Taberna O Gato Negro

Gato Negro came highly recommended—we’d heard about it even before getting to Santiago de Compostela. When we tried going for lunch, the line was way too long, so we came back for dinner and made sure to be at the door before 7:30pm. As expected, it filled up within minutes. So, is it worth all the buzz? For me, not really. It’s good, honest Spanish food—fresh ingredients, no fuss, and clearly not trying to cater to tourists. That part I liked. But the food itself is super basic. Nothing surprising, no bold flavors or special touches. I’m glad we got to try it since it feels like a place with history, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to return. Worth it once, especially if you’re curious, but manage your expectations.

103 years and counting...great recommendation by my cousin! Everything was outstanding! Best to arrive by 7:45 pm to beat the rush and seat down inside or outside. Not readily visible from the rua...look for the black cat on the facade and green door of the building. An ice- cold beer or a vermouth are a wonderful way to enjoy your tapa! Highly recommended

Great sea food and good service. The Razor clams we extremely fresh and were moving and quite literally got picked from the fridge before our eyes to get cooked! 🐚 I would not recommend sitting outside however if you don't like the hustle and bustle of tourists constantly walking past. But over all food was amazing. I recommend the steamed mussels, the Pulpo, the Pedrons, and the Razor clams. The home made wine from the bowls was also a super unique experience! 🌟🐚

This is a vibe, I came here to try percebes- which were delightful but the real show stopper…..the “postre del día”/dessert of the day, which was La tarta de piña! Ugh it was so amazing I went back the next day to have another slice. The waiter my first night was high energy and very welcoming, even offering to show me how to eat percebes! Wine selection was great as well! Don’t miss out & try it out, much better service & food than another higher ranked restaurant we had tried.

A local seafood joint where locals and visitors queue for tables even during a rainy day. The atmosphere was great with the hustling and buzzing. Order the goose barnacles (percebes), cockles and the empanadas if you can!

The evening I visited, dinner service was frenetic and staff were definitely rushed off their feet but despite this they were patient, attentive and could speak a moderate amount of English. Food wise, I had a half portion of pulpo a feira and some bread, which was delicious, as well as a small velvet crab, which was fresh, but difficult to eat due to its size. I had wine from both the bottle and the house wine from the barrel in a cup. The only other point I’d note is that there was little ventilation and no air conditioning inside, which made it quite hot to eat inside after a while (which is the sole reason why this is 4 rather than 5 stars).

Awesome and very different experience. Authentic, Similar to a good traditional tapas bar. Lots of people in the bar, everything "home-made" and unique simple setting. The best empanadas gallegas I've ever tried, lots of shellfish . Can't miss the caldo gallego (Galician soup) it's a must especially after the Camino!! Reservations are not accepted. We waited like 15-20mins for a table while eating empanadas and drinking albariño €2.40 a glass or €14 bottle. Really sensible priced. Don't expect fancy, not even comfy, just eat and leave satisfied :)

Wonderful, authentic Taverna specializing in quality, fresh Galician Seafood. It is always busy and they do not take reservations so expect to queue for a table. Give you name on arrival at the bar and you will be called in turn as tables become available. Very reasonably priced for fantastic fresh seafood. The Chopo is simply amazing and the Pulpo always cooked perfectly.