Where to Eat in Lugo
Lugo is a food lover’s city, and locals take eating seriously. Galicia’s inland cooking is hearty, simple and full of flavour. The star dish is pulpo á feira, or fair-style octopus. Cooks boil it, slice it and serve it with olive oil and paprika. Every October, octopus stalls pop up across town for the San Froilán festival. You should also try lacón con grelos, which pairs tender pork shoulder with turnip tops. Then there is caldo gallego, a warming soup, and empanada, a golden pie with savoury fillings. Galician beef, creamy Arzúa-Ulloa cheese and local wines complete the table. Better still, many bars still serve a free tapa with each drink. Today, young chefs add modern twists to these old recipes. Read our guide to Galician food for more ideas. Meanwhile, this guide covers the best places to eat in Lugo.
Traditional restaurants
Start with the classics. These tavernas and mesones serve octopus, grilled meat and tapas in lively, no-fuss rooms.
Taberna Pajón is a small, home-style tavern. It is known for its octopus, which many guests call the best in Galicia. Google reviewers give it 4.5 out of 5. They often mention the friendly staff, fresh vegetables from the owners’ garden and fair prices. Bring cash, as reviewers warn that cards are not accepted. Get directions.
Restaurante A Lareira is a busy pulpería, so expect a lively crowd. It is known for exceptional octopus, plus meat dishes, pasta and desserts. Google reviewers score it 4.6 out of 5, from over 2,300 reviews. Guests regularly praise the attentive, friendly service. There is seating on two floors and a small street terrace. Get directions.
Catro Rúas is a no-nonsense bar and grill with a loyal local following. It is known for octopus and a generous free tapa with your drink. Google reviewers give it 4.1 out of 5. Many call it a perfect spot for a quick bite. A few mention uneven service, however. Get directions.
Taberna Daniel is a bustling tapas bar in the old town. It is known for its tortilla especial and tasty zamburiñas, a type of small scallop. Google reviewers score it 4.0 out of 5. They often praise the attentive staff, even when it is busy. Guests also warn that even the small omelette is enormous. Get directions.
Bulló Xantar sits on Rúa da Cruz, next to the cathedral in the tapas area. It is known for marinated tuna, croquettes and Galician beef. Google reviewers give it 4.3 out of 5. Many praise the quality of the food and the central spot. However, some report slow or brusque service. Get directions.
O Figón faces the city walls on Praza do Campo Castelo. It is known for prawn croquettes, scallops and a big terrace. Google reviewers score it 3.8 out of 5. Fans like the lively atmosphere and the tasty tapas. Others find it pricey, with slow service at busy times. Get directions.
Restaurante Manuel Manuel serves traditional Galician seafood in a warm dining room. It is known for tender calamari and perfectly cooked hake. Google reviewers give it 4.5 out of 5, from over 2,200 reviews. Diners often share portions to taste more dishes. Many also recommend it for celebrations. Get directions.
Parrillada Santa Comba is a meat lover’s dream just outside Lugo. It is known for top-quality beef in huge portions. Google reviewers score it 4.5 out of 5. They often say the meat is fresh, the prices are fair and the wines are good. One diner joked that a single portion could feed you for a week. Get directions.
Mazo de Santa Comba sits in an old sawmill beside a river. It is known for octopus and empanada de zamburiñas, served in a peaceful wooden dining room. Google reviewers give it 4.5 out of 5. They often mention the friendly service and the soothing sound of the water. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
For a special night, Lugo has some excellent kitchens. Here, chefs mix Galician produce with ideas from around the world.
Restaurante Campos is a long-standing restaurant in an 18th-century building on Rúa Nova. It is known for refined Galician cooking, white tablecloths and polished service. Google reviewers give it 4.5 out of 5, from nearly 2,000 reviews. It costs more than nearby spots, but reviewers say it feels special. Get directions.
Restaurante Paprica is a sleek, modern restaurant led by chef Álvaro Villasante. It is known for seasonal tasting menus with a Japanese influence. Google reviewers score it 4.4 out of 5. They often mention excellent, well-paced service and creative dishes. Some also praise the vegetarian options. One diner found a few dishes less impressive. Get directions.
Os Cachivaches is a laid-back, spacious restaurant that locals love. It is known for rice dishes, seafood, grilled meats and creative tapas, such as langostino kataifi. Google reviewers give it 4.6 out of 5, from more than 3,400 reviews. They praise the wine list, the tuna tartare and the coulant desserts. Get directions.
Restaurante Canedo by A Laxa is a chic brasería on the edge of the old town. It is known for fine meat, fresh fish and a leafy terrace with views over the river valley. Google reviewers score it 4.6 out of 5, from nearly 3,000 reviews. They like the professional staff and the welcoming, homely feel. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Eating well in Lugo does not cost a fortune. Many places serve a menú del día, a set lunch with several courses. Our guide to the menú del día explains how it works.
Restaurante España is a stylish gastropub on two levels. It is known for an excellent menú del día in the relaxed downstairs room. Google reviewers give it 4.5 out of 5, from over 2,100 reviews. Upstairs, the à la carte menu is more refined, so you can choose your style. Get directions.
Pulpería O Xugo is a family-run favourite. It is known for hearty daily menus, such as chickpea and tripe soup, plus octopus. Google reviewers score it 4.1 out of 5, from over 3,200 reviews. Guests regularly praise the warm service from the owner and his family. Get directions.
O Mercado Casa de Comidas is a small, creative spot in the old town. It is known for a menú del día with two savoury courses and a dessert. Google reviewers give it 4.4 out of 5. They often mention the interesting, flavourful dishes, the good house wines and the standout desserts. Get directions.
Manolo de Marce is a family-owned restaurant that feels like eating at someone’s home. It is known for a three-course daily menu, served with wine and coffee at a fair price. Google reviewers score it 4.1 out of 5. They often mention generous portions of home-cooked food and warm hosts. Get directions.
Lugo rewards hungry visitors. Walking the Camino de Santiago? Then you can celebrate each stage with a plate of octopus. Wine fans should also explore Ribeira Sacra, a short drive away. Finally, book ahead at weekends and during San Froilán in October. Bo proveito!