The coastal town of Pontedeume is located between Ferrol and A Coruña. Walking along the famous bridge that crosses the Eume river is very pleasant, and the town is worth a visit as much for its old town as for its surroundings, where the Fragas do Eume natural park is located. Between river and sea, this geographic location makes eating the unique traditional cuisine of Pontedeume a delight.
If you want to know what to eat in Pontedeume, keep in mind that the local gastronomy has its own tradition that’s influenced by its geographic position between river and ocean. For fish, we recommend the sardines—which are served prepared in two ways: open and smoked as parrochos do fume, or open, sun-dried and then grilled, referred to as bistés da marola. You can also try xardas (mackerel) or robalizas (a type of bass) in addition to the clams and shellfish from the Eume river. You will find many traditional Galician dishes, like lacón con grelos, raxo, octopus empanada and costrada, which is a type of empanada typical to this region in which the filling is based in distinct kinds of meat (pork loin, chicken, veal…) or fish (turbot, scallops with ham…).
Remember that every Saturday El Feirón takes place (from 7:00-21:00), a market that originated as a centuries-old farmers’ fair where all types of traders now meet: butchers, farmers, cheesemakers, beekeepers… It will be difficult to go out to eat in Pontedeume without having one of the typical products sold there, such as their honey and their cheese curds.
Typical pastries of the Eume region are the tarta de Pontedeume (similar to one made in Santiago with almonds and lot of egg yolk), the melindres and almendrados (soaked in syrup), the prolla (also spelled proia) and the manguito eumés.
If you want to eat some tapas in Pontedeume’s old town, you will find small low-price taverns.
La Taberna Zas, next to the seafront, serves authentically Galician products: raxo, octopus, clams, parrochas (young sardines)…
It’s said that the best octopus in Pontedeume can be eaten at Pulpería Os Cen Pasos, which is close to the waterfront.
On the other hand, at the confectionary Obradoiro, you can find the distinct specialties of Pontedeume: empanada, costrada, pastelón, orella, filloas, etc…
In general, at the center of the city there are a lot of tapas bars where you can, as the Galicians well know, “tomar un vino” (“drink some wine”). Sit on one of their terraces, enjoy the medieval appearance of Pontedeume and its gastronomy.
If you’re looking for a place to eat in Ponedeume, we recommend the Restaurante-Vinoteca A Pitanza, where you can also get smaller portions and very good raxo.
La Cantina Río Coves is a restaurant with a rustic appearance located in a beautiful stone house. It has a great terrace to enjoy your meal in the fresh air. Very rich are their croquettes, arroz con marisco and salads.
Restaurante la Ría is perfect for eating a parradilla de pescados y mariscos in Pontedeume. There is a large menu with meats and wines, and they also make meals that you can take to-go.
In Nogueirosa, 2 km away, the restaurant Los Molinos has gardens and ample rooms, and is specialized in celebrations and all types of events.
