Where to eat in Llanes without falling into the typical tourist trap
If you're looking for where to eat in Llanes and you want to escape the typical tourist scene, here is a personal selection of places that I recommend as a local. These are restaurants where you can eat well in Llanes, enjoying both the the most authentic Asturian cuisine such as fresh seafood, meats, tapas and homemade desserts.
Of course, in Llanes there are many more typical restaurants that are worthwhile, but these are the ones I usually recommend to friends and visitors because they combine good food and friendly service.
1. El Bálamu Seafood Tavern (Llanes center)
My dish recommendation
Monkfish and garlic shrimp.
The Bálamu It's located right in the port of Llanes, inside the fish market building. From the outside, it doesn't look like a restaurant: you're entering a port building, and you'll have to go up to the first floor to discover the dining room, with spectacular views of the Cantabrian Sea. It's also right next to the Cubes of Memory, one of the most visited icons of the council.
Here the product comes directly from the sea to your plate. Seafood and fish of the day are the key, but my favorites are the pixin, juicy and without disguising the flavor, and the Shrimp Scampi, which always triumph.
The atmosphere is relaxed and the customer service is very good, always attentive and friendly.
More on their website: elbalamullanes.es.
2. Xico House (Ardisana)
My dish recommendation
Verdinas or fabada, and stewed goat.
In the valley of Ardisana, between mountains and meadows, is Xico House, a much-loved village restaurant. What is served here is traditional Asturian cuisine, with traditional recipes made at home. I recommend choosing between the verdinas with seafood and Asturian bean stew (both delicious) and, if there is room, try the "kid stew", which is another of her gems and if we go with my mother it is always ordered.
Casa Xico is a perfect stop if you make the Route of the Enchanted Path, which runs through the Ardisana Valley with its mythological characters. Ending the walk with a meal here is a perfect plan.
You can see their menu and make a reservation at casaxico.es.
3. Mirador de Toró Restaurant (Llanes)
My dish recommendation
Bonito belly (in season).
Right in front of the Toró beach, one of the most spectacular and cinematic from Llanes, the Mirador de Toró Restaurant a kitchen and landscape. I always ask for the tuna belly (in season), juicy and tender. Eating it while enjoying those views is a memory hard to beat.
Here I also highlight the good service, which completes the experience with the environment.
More info at miradordetoro.com.
4. "El Cabañón" (Naves de Llanes)
My dish recommendation
Grilled meat and organic tomato.
On "Ships of Llanes«, an old cider mill has been transformed into «The Cabin"A truly special place. In addition to its excellent food, the place preserves antique objects and details that create a unique environment and atmosphere.
As for the table, it shines grilled meat, with all its flavor, and the organic tomato, which surprises anyone because of how intense it is.
A personal detail of my visit
It's a restaurant we often go to as a family to celebrate events, because it combines good food with a cozy atmosphere that always makes the occasion special. It's also very close to two spectacular beaches: Gulpiyuri Beach, unique for being inland, and the wide San Antolin Beach, perfect for a stroll after lunch.
You have all the details in sidreriaelcabanon.com.
5. El Cuchareru (New Llanes)
My dish recommendation
Grilled octopus and tomato salad with tuna belly (star dish).
En New from Llanes, The Spoonful It has gone from being a small cider mill frequented by locals to becoming an essential meeting point. Its cuisine is more informal, based on caps and portions to accompany with cider or wine.
I love your grilled octopus, tender and with a spectacular flavor. But if I have to highlight a star dish, it is undoubtedly the tomato salad with tuna bellyBetween courses we also tried the Croquetas, which were delicious, and some torreznos that I loved (although I admit that they are not part of my diet much 😅).
In the Cuchareru the customer service is excellent, close and very pleasant, which makes you always want to come back.
A personal detail of my visit
The last time we went we combined it with a visit to the "Bufones de Pría", and it was a perfect plan.
Find out more at elcuchareru.es.
Local tips for eating well in Llanes
- Book in advance In high season: El Bálamu, Casa Xico and El Cabañón fill up quickly.
- Always ask for the dish of the day: : Many times the best is not on the menu, but in what came in fresh that morning.
- Dare to be authentic: verdinas or fabada, goat, bonito belly (in season), garlic shrimp, grilled meat, octopus and garden tomatoes.
And for dessert... cheesecake
If you are one of those who cannot forgive the sweet ending, try the cheesecakeIn Llanes, they prepare it very well, and each restaurant has its own version. I encourage you to try it in several places and compare it yourself. I like to see how it changes from one restaurant to another: some creamier, others firmer, all with their own charm.
And if you are on a diet or don't want to overdo it, you can always order a couple of desserts to share among everyone. This way you can try it without regrets and enjoy it just the same.
Conclusion: The best restaurants in Llanes, according to a local
These are the 5 restaurants in Llanes that I personally recommend as a local:
- El Bálamu → monkfish and garlic shrimp, with good service. From the outside, it doesn't look like a restaurant: you enter the fish market and go up to the first floor, next to the Memory Cubes. elbalamullanes.es
- Casa Xico → traditional Asturian cuisine in Ardisana: verdinas or fabada, and goat (my mother usually orders it here and she likes it a lot). casaxico.es
- Toró Viewpoint → bonito belly (in season), with spectacular views of Toró Beach and good service. miradordetoro.com
- El Cabañón → An old cider mill with antique artifacts, a special atmosphere, grilled meat, and organic tomatoes in Naves. I often go with my family to celebrate birthdays or saint's days. Very close to the beaches of Gulpiyuri and San Antolín. sidreriaelcabanon.com
- El Cuchareru → grilled octopus, tomato salad with tuna belly, croquettes, torreznos and great service in Nueva, near the Bufones de Pría. elcuchareru.es
For me, these are some of the best places to eat in Llanes, from spectacular seafood in the port to delicious goat in the mountains or tapas in a charming cider mill. They are very different restaurants, but they all have one thing in common: they serve Asturian cuisine in Llanes made with care and quality product.
They are not the only good restaurants (far from it!), but they are the ones I most like to recommend when someone asks me. what to eat in Llanes or find a safe plan to enjoy like a local.
