Incredible value for gourmet seafood course (12€ for 5-course lunch tasting menu)…read more
I was visiting Santiago de Compostela for the weekend and our Airbnb host recommended this gem. My friend and I decided make it our first lunch. The unassuming exterior led to a brightly-lit, cute, marine-themed restaurant. The restaurant was half-full, seemingly of locals from the friendly banter with the waiters. We were warmly greeted and offered the menu. What!? 12€ for a five-course tasting menu? Yes. The whole table must participate, but for the price, you get 5 dishes (mostly seafood, but also other meats), as well a glass of wine or beer. What a steal! And the portions were exceedingly generous. We ordered an additional octopus dish since we both loved octopus in Spain. Needless to say, we couldn't finish everything. But not for lack of trying!
= Tasting menu =
1. Ham croquette: a heavy start to the meal for my tastes, but perfectly-golden and crunchy.
2. Mussels with white wine sauce and goji berries over asparagus: the asparagus was softer than typically prepared in the US, but otherwise this dish was spot on. The mussels were fresh and flavorful. The goji berries threw in a surprising burst of sweetness and color to the plate.
3. Pollack a la Gallega: fresh, flakey white fish with a red tomato oil/sauce. Blend of sweet-savory and melt-in-your-mouth fish.
4. Turkey over potatoes and camembert sauce: moist turkey breast over aromatic matchstick potatoes, with a cheesy white sauce over. We were too stuffed to appreciate this dish unfortunately.
5. Chocolate and vanilla ice cream topped with mint jelly cube: we were full, but who could say no to two scoops of classic ice cream? Not particularly innovative, but nonetheless a fantastic end to a great meal.
= Separate order =
Octopus a la Mugardesa with orange aioli (€13): fat and juicy tentacles, perfectly cooked to tenderness. Topped with finely-chopped caramelized onions. One of the best octopus dishes I've had in Spain. The citrusy aioli complemented the meaty octopus. We may have gone overboard by ordering this dish in addition to our set meals, but we have no regrets.
= Verdict =
If you're in town and looking for seafood lunch - stop. Mama Peixe is the best deal I've encountered in my travels around Spain. The same course in the States would be triple the price. I highly recommend this restaurant!