One of Spain's most cherished culinary establishments, the historic Mesón de Cándido opened in 1895 in an 18th century inn beneath the Segovia Aqueduct, where the Cándido family has served its famous Cochinillo Asado (roast sucking pig) to everyone from Cary Grant and Mick Jagger to Salvador Dalí and King Felipe VI of Spain. Still family-run as of 2025, the restaurant is dripping with history, from its Old World decor and Moorish tiled floors, to the photos and honors hanging on its walls. On our recent visit, we were welcomed by Alberto Cándido, the 92-year-old son of the restaurant's renowned founder, who proudly showed us the medal he was given by King Juan Carlos I, which passed on the title of Mesonero Mayor of Castile after his father's death. We were seated at a window table in the beautiful Álvaro de Luna salon to enjoy delicious entrees of Grilled Sea Bass, Battered Hake in Salsa Verde, Pork Snout with Mushrooms and, of course, the famous Cochinillo Asado. Paired with a delicious house red wine and followed by slices of rich chocolate cake and apple pie, the meal was outstanding, as was the service. It was a privilege to eat in this amazing restaurant and to meet the scion of the family dynasty that maintains the culinary legacy of Mesón de Cándido to this day. A highly recommended experience if you're ever in Segovia -- and well worth the quick train ride if you're visiting Madrid. read more

Mesón de Cándido - The delicious Cochinillo Asado - Spanish Near Me - Segovia, SG

Merece tu visita. Hay que almorzar or cenar allá lo más pronto posible. Vale no pena es acojonudo. Que no lo falta. Cochinillo asado de 15 días la tenga que aprivechars read more

Una comida deliciosa especialmente el Lechón y los postres son una delicia. No se diga el arroz con leche que me supo cuando mi Ama me lo hacía 30 years ago read more

Mesón de Cándido - Dessert - Spanish Near Me - Segovia, SG

This is the place to get suckling pig and view the 2000 year old Roman aqueducts right outside your window don't miss the carmelized French toast for dessert. read more

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Highly recommend this iconic restaurant seated right at the foot of the equally as iconic Roman Aqueduct. We had plans to visit Segovia as part of our Madrid itinerary so I made reservations for 2:30 pm the evening before and found there to be many time slots still up for grabs despite the roaring summer crowds we've been encountering. We had first time slots for the Alcazar and the Cathedral so by the time we finished and made the descent back into the Old Town it was only noon-ish. The restaurant doesn't start service until 1 pm but the attendant happily changed my 2:30 pm reservation to 1 pm after informing him we'd like to eat earlier. We of course got their signature cochinillo - might be a hard take but we agreed it was way better than the one we had at Botín. This was moist and tender and melted perfectly in your mouth. Skin was crisped perfection and the juices were delish for sopping up with crusty bread. We also got their tortilla which was a nice starter. Top that off with some tinto de veranos and it was a memorable lunch. The man the myth the legend himself even came around to deliver a speech then cut into the cochinillo with the plate before tossing it in the air! Such a great historical restaurant right at the heart of the aqueduct. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Segovia! read more

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Horrible. Horrible. Horrible. Claimed we didn't have a reservation. And even after we showed him the confirmation, he still wouldn't admit he was wrong. Then he stuck us at a crappy table right next to the noisy waiter station. Manager is a complete ass. Basically called us liars. Such a rude and disgusting way to treat your customers. Next time put your big ego in check, admit you made a mistake and do the right thing. Here's another thought for the manager... Maybe you should stop drinking beer while you're seating people. He kept his beer at the waiter station, so we could see every time he took a drink (at one point 4 times in 5 minutes). At least be a little more discrete about it lol. Even if the food was good (it was ok), this was a terrible, terrible experience. You give restaurants in Spain a really bad name. read more

The food was amazing and was very high quality. The service was amazing and the menu diverse. The building around you also makes you feel as if you are actually in the Medieval Era. read more

Just as charming as all the reviews and youtubers and whatnot say - hearty, classic food under the aqueduct. We just happened to show up right when they opened for lunch and were seated immediately without a reservation. The suckling pig and lamb are both delicious, but overall the meal was quite expensive relative to the amount of food served. We also heard them do the famous plate cutting twice (!!) in other rooms, and were a bit disappointed that it never happened in ours. I would definitely recommend trying if available, but it's not an absolute must. read more

An amazing restaurant (and town) to visit! Located right next to the famous Roman Aqueduct, you can literally look out the window and see it a stones throw away, this restaurant has been in the owners family for many generations and continues the traditions that have made this place a gem. Everyone in Toledo and Madrid told us we must go there for the suckling pig, and yes, it was delicious! We also had a plate of chorizo as an appetizer, which was also amazing. Make sure you have reservations before going, and remember that the large meal in Spain is in the early afternoon around 2:30ish. read more

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We entered to have a drink at the bar. The manager was so rude. Practically kicked us out telling us the bar is closed so if you don't eat, he treats you like crap. Don't go to this place ! Terrible manners !!! read more

Fantastic experience had the cochinillo it was superb my wife had the roasted chick covered in sauce was very good the steak looked great too brother in law had that. The wine was good and from the region of segovia the service was also excellent nothing bad about this restaurant read more

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Was a really really cool Resturant inside. It's like a maze and so many different eye catching things each and every way you look. We went with one of my customers who are local to Spain and gave us a tour of Segovia and said we have to eat at the original Resturant of Segovia which we did and excited that the owner who is 90 came in spoke cut the pig and tossed the plate. The food is delicious but different than what we are use too. read more

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This was one of our favorite restaurants in Spain. I have to write a review to remember the name and location for when we return. My mother and sister ate here in 1999 (!!!) and highly recommended it. So we went and it did not disappoint. I was born in Spain but sadly only lived there the first 6 years of my life. We grew up visiting family and roasting whole pigs in firepits, so pork is in my DNA! lol My husband was horrified that I ordered and ATE the delicious suckling pig. I mean, I devoured it!!!! It was one of the most delicious meals I have ever eaten. I don't remember what he ate but he loved it, while he judged my meal (and was secretly jealous he didn't try it). We ordered wine and appetizers in addition to our two entrees. The location was beautiful as was the interior ambiance. The food was superb and the service was exceptional. We will definitely return and I will eat the suckling pig that is sliced with the plate - guilt free! read more

Location, location, location...Mesón de Cándido is right by the aqua duct for some incredible views, especially if you sit outside. We sat inside. Allegedly this family restaurant has been in operation since 1905, and the pleasant vintage ambiance attested to that. I think it was the owner that warmly greeted us and sat us down at a table with an awesome view of the aqua duct. But service was slow after that...Spanish time? Segovia is known through Spain for its delicacy of roast suckling pig and its supposedly delicious. Now I'm no vegan and I love bacon, pork chops and pork ribs...but I just can't bring myself to eat baby pigs. So we had chicken and fish instead: €20 BACALAO A LA PARRILLA(Cod in a red sauce?)...pretty good and sizeable piece of cod in a distinctive and delectable sauce, but it didn't include any veggies or starches. €16 POLLO DE CORRAL EN PEPITORIA(Chicken in a creamy green sauce?)...also pretty good with a delightful sauce, but again no sides include. That's extra! But the sauces was tasty enough to finish with the bread. Prices are high for Spain, but compared to the rest of Europe its not that expensive. And its a touristy location, so its expected. read more

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This is the Oldest restaurant in Spain! Dating to the 1700's, and still owned/managed by Candido the VI. (Candido the VII coming on board next year, I understand). The experience is like no other. Now the food: the absolute best pork/lamb in all Spain. The service: well, I guess We were lucky to be taken care of by Jesus. Off the charts guy! An absolute must have in Segovia read more

Absolutely the worst dishes we have ever been served in Spain. Steak was rubbery despite rare (they they never asked how it should be prepared anyway. Lamb sweetbreads was inedible greasy. Service was seriously lazy. If you bring a steak bring a steak knife. Spanish customers were being attended to regularly. We were ignored. The view of the aqueduct is nice. read more

Overpriced tourist trap! Indoor decor was cute and kitschy. Service was relatively quick for Spain. Bread was awful and so was the tripe dish. I'm sure there were better places around than this. read more

Our tour group lunch was here with a set menu: egg soup, suckling pig, potatoes, salad, dessert. The restaurant is an historic one with interesting original quaint details from bygone era. The food was good, compared to Botin in Madrid. The service wasn't pleasant though, with grumpy curt waitstaff. The suckling pig "show" was fun... read more

Outdated and over-rated I'm afraid. Expensive but below average food despite the pomp and the pretence. That's the short of it. Super-cool setting, I love the building and all the little rooms and the kitsch. Located right next to the Roman aqueduct and with a little funfair right outside, it's a great set-up for a tourist trap. Yeah I said it, and it's true. I have no doubt of the interesting history and the glory of days gone by, and I did enjoy the little proclamation performance around the roasted piglet, culminating in using a plate to chop it up. Great fun! But other than that service was not good, food and drink very expensive, not well prepared and sloppily presented - cheap while trying to appear fancy. Definitely a 'meh' rating but maybe it's hard to accept that given the setting and the price. The true love for food and pride in history is drained from this place, and I do think they are scalping people for money at this point. Hard times in Segovia I'm afraid, and it's apparent everywhere - maybe this place is just trying to survive, but I don't really think so. Go for the experience if you want, but don't be surprised if you drop over €150 for below average meal and service. read more

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We stayed till late evening for the dinner. The night view for ancient aqueduct from restaurants window was very good. We ordered the famous cochinillo - roasted pig, they even provide Chinese menu. When the pig was brought up to our table, waiter cut it for us, telling me to listen to the sound when knife cut through the skin, it was very crispy on outer layer and tasted good. It was nice experience for our 30 wedding anniversary. read more

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Sorry , I been in this restaurant back in 2013, something very rare is happening the flavor of the pig is not the same the personal and very friendly but its the food that the taste is not at all the same I requested a photo of the oven and they told me not I cannot happen and I believe it's that they already requesting pig ready so they save money and on the top of that the smell back them of roasted pig all over was noticeable, not anymore I see a decline in quality but not in service I think they are using what I call cloud kitchen and not using too much so they save money. With all Respect and love I hope to come back and that garlic soup have a better flavor because this restaurant is a gem. read more

food was mediocre (did not get the pig) but the view was incredible. highly recommend eating outside.

First of all the chef met us at the door. His name is Cándido. He walked us to a beautiful table with a view of the Segovia aqueduct. We ordered the summer salad, chorizo and their famous baby pig.(cochinillo). Everything was delicious!! The service was top notch! read more

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I haven't been here since 1980 when Candido was alive and still running the restaurant. He put on quite the show, festooned with medals across his ample chest (there were many), cutting our tender suckling pig for us with only the edge of a plate. We only ordered one pig (I think the price was $7 U.S. back then) for two of us and it was enough. I have never had anything so delicious since. It was cooked to perfection, so tender it fell apart around the crisped skin. Paired with a fine Spanish red, it was a dinner I will always remember. The location of the restaurant almost beneath the Roman aqueduct was picturesque. Service was excellent. I can't imagine that they would have changed much at this place over the years, other than the prices. Visiting and dining at Meson de Candido is a "must do" on anyone's list when visiting Segovia. read more

Wow, the culture and history here is amazing. The seats, the walls, the designs, the bathrooms were all so nicely decorated. Located right by the plaza with a great view of the aqueduct too, this restaurant has been around for decades, maybe even centuries. Yes, it is a touristy area. I went with a tour, so my experience was pretty good. Let's start off, the seats were a little crammed together, but still enough room to sit. We had a tomato soup with really moist bread and eggs?! as a starter. The soup was delicious, but the soggy bread was really not my taste. Some of the other tour members asked if it was pig fat. The cutting of the suckling pig. The owner of the store, second generation of the original owner came in to cut the suckling pig. He used a plate to show how crunchy the skin was roasted by jabbing it into the piglet. Then, he threw the plate on the floor. I thought I sat back a bit, but a small piece of the plate bounced onto my leg. There was no cut though, thankfully. The pig had a lot of fat, and smelt strongly of pork which wasn't my favourite. The skin however, was like eating a thick chip. Super crunchy, but hard to bite into as well. The dessert was the best in my opinion as it adhered to my taste, not too sweet, yet not too little texture. read more

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Excellent place. The Cochino was cooked to perfection. Highly recommended if you go to Segovia Spain. Oh ..... and is by the old Roman acueducto. read more

Not worth it at all. The food was mediocre at best and overpriced. I got the suckling pig that they are known for but it was very disappointing. Although it was tender, the meat had a very strong meat taste(I know this sounds weird, but think along the lines of how goat cheese has a very weird taste). The tortilla was also just a very standard egg with ham and nothing special. The service was also really really bad; the server ignored us for a while when we tried to pay. The serve legit made eye contact and straight up ignored us. Overall very bad experience and NOT worth it. read more

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While the little bit of meat on the ribs only portions we got for lamb and pig was good, there wasn't much there as they are baby lamb and pig. So after the skin is removed, there was not a lot of meat. Seriously got more meat in a $5.00 euro pork sandwich in Portugal. Was pretty disappointed, especially considering the price point and no sides. Would not recommend eating here, paying for the name. Was recommended by the tour guide, maybe they serve locals better as it seemed they had leg portions with more meat! read more

Mesón de Cándido - Spanish Near Me - Segovia, SG

Crayfish bisque poor. mushrooms good. Baby lamb tender but without taste. Chicken Fricasee not very good. read more

We wanted to eat a regional meal, and we did not make a mistake choosing this restaurant! The service was excellent, the meal scrumptious, the wine good, all at the foot of the aqueduct, with a beautiful view to go with it. In addition, we learned that this restaurant is good for four generations of "candidos, the founder passed in 1992, but his son, 83 year old Don Candido, still comes every day - his grandson, also called Candido, runs the place, and his great grandson is studying business administration and works here on weekends. What a great legacy! read more

Positive: Location! They accept credit cards. Negative: The food (very over-priced suckling pig) was terrible! It lacked flavor, the meat itself was mostly dry, and most of the portion was fat. The waitresses were nearly inattentive and very slow (even for Europe). This is just an over-rated, over-priced tourist trap that you should avoid, especially if you are with a tour group. I was glad to leave... read more

This is easily the most memorable part of Segovia and our splurge meal for the trip. The restaurant is situated in a beautiful area...right next to the aqueduct. The insides are covered with photos of famous people who have dined there and many other eclectic items. However, the most important thing is quite obviously the suckling pig. Dare I say it was one of the best things that I have ever tasted? I didn't know meat could be so moist and flavorful! They serve nothing but the pig in some juice, no sides on this dish but there's no need. Its definitely on the expensive side, so be prepared! Warning to the squeamish: the meat is not cut off the pig for you. You will see hooves and other baby pig parts. read more

Being right there in front of the aqueduct, with all the faux and cheesy country/medieval decoration, and being touted as "the" place to go in Segovia, it furiously screams touristy. So, I naturally ended up there to try the famous cochinillo. Having ordered an entire piglet, and having the master chef introduce it with fanfare and destruction of a plate that he had just used to chop the pig, and having tasted the incredibly juicy and soft and salty meat, it turned out to be an experience i will never forget. Prior to that fantastic little poor pig, a platter of jamon and another of assorted mushrooms were a delight that I most certainly order again. It is expensive, but not too bad considering how well you eat and how well you are treated. I'm not sure if there is anything else to do in Segovia now. read more

This is a very old restaurant at the entrance of Segovia. The decor is amazing! Animal heads and guns...big fireplaces, it's what you see in the movies when a knight goes into a tavern for some rest and relaxation. I ordered a steak... It sucked! My wife ordered chicken with a pumpkin seed sauce. We both found it extremly salty but good when you dipped your bread in the sauce. Turns out the is a Michelin rated restaurant and is famous for their pig! Our friend ordered the pig and it was actually very good! The owner was on hand and wore some award medal around his neck posing for pics with the patrons. Photos on the walls showed him with the King of Spain among others. Cool. The wait staff met our needs but all staff on hand seriously lacked personality. I expected more from this place, but what can I say? It filled the belly! read more

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Tourist trap or not, I really enjoyed the roast leg of baby lamb. It was melt in your mouth. The skin was crispy. The meat was succulent and had a delicate flavor. The portion was huge. I ate it all! No sides, except for the roll which I used to sop up the drippings. We were on an organized tour but split up for lunch on our own this day. Service was very good and attentive. Having lunch on the plaza in view of the aqueduct was a breath taking experience. Sometimes you have to go with the touristy stuff especially when you are abroad. read more

Poor food quality but an historic place. They charge for the bread. Even if you didn't ask for it. Total tourist trap. Better off at McDonald's. read more

Singaporeans/Malaysians/Chinese/Hk-ers/Taiwanese : Don't bother with the suckling pig(cocina) even though this is what te place is famous for. What we have back at home is much better. The appetizers, on the other hand, are to die for. Definitely give this place a try, just not the cocina. read more

This restaurant is one of the best here in Segovia. The food is just amazing, the view, service. Highly recommend it. Had the cochinillo and torrijas as dessert. read more

Mesón de Cándido - Spanish Near Me - Segovia, SG

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im gonna start with the good part. the location is epic. you are looking directly at the aqueduct, the ambience is as medieval as it gets. and the owner is a lovely human being who greets every single customer who goes there" amazing guy. unfortunately it goes downhill from there. the place is VERY TOURISTY. and i mean big packs of tour groups cramming the place during lunch hours. it is almost impossible to get the waiters attention, and even harder to make them remember what you wanted. i was my own waiter in the end, finding my own utensils, salt and pepper and other needs. the food was also bland. perhaps i came from a country specializing in roasted pig (lechon) and had very high expectations for this one. i was a little disappointed by the cochinillo. the skin was crisp, but the meat was bland. my wife had the steak, and that was also quite bland and the fries were soggy and unseasoned. it may be a different experience at night when all the tour crowds are gone. but i dont think the food will taste any different. read more

Make a reservation! I THINK that if you do they get you a great seat right in front of the action! And by that I mean you get to see them perform the "ceremonial" first pig cut! It's totally worth it! We basically ONLY went to Segovia for the famous cochinillo. It's a little pricy, but one plate of the pig Might be enough for two people. My boyfriend and I got one plate of the cochinillo and one salad. It just barely satisfied us. However, if you're really hungry you might be better off getting your own portion. Oh and superb service! read more