A Coruña is increasingly recognized as one of Spain’s great gastronomic capitals. With one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita, vibrant markets brimming with fresh produce, and a tapas culture that rivals any in the country, A Coruña offers food lovers a destination that combines authenticity with world-class innovation.

Whether you’re wandering through traditional taverns, sampling the day’s catch at a local market, or sitting down to an avant-garde tasting menu, the gastronomy of A Coruña captures the essence of Galicia: simple, honest, and unforgettable.

The Michelin-Starred Edge

For a city of its size, A Coruña punches well above its weight on the Michelin map. Here, fine dining is not reserved for large metropolitan areas but is woven into the city’s culinary DNA. Restaurants such as Árbore da Veira, led by chef Luis Veira, elevate Galician cuisine to new heights with contemporary techniques and artistic presentation, all while respecting local ingredients. Another highlight is Omakase by NaDo, where Japanese precision meets Galician flavors in an intimate, Michelin-starred setting that surprises and delights.

Beyond the stars, A Coruña boasts numerous Bib Gourmand restaurants and establishments featured in the Michelin guide, meaning you don’t need to splurge to experience exceptional cooking. The balance between fine dining and approachable, high-quality eateries makes the city particularly appealing for travellers who want to taste both sides of its culinary personality: the traditional and the cutting-edge.

Must-Try Dishes in A Coruña

No culinary journey would be complete without sampling some of the city’s signature flavors:

• Pulpo a la gallega – tender octopus sprinkled with paprika, sea salt, and olive oil, served on a wooden plate.

• Percebes (goose barnacles) – Galicia’s most prized delicacy, plucked from the wave-battered rocks.

• Empanada gallega – a savory pie filled with tuna, cod, or meat, perfect for sharing.

• Caldo gallego – a hearty soup of greens, beans, and potatoes, especially welcome in cooler months.

• Lacón con grelos – pork shoulder paired with turnip greens, a true Galician classic.

• Raxo – marinated pork loin cubes, usually served with fried potatoes.

• Padrón peppers – fried peppers sprinkled with coarse salt — most are mild, but some are fiery surprises.

• Tarta de Santiago – almond cake dusted with sugar and marked with the cross of Saint James.

Markets and Tapas Culture

To experience food like a local, begin at the Mercado de San Agustín, the city’s main market. Here, seafood stalls gleam with the day’s catch, counters overflow with cheeses such as tetilla and Arzúa-Ulloa, and the scent of fresh bread fills the air. Even if you’re not cooking, wandering the aisles gives a real sense of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

Equally essential is A Coruña’s tapas culture. Around María Pita Square and the Calle de la Estrella, you’ll find dozens of bars serving small plates designed for sharing. From grilled sardines to croquettes and razor clams, tapas offer a delicious way to try many flavors in one evening. Locals make a ritual of hopping between bars, turning dinner into a lively, social event.

Perfect Pairings

Food and drink go hand in hand in Galicia. A glass of crisp Albariño from the Rías Baixas is the perfect partner for seafood, while the elegant Mencía wines from Ribeira Sacra work beautifully with meats. Beer lovers will appreciate that A Coruña is home to Estrella Galicia, one of Spain’s most iconic breweries. And for a digestif, try orujo de hierbas, a traditional herbal liqueur that’s strong yet aromatic.

Michelin-Starred & Michelin-Recommended Restaurants in A Coruña

For travellers planning their meals in advance, here are some of the city’s standout fine-dining destinations:

• Árbore da Veira (1 Michelin Star) – Chef Luis Veira presents imaginative tasting menus with Galician ingredients reinterpreted through contemporary techniques. Expect stunning views as well as dishes that are as beautiful as they are delicious.

• Omakase by NaDo (1 Michelin Star) – A fusion of Galician produce and Japanese tradition, this intimate restaurant offers a seasonal omakase-style tasting menu, where every course is a surprise.

• A Mundiña (Michelin Guide Selection) – Celebrated for its seafood, this restaurant elevates classic Galician dishes with a modern twist, while keeping flavors true to tradition.

• Greca (Michelin Bib Gourmand) – An approachable yet refined option, offering inventive small plates and tasting menus at excellent value.

• NaDo (Michelin Guide Selection) – Focused on sustainability and local ingredients, NaDo highlights traditional Galician recipes in a creative and contemporary style.

Booking ahead is highly recommended, especially for the starred restaurants, as seating can be limited.

Practical Tips for Food Travellers

• Best Time to Visit: Autumn is the peak season for seafood, especially shellfish, making it an excellent time for gastronomic travellers. Spring and summer bring lively food festivals, with events such as the Festa do Marisco (Seafood Festival) in nearby O Grove and local celebrations in A Coruña dedicated to sardines and mussels.

• Budgeting for Dining: Tasting menus at Michelin-starred restaurants in A Coruña typically range from €90–€150 per person, while a tapas crawl in the old town might cost just €15–€25 with drinks included. It’s easy to enjoy both ends of the spectrum in a single trip.

• Tapas Bar Etiquette: Locals rarely stay in one bar all night. Instead, they order a drink and one or two plates before moving on. Don’t be shy about standing at the counter — it’s often where the liveliest atmosphere can be found.

• Reservations: For Michelin-starred and Michelin-recommended restaurants, reservations are essential, sometimes weeks or months in advance. Tapas bars and traditional taverns usually don’t require bookings.

• Vegetarian & Vegan Options: While Galician cuisine is seafood- and meat-heavy, many restaurants now offer vegetarian-friendly adaptations. Look for dishes featuring local cheeses, peppers, seasonal vegetables, and empanadas with vegetable fillings.

A Culinary Journey Worth Taking

What sets A Coruña apart is its ability to cater to every kind of visitor. You can spend one evening indulging in a Michelin-starred tasting menu overlooking the Atlantic, and the next hopping between rustic tavernas for tapas with the locals. You can browse bustling markets in the morning, picnic by the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy freshly grilled seafood for dinner.

This diversity makes the city a true paradise for food lovers. Its gastronomy reflects the essence of Galicia: respect for tradition, deep connection to the sea and land, and a constant willingness to innovate.