WHERE TO EAT
Prices are for two people for a three-course meal excluding drinks, unless otherwise stated
A Mundiña In the back of this sophisticated restaurant, one of the favourite dining spots of the city’s movers and shakers, purified sea water tanks hold lobster, crab, shrimp and crayfish. They star in Silvia Facal’s elegant cuisine, which blends rustic flavours with urban skill. From £75. Calle Real 77, 00 34 881 899327, amundina.com
Árbore da Veira Luis Veira and Iria Espiñosa have deservedly gained a Michelin star for their ultra-modern, beautiful restaurant with its spectacular clifftop setting above the Bay of Coruña. A former boxer (with a punch bag in his office for inspiration), Luis’s creative talents have matured with unexpected and visually stunning results. The couple also run the adjoining, informal café Taberna 5 Mares, which has the same glorious views. Seven-course tasting menu, excluding wine, from £46pp. Estrada Os Fortes, Monte de San Pedro, 00 34 981 078914, arboredaveira.com Bonilla a la Vista There are five outlets for this eatery in the city but the atmospheric original, in the Old Town, still has pride of place. Freshly fried churros, hot chocolate and crispy crisps – what more could anyone want? Churros and hot chocolate from £6.30. Calle Galera 52,
00 34 981 2227075, bonillaalavista.com
Charlatán Coruña Lively fusion wine bar with a 200-plus wine list and generous plates of excellent chargrilled meat, pizzas and homemade desserts. Book in for one of the popular food and wine pairings.
From £42. Calle Galera 17, 00 34 881 099465
Eclectic Almost hidden in a side street, the tiny, exquisite restaurant defies categories. An ethos of culinary freedom is the foundation for startlingly original dishes developed by working with small producers in a ‘circular, sustainable economy’. Look out for beautiful glass sculptures by local artist Julia Ares. Book ahead. Nine-course tasting menu, excluding wine, from £54pp. Calle Oliva 3, 00 34 617 621423, eclecticrestaurante.com
Hünico Modest and charming, Adrián Felípez comes from a small Galician village nearby via some of the best kitchens in Spain. Back on home ground, he thoroughly embraces his roots with a thrilling but essentially simple reworking of the culinary landscape. From £67. DoubleTree by Hilton, Calle Zalaeta 12, 00 34 981 657018, restaurantehunico.com
La Penela Classic restaurant in the main city plaza serving impeccable renderings of iconic dishes. Run by former teacher María Barallobre and her husband for over 30 years, there are now branches in Madrid, Bogotá and Barcelona, with one in Paris set to open. From £67. Plaza de María Pita 12, 00 34 981 209200, lapenela.com/restaurants/maria_pita
Millo Orzán Moncho Méndez balances style with funky atmosphere in his unpretentious restaurant where he exuberantly reinvents seasonal dishes. He keeps his menu short so he ‘knows where everything comes from’.
From £67. Calle Cordelería 7 Bajo, 00 34 881 883430, milloorzan.com Novo Chef Tito Fernández expertly marries tradition with the avant-garde in a ‘less is more’ overview of Galician produce at the modern, airy restaurant within NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre hotel, with extensive views over the port and sea. From £55. NH Collection A Coruña Finisterre, Paseo del Parrote 2-4, 00 34 981 205400, restaurantenovo.es
Pulpeira de Melide Four generations on and arguably still the best place in the city to eat octopus, but there’s also an excellent daily-changing carte to enjoy inside in the beamed and stone-wall interior or on the terrace. From £67. Plaza de España 16, 00 34 981 152197, pulpeirademelide.com Sucre Contemporary patisserie and excellent coffee from owners of South American origin. Gorgeous cakes, sandwiches, empanadas and brownies. Pastries from £2.90. Calle Franja 54, 00 34 981 970122
Vinoteca Jaleo Ángeles Marzoa and her partner moved from a Michelinstarred restaurant to open this laid-back tapas bar. The selection changes at least once a day, but sardine empanadas and octopus salads are regulars on the menu. Tapas from £6.70. Calle Galera 43, 00 34 881 916520