To celebrate our new Escape capsule collection we’re back with Part Two of Alan Murchison’s bumper guide to Girona, the Catalonian gem with some of the best riding in the world. If you missed Part One - make sure you check it out here.
As well as being indecently fast on a bike Alan’s cheffed his way to a Michelin star - so it’s fair to say he knows good food when he tastes it (and he makes a mean cup of coffee, too).
There’s no-one better to guide us around the wonderful bars, cafes and restaurants of the city. If he doesn’t know it, it’s not worth knowing.
Warning: best not to read this when you’re hungry.
Girona is truly excellent for coffee and food.
You won’t find a Starbucks here.
All the places listed below I have used many times and am happy to recommend. There are so many more decent places though, in general the quality of food and drink is excellent and good value.
Coffee places that I rate.
Hidden
La Comuna
Food and snacks
Probably one of my favourite pizza restaurants ever. Most pizza places the sides are just an afterthought, not here.
Salads, bravas and croquettes are stunning and desserts are also on the money. Quality pizza and friendly service. Ace place.
Owned by ex pro Robert Gesink - and everything you imagine a cycling cafe/restaurant to be.
Old school bikes, jerseys and cycling paraphernalia a plenty. Food is excellent with something for everyone and is has indoor bike parking. Legit.
5 min walk from old town, really good old school style tapas. There are menu items but best to go pick up individual dishes from the bar.
Pretty much something for everyone here and I rate the freshness and quality of thefood here highly. Very good inexpensive wine list with a lot of local wines. Frequented by a lot of Catalans, hence good value.
Amazing modern tapas style dishes, dishes are like starter size and they have some truly excellent wines by the glass. Small place so booking essential, love it here.
Bit of an institution in Girona, excellent food and coffee.
Really a must visit if a bit touristy.
Stunning food with perfect execution.
Simple small dining room however thefood on the plate is as good as anything you will find in a bells & whistles Michelin-starred restaurant.
Only drawback - opens 8.30pm … Catalan styleee.
Cheap ‘n’ cheerful Poke powl place, 10 euro for a very good plate of food. Fresh & tasty. Quick quirky service.
Uber cool modern Catalan cooking with open kitchen and a bad ass wood fired oven.
Eaten here many times and it always delivers. Veggie dishes are really good and so is the grilled beef, specials are truly that.. special. Tasting menu a good shout. Try and book the table near the open kitchen. Also their baked cheesecake is best in class. Not cheap but worth every cent
Really good for breakfasts, service can be slow but it is worth it. Their pancakes are best in town.
Hard to find gem, excellent brunch and benchmark coffee. Small and cosy dining area and some really good dishes. Play vinyl.
Empanadas at Volver
Great post ride pick up, 3 for 10 euro with a drink. Hole in the wall shop opposite Espresso Mafia. Rate it.
Old school bar/restaurant where you can have a really good sandwich, bravas and a drink for 10 euro, also it is in the sun pretty much all year round so perfect for topping up your tan lines post ride. Expect to see locals drinking beer & red wine anytime of the day. Not a tourist restaurant and prices/service reflect that.
Cellar can Roca
3* Michelin and voted best restaurant in the world, if this is your thing then book this before you do anything else.
Legit dining experience that will cost more than the rest of your trip combined.
Thanks Alan - and wow…. Just book us our flight right now.
Before we finish, we must big up Alan’s ‘Cycling Chef’ series of cookbooks.
Some of our biggest sellers at The South Downs Social, these books are a treasure trove of tried-and-tested recipes designed for cyclists. We’ve tried all of them - and every recipe just works, and works deliciously. Recommended.
