In Galicia, where culinary traditions are passed down from generation to generation, there is a place that has become a true sensation for lovers of authentic cuisine. Unexpectedly for many, it was here, in a modest village along the historic pilgrimage route, that an event occurred which changed not only the fate of one restaurant but also the perception of Galician gastronomy as a whole. When one of Spain’s most renowned figures, a billionaire and founder of a fashion empire, decided to return to this restaurant two days in a row for the same dish, it became an event that sparked conversation far beyond the region.
This is about Mesón do Crecente, which has been welcoming guests in San Pedro de Mera for over a hundred years, just a few kilometers from Lugo. You won’t find sophisticated decor or trendy interiors here—only stone walls, the aroma of a wood-fired oven, and a short menu where each dish is part of a family legacy. The main star is the Galician cocido, prepared according to a recipe that has remained unchanged for decades. It was exactly this cocido that made Amancio Ortega, while walking along the Camino de Santiago, unable to resist returning the next day to once again savor a taste of his childhood.
Secrets of flavor
What is the secret of this dish that makes even the most demanding guests so devoted? It all comes down to respect for tradition and the quality of ingredients. Cocido here is prepared with local meat, fresh vegetables grown in their own garden, and sausages made using old family recipes. Every ingredient is carefully selected, and the cooking process takes hours—everything is simmered slowly to create a rich, deep flavor.
At Mesón do Crecente, there’s no rush—they value time here, knowing it’s the only way to achieve perfection. Every morning, the restaurant’s owner, Loli Llamas, starts her day by putting huge pots on the stove, where meat, vegetables, and spices gradually transform into that very cocido, the reason guests come from all over Galicia. The flavor is so distinctive that many visitors, having tasted it once, return again and again to relive this gastronomic revelation.
A meeting place
The restaurant has long been more than just a stop on the map for weary pilgrims; it’s become a real gathering spot for locals, travelers, and even celebrities. Here, farmers, businesspeople, families with children, and tourists who have just walked dozens of kilometers along the Camino de Santiago might all share a table. The atmosphere at Mesón do Crecente is unique—there’s no place for hurry, and conversations often stretch late into the evening.
In addition to cocido, the menu features other dishes made exclusively with seasonal ingredients: poultry, game, vegetables, and of course, signature desserts. All recipes are family secrets, passed down from grandmother to granddaughter, and none have ever been adapted to modern trends. It is this commitment to tradition that makes the restaurant stand out among the many contemporary establishments.
A Woman’s Face of Tradition
The kitchen at Mesón do Crecente is run by Loli Llamas, a third-generation member of the family that owns the restaurant. She not only preserves the family recipes but also takes an active role in the movement to safeguard Galicia’s gastronomic heritage. Loli is convinced that true cuisine doesn’t need elaborate presentations or complex techniques; what matters most is the soul poured into every dish and a deep respect for the ingredients.
Special attention is also given to desserts here: flan baked in a wood-fired oven, or homemade curd cheese made with milk and eggs from their own cows and hens. Such dedication commands respect even from discerning gourmets, and for locals, the restaurant has long become a symbol of stability and comfort.
A Gastronomic Legend
The story of Mesón do Crecente is more than just a tale about a restaurant—it’s an example of how a small detail can change everything. When a person whose name is known to every Spaniard returns for a simple yet perfectly prepared dish, that becomes the best advertisement possible—better than any stars or ratings. Since then, the flow of guests has only grown, and Galician cocido has turned into a true gastronomic legend that everyone nearby now wants to try.
There are many places in Galicia that honor traditions, but this is where not only the recipes but also the true spirit of hospitality have been preserved. Mesón do Crecente is more than a restaurant—it’s a part of the region’s history, where every guest becomes a member of a big family.
Amancio Ortega is one of Spain’s most influential entrepreneurs, the founder and owner of the world’s largest clothing retail chain. His name is associated with success, humility, and dedication to Spanish traditions. Despite his immense fortune, Ortega is known for his love of life’s simple pleasures, including dishes from his native Galicia. His visit to Mesón do Crecente was not only a personal event, but also a significant milestone for the entire region, highlighting the importance of local cuisine and its influence on Spain’s cultural identity.
