Meson de Candido in Segovia offers a traditional Castilian dining experience with mixed results across their classic menu offerings. The decent chicken caesar salad provided a familiar, reliable start to the meal without any particular distinction from standard preparations.
The interesting mushroom dish, Setas de Segovia, showcased local ingredients but proved a little too earthy for my taste. While clearly fresh and regionally authentic, the intense earthiness may appeal more to mushroom enthusiasts than casual diners seeking milder flavors.
The seabass was very good, demonstrating the kitchen's capability with seafood preparation through proper cooking technique and seasoning that highlighted the fish's natural qualities without overwhelming them.
The cochinillo (roast suckling pig) - the restaurant's signature dish - was good but could use more herbs and seasoning to elevate it beyond basic preparation. While the meat was tender and properly cooked, it lacked the bold flavors that would make this traditional Segovian specialty truly memorable.
The dining experience was significantly enhanced by the stunning location - we loved the view of the Roman aqueduct, which creates an unparalleled backdrop that adds historical grandeur to the meal. This magnificent setting transforms an ordinary dinner into something special, making the restaurant as much about the experience as the food.
Meson de Candido succeeds in providing traditional Castilian cuisine in an extraordinary setting, where the breathtaking views of the ancient aqueduct create lasting memories that complement the regional food offerings. Unfortunately, the staff were quite rude and unenthusiastic, rushing us to...
Read moreIf you are in Segovia and looking for a meal that feels like a warm embrace from Spanish history, Mesón Cándido is the place. This legendary restaurant, nestled right by the breathtaking Roman aqueduct, is far more than just a place to eat; it is a living, breathing tribute to Castilian tradition. The ambience is enchanting. Stepping into Mesón Cándido feels like stepping back in time, with its rustic wood beams, old-world charm, and walls echoing stories of generations past. It is elegant in an authentic sense, where style and history blend seamlessly. The service is precisely what you hope for: attentive, warm, and genuinely proud to share their culinary insights with you. We started with "judiones de la Granja", the famous local white beans cooked to perfection (creamy, flavourful, and hearty). The "tortilla de patata trufada" had the right balance of earthiness and indulgence. But the real spectacle, of course, was the "cochinillo asado", their legendary suckling pig. Watching the traditional plate-cutting ceremony before being served was a proper goosebumps moment. The skin was crisp, the meat melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the whole experience unforgettable. We also had the "cordero asado", equally exceptional and slow-roasted to perfection. We ended with "ponche segoviano", a delicate local dessert that wrapped the whole experience in a sweet finish. In short, Mesón Cándido is not just a meal. It is a celebration of the Castilian soul. Everything was excellent from start to finish, and the respect they show for tradition while delivering such quality is remarkable. A must for anyone passing...
Read moreSummary: Several of our orders didn't come out, they overcharged us and the very disrespectful staff didn't apologize even once. The food was average & overpriced.
The bread we ordered didn't come out at all, then only 2 of the 3 orders of the chochinillo (suckling pig) came out. We were very confused the whole time since the staff didn't explain anything and were too busy running around to give us any attention. When we received our bill, they charged us for all the food that didn't come out.
We managed to finally get the attention of the bald man in a suit (who seemed like the highest ranking employee there), then when he realized the food didn't come out correctly and we were overcharged, he did not even say "sorry" or any form of apology. He did not even offer to bring us the food that hadn't come out. Simply snatched the bill from our hands and came back with the corrected bill which cost about 30% less.
The food was ok, average food we have been eating around Spain. Their signature suckling pig was also mediocre, which was disappointing as I thought it was supposed to be something special & famous.
Overall a very disappointing experience, especially for the price and their fame. The staff does not care about the customers, and the food was not nearly good enough to...
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