Taberna O Gato Negro

A few streets from the cathedral, O Gato Negro retains the scale of a tavern: a counter, sharing plates and conversation across close-set tables. The business dates its beginning to 1922, when Marcelino García sold Ribeiro wine, and describes a family continuity now represented by Xoán Costoya. The marble counter and original stools form part of the identity the tavern presents, but the reason to enter should not be an old photograph alone. Its menu revolves around Galician produce bought for service, and particular items can sell out.

The tavern advertises empanada, octopus, cockles and velvet crabs, alongside Ribeiro served in a cup. That combination works best when you can be flexible about lunch and ask what remains that day. Diners praise the empanada, seafood and unceremonious atmosphere. They also mention a practical limitation repeatedly: finding a table or counter space may take time; views on price and service vary. A small, busy tavern cannot promise instant service.

O Gato Negro stands on Rúa da Raíña, without a street number, inside the pedestrian old town. Its site lists lunch and dinner Tuesday to Saturday and says it does not take bookings. If you leave the cathedral with a large group or have a train you cannot miss, a bookable dining room may be wiser than relying on an empty table here. Travellers with time can continue their walk through the old town over sharing plates and a cup of Ribeiro, without needing a long menu to justify the stop.