I’m back with the first report from my Graze Across Galicia to share the highlights of a casual dinner at La Bodeguilla de San Roque in Santiago de Compostela.
For classic Galego fare in homey digs, San Roque is a safe and savoury bet.
An especially cozy nook of a place with loads of outdoor seating, this tiny tavern is in a great location. It’s within easy walking distance of Santiago’s famed cathedral, the expansive Praza do Obradoiro, the narrow winding bar-filled streets of its Old Town, lots of museums and sorts of other UNESCO World Heritage sights to behold. It’s also just a few seconds’ saunter from Altaïr Hotel, my home away from home during my trip.
Despite being so conveniently placed for sightseeing, there’s nothing touristy about San Roque. When I was there (which was admittedly off season) everybody seated inside and out at the bodeguilla seemed to be local, save a fella dining alone who appeared to be in town on business.
My meal started with an aperitif of St Petroni, an Albariño-based vermouth distilled in Galicia, followed by the heartiest amuse bouche I’ve ever come across, a surprise mini-course of lusciously runny fried egg with a few hand cut chips and bread. A starter course of perfectly cooked pulpo a la feria (octopus with paprika) and a mega-juicy main of parrillada de Ibericos (grilled Iberian pork) – both paired with a bottle of 200 Monges 2007 Reserva from Rioja – suited my appetite and set a
Service was fast, assured and helpful. Dining outside under a warm evening sun with a light breeze blowing while plotting the next few days’ ‘grazing’ itinerary was a delight.
La Bodeguilla de San Roque is located at Rúa de San Roque, 13, 15704 Santiago de Compostela with sister outlets (San Lazaro and Santa Marta) in town. Find out more at bodeguilladesanroque.com.
Stay tuned for more posts about my Graze Across Galicia.
