Where to eat in eastern Asturias: from Michelin stars to the cider house

Asturias is a top-tier food destination, and the area around Villa del Sella is home to some of the finest restaurants on the Cantabrian coast, from Michelin-starred fine dining to the most authentic cider house. Here's our guide to eating well during your stay.

Fine dining with a star

A few minutes from Arriondas is Casa Marcial, Nacho Manzano's temple and one of Spain's great restaurants, with several Michelin stars and creative cuisine rooted in Asturias. In the same orbit, Casa Gerardo (in Prendes) shines for its benchmark fabada, and La Salgar, in Gijón, offers contemporary Asturian cooking with local produce. Booking well in advance is essential.

Traditional Asturian cooking

It's not all haute cuisine: the best of Asturias is also found in hearty home cooking. Order a rich fabada (bean and pork stew), an enormous cachopo to share, fish and seafood from the Cantabrian Sea and, for dessert, rice pudding or a fine cheese. You'll find honest eateries in Cangas de Onís, Arriondas and Ribadesella.

Cider houses and the pour

For the full experience, head to a traditional sidrería such as Casa Sela or Tierra Astur, with its live cider pouring, fresh produce and lively atmosphere. Natural cider is the soul of the Asturian table and pairs perfectly with cheeses, cured meats and fish.

Cooking at home

And if you'd rather have a quiet night in, Villa del Sella's fully equipped oak kitchen, with its central island, is a joy to use. Stop by a local market or dairy, buy regional produce and fire up the garden barbecue. Few things taste better than a home-cooked dinner with views over the Asturian valley.