fontán
Start your day at Mercado El Fontán, Oviedo’s charming covered market. Stalls sell Asturian cheeses, cured meats and fresh produce from across the region. Wander the aisles slowly, and grab a coffee at one of the small bars tucked inside. It’s a lovely, low-key way to see how locals shop and eat.
Lunch: Sidrería El Gato Negro
Head to Trascorrales square for lunch at Sidrería El Gato Negro, a cosy, stone-walled cider bar loved by locals. Order the fabada asturiana, a rich bean stew with chorizo and morcilla, alongside a plate of cachopo to share. Everything here is generous, homely and full of flavour. Weekends can get busy, so arriving early helps. Get directions.
Afternoon: Explore the Old Town
After lunch, wander through Oviedo’s beautifully preserved old town. Stroll past the cathedral, Plaza de la Constitución and the quiet cloisters nearby. Every corner reveals a new plaza or hidden café, so there’s no need to rush. Take your time, and let the city unfold at its own pace.
Evening: Calle Gascona, the Cider Boulevard
As evening arrives, head to Calle Gascona, Oviedo’s famous strip of sidrerías. Watch the waiters pour cider from a height, a tradition called escanciar that aerates the drink. Book a table at Tierra Astur, a long-running favourite known for its cheese boards, croquetas and hearty cachopo. This spot fills up fast, so reserve ahead if you can. Book a table. Get directions.
Day 2: Cachopo, Cheese and a Guided Food Tour
Day two takes you deeper into Asturian classics, with the region’s most famous dishes front and centre.
Morning: Explore Plaza de la Catedral
Start the morning with a coffee near the cathedral, then browse the small shops nearby selling local cheese, honey and cider. Asturias is famous for its cheeses, especially the pungent queso Cabrales. Pick up a wedge to try later, or ask a shopkeeper for their favourite pairing.
Midday: Guided Food and Cider Tour
Join a small group food tour through Oviedo’s old town, stopping at traditional restaurants along the way. You’ll taste croquetas, cachopo and fabada, all paired with local cider and wine. The route also passes the city’s most charming corners, including Mercado El Fontán and the old fish market at Trascorrales. It’s a brilliant way to taste Asturias properly in one relaxed afternoon. Buy Tickets.
Afternoon: Learn More About Asturian Food
Curious what else to try before you leave? Check out our guide to the 3 foods to try in Oviedo for a few more local favourites worth seeking out.
Evening: Sidrería La Pumarada
For dinner, return to Calle Gascona and try Sidrería La Pumarada, known for its carefully poured natural cider and generous Asturian classics. Share a plate of chorizo a la sidra, then move on to grilled fish or another round of cachopo. The lively terrace makes for a proper night out, Oviedo style. Get directions.
Day 3: Countryside Flavours and a Final Feast
Your last day looks beyond the city, towards the orchards and mountains that shape Asturian cooking.
Morning: Learn About Asturian Cider
Asturias produces more cider than anywhere else in Spain, and Oviedo sits right at its heart. Spend your morning learning how it’s made, from pressed apples to the fermented, tangy drink served in bars across the city. Many sidrerías are happy to explain the process if you ask nicely over breakfast.
Midday: Day Trip to Cider and Cheese Country
If you have time, head out towards the mountains for a taste of rural Asturias. The cheese caves near Arenas de Cabrales produce the region’s famous blue cheese, aged in cool limestone caves. For more ideas on where to go, browse these best day trips from Oviedo.
Afternoon: Sweet Treats Before You Go
Back in Oviedo, save room for arroz con leche, a creamy Asturian rice pudding dusted with cinnamon. Most traditional cafés in the old town serve it fresh daily. It’s the perfect sweet note to end your culinary tour of the city.
Evening: Farewell Dinner on Calle Gascona
For your final night, return once more to Calle Gascona for a last proper feast. Order a final round of cachopo, some grilled Cantabrian fish, and a bottle of local cider to share. Toast to three brilliant days of Asturian food, and start planning your return visit already.
Final Thoughts
Oviedo rewards food lovers with big portions, warm hospitality and centuries of tradition. Its cider, cachopo and fabada tell the story of a proud, well-fed region. Wander the old town, chat with the locals, and let Calle Gascona guide your evenings. For more ideas beyond these three days, browse our guide to the wider 7 day itinerary for Asturias, or check where to eat in Oviedo for even more restaurant ideas.