Where to eat in Gijón: the best areas and types of place

Gijón has a cider house on almost every corner, old-school family eateries, seafront terraces and plenty of modern cooking. Rather than a list of restaurants that changes every season, this guide explains where to go depending on what you fancy, what kind of place you’ll find in each area, and how local customs work so you eat well and pay a fair price.

Types of place you’ll come across

• Sidrería (cider house). The great classic: a bar where cider is poured from a height, a dining room serving sharing plates and a lively atmosphere. New to it? Read cider in Gijón first.
• Chigre. The Asturian word for an old-fashioned local bar. Cider, wine, a few nibbles and conversation.
• Casa de comidas. Home cooking, a weekday set lunch and hearty stews. Ideal for trying fabada or pote without frills.
• Marisquería / seafood restaurant. Fish and shellfish from the Bay of Biscay, sold by weight or by the plate. Always ask the price of anything listed as “S/M” (market price).
• Modern restaurant. Contemporary takes on Asturian recipes, tasting menus and short menus. Booking is usually needed.
• Terraces and cafés. For a pre-lunch vermouth, coffee and cake, or a plate of something in the sun by the sea.
• Llagares (cider presses). In the countryside, some with dining rooms – the perfect place for an espicha (cider-barrel party).

Where to eat, area by area

Cimavilla: lively cider houses

The old fishermen’s quarter on the Santa Catalina headland is the area with most character: narrow lanes, small squares and cider house after cider house, buzzing in the evening and at weekends. Perfect for rounds of cider with sharing plates and an informal dinner. Pair it with a sunset walk up to the Elogio del Horizonte sculpture. More in our Cimavilla guide.

Best for: groups, couples, first-time visitors. But: it gets packed at weekends and during festivals, and noise is part of the charm.

The city centre: choice at every step

Between Plaza Mayor, Calle Corrida and the pedestrian streets leading down to San Lorenzo beach you’ll find everything: classic cider houses, vermouth bars, historic cafés, cake shops and modern restaurants. The easiest area if you’re staying centrally and like to decide on the spot.

Best for: everyone. But: the most central, touristy spots aren’t always the best value – wander a couple of streets off the main drags.

La Arena and the San Lorenzo seafront

Behind the San Lorenzo promenade, the La Arena district is full of cider houses, fish restaurants and tapas-style bars with a more local feel than the centre. The seafront itself is lined with terraces looking over the beach.

Best for: those staying near the beach, families. But: front-line terraces fill up in summer and charge more.

The marina and Poniente: terraces with sea views

Around the marina, between Cimavilla and Poniente beach, there are terraces and restaurants overlooking the boats. Good for a vermouth, a sunny lunch or a quiet dinner after a stroll.

Best for: couples, outdoor eating. But: when the north wind blows or it rains, terraces lose their appeal – have an indoor plan B.

El Natahoyo and La Calzada: neighbourhood cider houses

West of the centre, these traditionally working-class, port-side districts have cider houses and eateries used mainly by locals. Generous portions, an authentic feel and prices that tend to be lower.

Best for: travellers looking for local life. But: they’re further from the sights; take the city bus if you don’t fancy the walk.

Somió, La Guía and La Providencia: long, relaxed meals

East of San Lorenzo beach the city turns green and residential. You’ll find restaurants with gardens, cider houses with terraces and, towards La Providencia, views over the sea. Easy to combine with the Atlantic Botanical Garden or Laboral.

Best for: families, long weekend lunches. But: you’ll depend on the bus or a car.

Gijón’s countryside: cider presses and village eateries

Gijón’s rural parishes (Deva, Cabueñes, Caldones and many more) hide cider presses, eateries and picnic spots among meadows and farmhouses, just a few kilometres from the centre. It’s a favourite Sunday outing for locals.

Best for: visitors with a car who want a “village” meal without leaving the city limits. But: book and check opening days – many only open on certain days.

Local customs worth knowing

• Meal times. Lunch roughly 1.30pm–4pm, dinner 8.30pm–11pm. Turn up at 7pm and you’ll be eating bar snacks, not dinner.
• Menú del día. Weekday lunchtime set menu: starter, main, dessert, bread and a drink at a fixed price. Unbeatable value.
• Sharing plates. In cider houses food is ordered for the middle of the table. Portions are big, so start small.
• The bill. Ask for it (“la cuenta, por favor”) – it won’t arrive unless you do. Splitting the bill item by item is less common than in the UK; groups often divide it equally.
• Tipping. Not expected. Rounding up or leaving some change is plenty if you enjoyed it.
• Allergies. Restaurants must provide allergen information for their dishes – don’t hesitate to ask.
• Smoking. Smoking is banned indoors in bars and restaurants in Spain, though common on terraces.

Tip: during Semana Grande (August), cider festivals and summer weekends, book ahead or arrive at the start of service (1.30pm or 8.30pm).

What to order

Not sure where to start? Our guide to what to eat in Gijón covers the must-try dishes, and Asturian desserts the puddings you shouldn’t skip.