Where to Eat in Ávila
Ávila is famous for its walls, yet its food deserves just as much attention. Castilian cooking here is hearty, simple and built for cold winters. The star is chuletón de Ávila, a thick steak from the local Avileña-Negra Ibérica breed. Locals also love judías del Barco, large white beans stewed with chorizo. Patatas revolconas, a paprika potato mash with crispy pork, turns up almost everywhere. Sopa castellana, a garlic and egg soup, warms you on chilly days. For something sweet, try yemas de Santa Teresa, little egg-yolk sweets named after the city’s famous saint. Read on for the best places to eat in Ávila. For more regional dishes, see our Spanish food regional guide.
Traditional restaurants
Start with the classics. Expect big steaks, hearty soups and stone-walled dining rooms. New to Spanish dining? Our guide to how to order tapas in Spain will help. Many kitchens also pause after lunch, so plan ahead.
Los Candiles is a cosy, well-loved restaurant on Calle Pedro de Lagasca. It specialises in regional classics, such as chuletón, morcilla milhojas and leche frita. Google reviewers give it 4.7 from over 3,000 reviews. They praise the huge steaks, the kind owner and the attentive service. One diner paid €28 for a three-course lunch menu. Weekends get busy, so book ahead. Get directions.
Restaurante Siglodoce occupies a 12th-century stone building beside the cathedral. Its chuletón, patatas revolconas and sopa castellana draw big crowds. Google reviewers rate it 4.5 from more than 4,100 reviews. They love the setting, the generous portions and the arroz con leche. A few find the prices slightly high for the amount of food. Get directions.
Las Cancelas sits in a 15th-century coaching inn near the cathedral. Its glass-roofed courtyard is a lovely spot for roast meats, partridge and fried milk dessert. Google reviewers score it 4.3 from about 1,750 reviews. They enjoy the huge servings, the pretty patio and the friendly staff. However, some say it costs more than expected. Get directions.
La Lumbre is a temple to meat, with cuts on show in the window. The chef grills Ávila beef over fire and often chats with guests. Google reviewers give it 4.4 from nearly 1,300 reviews. They rave about the steak, the ham croquetas and the tomato salad. On the other hand, a few mention pricey extras. Get directions.
El Rincón de Jabugo sits in the shadow of the walls. Waiters slice your chuletón at the table and bring a hot plate to keep it warm. Google reviewers rate it 4.2 from over 1,200 reviews. They love the free tapas, the patatas volcanas and the professional staff. One diner paid about €40 each and called it good value. Get directions.
La Bodeguita de San Segundo is a tapas bar built into the east city wall. Each drink comes with a small free snack, and the wine list runs to hundreds of bottles. Google reviewers score it 3.8 from over 2,200 reviews. They praise the tapas, the friendly staff and the terrace. However, some find the main courses less impressive. Get directions.
Tres Siglos serves hearty Ávila food on a pedestrian street. Chuletón menus and garlic prawns are the favourites. Google reviewers give it 4.1 from nearly 3,300 reviews. They mention generous portions, fast service and surprisingly fresh seafood. Still, a couple of diners say their steak arrived too rare. Get directions.
Gloria Bendita sits just outside the walls, above the Adaja river. A terrace, a bar and a lookout give it plenty of space. Google reviewers rate it 4.2 from over 3,000 reviews. They love the atmosphere, the flora salad and the free tapa with drinks. However, trees now hide some of the view, and a few find the food average. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
Ávila has a handful of polished restaurants. They suit special occasions, and they fill fast. So, read our guide to restaurant reservations in Spain, then book ahead.
Restaurante Bococo is the top-rated spot in town. The kitchen mixes classic Castilian dishes with creative touches, and the tasting menu is very popular. Google reviewers give it a superb 4.7 from over 4,500 reviews. They praise the octopus, the generous portions and the staff who explain each dish. Book well ahead, since tables go fast. Get directions.
Restaurante Alcaravea sits on Cathedral Square, up one floor. Heavy tablecloths and starched napkins set an elegant tone. Think grilled chuletón, smoked sirloin and vegetable tempura. Google reviewers score it 4.6 from over 2,200 reviews. They love the sirloin and the polished service. However, some find the prices steep, and one diner mentioned a charge for bread. Get directions.
Restaurante El Almacén fills a restored 19th-century grain store beside the Adaja river. Its terrace looks straight at the glowing city walls. Google reviewers rate it 4.6 from nearly 1,950 reviews. They adore the views, the long wine list and the friendly service. However, some say the food does not always match the setting. Get directions.
LAREPERA is a stylish tapas bar and grill with brick walls and dim lighting. The menu includes blood-pudding cigars, burrata salad and carpaccio. Google reviewers give it 4.3 from about 850 reviews. They love the creative dishes, the warm service and the free tapas. On the other hand, a few feel the portions are small for the price. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Eating well in Ávila does not need to cost much. Many places offer a set lunch, known as a menú del día. Our guide to how to order a menú del día shows you the ropes.
Taberna de los Verdugo is a tiny, welcoming spot under the San Vicente arch. Small plates use local produce with clever twists. Google reviewers give it 4.6 from about 1,400 reviews. They mention the friendly staff, affordable menus and big portions. One group of four paid €124 including wine, and called it very good value. Get directions.
Barbacana faces the Romanesque church of San Pedro on Plaza de Santa Teresa. It serves modern Castilian dishes and tasty tapas at friendly prices. Google reviewers rate it 4.1 from over 2,600 reviews. They mention the quick service, fair prices and English menus. However, it gets very busy, so arrive early. Get directions.
Revolutum is a laid-back place for burgers, pizza and local dishes. Google reviewers give it 3.8 from over 1,600 reviews. They like the friendly staff, the homemade cheesecake and the cheap lunch deals. One diner paid just €13 for three courses and a drink. Quality can vary, though, so stick to the daily specials. Get directions.
Spaniards eat late, so check what time Spaniards eat dinner before you go. Staying a while? Browse more things to do in Ávila. Heading on? See where to eat in Segovia and Salamanca.