Restaurante Arrocería Español — Restaurant in Vega de Valcarce

What a gem of a place! Restaurante Arrocería Español in the charming village of Vega de Valcarce is a true treasure along the Camino de Santiago. Run by the incredibly kind and talented duo, Chef Julio and his lovely wife, this cozy mom and pop restaurant feels like a warm hug after a long day’s walk.

Julio’s passion shines in every dish from the made-to-order Valencia seafood paella (absolutely bursting with flavor!) to the homemade cheesecake (tarta de queso) that was simply out of this world. It’s a refreshing and much-needed break from the typical cold cuts and quick pilgrim meals real, comforting home-cooked food that nourishes both body and soul.

They even offer pilgrims a beautiful wax stamp for your Camino passport, adding a special touch to your journey.

The atmosphere is welcoming, the service heartfelt, and the prices more than reasonable. If you’re walking the Camino, do yourself a favor and stop here. It’s not just a meal, it’s an experience you’ll remember. ¡Gracias,...

I stayed in the small village of Vega de Valcarce, Spain, during our Camino Frances journey and discovered this hidden gem.

This restaurant, run by a husband-and-wife team from Valencia, truly deserves Michelin-level recognition. Everything was exceptional — from the elegant restaurant setup to the meticulous attention to detail, even in the restroom facilities. The place was spotlessly clean and filled with a pleasant aroma that immediately made us feel welcome.

I ordered their Arroz (Fusion Paella) with crispy pork ear, mushrooms, and Iberian secreto — and honestly, it was the best paella I’ve ever had.

We loved it so much that we went for both lunch and dinner.

The Patatas Bravas and Grilled Prawns were outstanding.

The Cheesecake was presented with the elegance you’d expect from a Michelin restaurant.

There is no other word to describe the...

Just to preface this rather low review-the host was extremely friendly, polite and welcoming which is not always the case on the Camino. The decor is also well thought out and interesting. However, my husband ordered lamb chops off the dinner menu and he was really disappointed 😞 the accompanying vegetables (broccoli) were cold and the potatoes cooked in a lemon/ginger sauce which wasn't horrible but nothing to rave about either. Now, it is clearly a rice-specialty restaurant but honestly we have never seen such bare cuts of meat. There was literally no meat on the chops-just fat and gristle and he barely ate anything. He left almost the entire plate. That said, I ordered the bass and it was delicious. I guess just be mindful of how you order but don't order lamb chops if you...