Chef’s Selections
Savor hand-crafted dishes and drinks
Inside the Experience
Los Castellanos
Welcome to Los Castellanos, a hidden culinary gem nestled in the heart of Pontevedra, Spain! Located at Rúa da Oliva, 23, this vibrant eatery is a testament to the rich flavors and traditions of Spanish cuisine. With a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, Los Castellanos stands out for its commitment to delivering authentic dishes that speak to the soul of Spanish gastronomy.
One of the showstoppers here is the paella, a majestic dish brimming with a medley of seafood that can easily satisfy three hungry diners. Patrons rave about the effort that goes into crafting this dish; although it requires about 50 minutes of preparation, the robust flavors and freshness are more than worth the wait. As one enthusiastic reviewer mentioned, it’s a dish crafted with more than just skill—it's an experience that embodies the essence of communal dining.
Equally delightful is the empanada de pescado, a starter that has received praise for its flavor and authenticity. Each bite is a reminder of the care and passion that defines Los Castellanos. The menu del día offers an excellent value at around €13, including a first course, main, drink, and either coffee or dessert. This generous offering hints at the kitchen's commitment to provide an unforgettable experience at a reasonable price.
But what truly makes Los Castellanos shine is its atmosphere. The restaurant is not merely a place to eat, but a lively gathering space where locals come together to enjoy good company and even better food. As noted by visitors, the charm of this establishment is amplified by its friendly staff, who, despite possible language barriers, strive to ensure each guest feels welcomed and cherished.
From the freshest tiger prawns to rich seafood rice dishes, every offering at Los Castellanos echoes the coastal richness of Spain. It's a symphony of flavors that elevates your palate and fills your spirit. The vibrant ambience, paired with attentive service, leaves a lasting impression, enticing you to return for more culinary adventures.
Los Castellanos is more than just a meal—it’s a delightful journey through the heart of Spanish cuisine. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is one table you won't want to miss.
People talk
Guestbook
“ The paella is really good, full of different kinds of seafood, and can feed 3 people. It takes around 50 minutes to prepare though, which is communicated. They fish empanada for starter was also pretty good. Great service! ”
“ The menu del día here is priced at around 13€ and includes a drink, first course, main course, and either coffee or dessert. The servings are huge, so make sure you arrive hungry—you’ll definitely get your money’s worth. One thing to note: this is not a tapas place. The menu has no “tapa” option, only “raciones” (full portions). That means if you order something outside of the menu del día, it comes as a complete plate—great for sharing, but not ideal if you’d like to try several dishes on your own. I have to admit, catching a glimpse of part of the kitchen through a doorway near the toilets was a bit off-putting. Still, I imagine it’s simply due to the building’s age, as it used to be a bakery decades ago. Service was excellent the first time I went with my friend, but the second time I went with my family of 9 people in total, not as much. Seating-wise, they also seat people inside, which is more geared toward diners. The tables in front of the bar, on the other hand, seem made for those just having a glass of wine. That actually makes me wonder if they might have had tapas after all—we were only offered the lunch menu. During both my first and second visits, the dining area became uncomfortably hot. Unlike the bar area, the dining room suffers from poor ventilation with no windows or air circulation. The temperature became so oppressive that my husband was visibly sweating throughout our meal, and even my friend visiting from Belgium commented on how stifling the atmosphere was. This restaurant was recommended to us when I mentioned that we’d like to have some seafood, and I’d agree it was a strong choice. After nearly a decade of living in Pontevedra, I’d say their menu del día (at least the one I tried) was well worth it—easily better than Casa Digna’s, La D’Fran’s, and maybe even O Cañon de Pau’s. ”
“ Local people hangout here. To me that means authentic Spanish food! I found this place following Google reviews. The owner and waiter speak basically no English. A kind customer who understands English ordered food for me. Fresh, very tasty seafood tapas at a really good price. I highly recommend it! ”
“ Freshest, sweetest tiger prawns I’ve ever had! Sold by the kilo, I was happy with a half. Paired with some Godello, nice afternoon snack! Other fresh shellfish available. ”
“ Really nice people and amazing food. The rice with seafood was tasty and reach, more than enough for 2 people, even 3 will eat from the plate and get satisfied. We were also gifted a piece of tuna bread. ”