In the northern reaches of Spain you’ll find Santiago de Compostela, not only the capital of the country’s Galicia region, but also the end of the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James), one of the most important pilgrimage routes in the Christian world.

The Camino takes several routes to reach the city, but the most popular is 780-kilometres long. It’s estimated that more than 400,000 people complete the trek annually and after all that walking, folks get hungry, so it makes sense that the city has no shortage of great restaurants.

But that’s understating the fact Santiago de Compostela currently boasts a whopping 24 entries on the Michelin Guide website which is quite an achievement for a city of less than 100,000 residents. To be clear, not all have earned the coveted Michelin Star, but they’ve made it onto the list under other categories which is still an accomplishment.

The Michelin Guide: A culinary benchmark

The Michelin Guide was first published in 1900 by the French tire manufacturer Michelin. It was originally intended as a resource for motorists to find places to eat while travelling. Over time, it evolved into a globally- recognized authority on fine dining. Its rating system, established in the 1920s, awards one to three stars based on the quality of food, technical skill, creativity and consistency.

One Star ⭐: A very good restaurant in its category.
Two Stars ⭐⭐: Excellent cooking worth a detour.
Three Stars ⭐⭐⭐: Exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.

More recently, the guide introduced the Bib Gourmand distinction, highlighting restaurants offering excellent food at moderate prices, making it a little easier for everyone to enjoy a great meal without breaking the bank. It’s this writer’s favourite category. Restaurants are usually a little more casual and the food a little more accessible. Reservations are seldom necessary and the offerings are always impressive. Others are simply on the list as Michelin recommendations, but many end up earning stars or distinctions eventually.

Three Michelin Picks in Santiago de Compostela

Casa Marcelo (1 Star ⭐): Blending international and Galician influences, Casa Marcelo is without a doubt a dynamic dining experience. The open kitchen invites guests to observe chefs meticulously preparing dishes like sashimi paired with local ingredients. Diners pick either four or eight courses for the experience.

A Tafona (1 Star ⭐): Helmed by chef Lucía Freitas, A Tafona’s food is downright beautiful with a feminine touch. Dishes like scallops with seaweed emulsion highlight Galicia’s marine bounty.

A Horta d’Obradoiro (The Bib Gourmand)

For diners seeking exceptional food without the Michelin-star price tag, this funky dining spot is brought to life by chefs Kike Piñeiro and Eloy Cancela. The restaurant’s garden-inspired ambience and commitment to quality have earned it a loyal following. Don’t miss the roasted leek with toasted almond praline or the monkfish loin with spicy sauce, peas and mint.

How to be a Michelin Guide restaurant inspector

Michelin inspectors are anonymous culinary experts who assess restaurants based on five universal criteria:

1. Quality of the ingredients
2. Mastery of flavour and cooking techniques
3. The personality of the chef in the cuisine
4. Value for money
5. Consistency between visits

These inspectors often dine multiple times at an establishment before issuing a rating, nsuring unbiased and thorough evaluations.

Beyond food: Santiago de Compostela’s top attractions

Santiago de Compostela Cathedral

The city’s centrepiece is the magnificent Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, where the remains of Saint James the Apostle, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples, are believed to rest. It is a stunning example of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. A unique feature of the cathedral is the botafumeiro, a giant incense burner that swings during special services, symbolizing prayers rising to heaven.

The Camino de Santiago

The city marks the end point of several pilgrimage routes collectively known as the Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims have been doing the trails for over a thousand years. They walk, bike or ride donkeys for spiritual, cultural or recreational reasons. On any given day, the square in front of the cathedral is packed with pilgrims as they take the final steps.

Santiago de Compostela’s Old Town

The Old Town of Santiago de Compostela, including the cathedral and surrounding structures, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical, architectural and cultural significance. The vibe here is as Old World as it gets.

An honourable culinary mention

While it hasn’t yet earned a Michelin nod, the family-run A Noiesa Casa de Comidas earns rave reviews from its loyal customers and one-timers alike. Giant loaves of fresh bread are stacked high at the front counter—and they’re the perfect accompaniment to the sauteed vegetables with a soft poached egg and truffle sauce and grilled Iberian tenderloin.