WHERE TO EAT IN THE ARAN VALLEY
Our favorite corner of the Pyrenees stands out for its rich gastronomic culture that combines Catalan and mountain cuisine. In this destination, you will discover a unique and tasty offer, with traditional products such as the Aranese pot, game meat, river trout, mushrooms, and cheeses, where pintxos also have their place. After many years of visiting the valley, we have had time to try new spots and create a list of our favorite restaurants – although the choice has not been easy, the gastronomic proposal here is incredible -. In this guide, you will find some must-visit places to immerse yourself in the Aran Valley. Get ready to discover the Aranese gastronomy and other more innovative cuisine, which will surely make you want to return!
WHERE TO EAT IN THE ARAN VALLEY:
1. Casa Urtau
This mountain tavern has become a landmark for pintxos since 1990 when a Basque chef joined its kitchen. Until then, and since 1963, the menu was based on traditional dishes from the valley: tripe, snails, tortilla, pig’s feet, among others. Today, the restaurant serves the best of Aranese and Basque cuisine.
- Website: https://www.urtau.com/
- Address:
- Plaza Urtau, 12. Arties.
- Plaza dera Glèisa, 9. Bossòst.
- Avenida Pas d’Arrò, 4. Vielha.
- T. +34 973 644 421 | info@urtau.com
2. REFU BIRRERÍA
The sanctuary for beer lovers. This venue in Vielha, which has been promoting beer culture in the valley since 2010, has its brewery in Bossòst. It’s a bar with an alternative vibe and a different gastronomic offering where burgers reign supreme, and you can even order them to go. Even their cold beer is delivered straight to your door!
- Website: https://refuvielha.com/
- Adress: C/ Major, 18A. Vielha.
- T. +34 973 64 07 89 | vielha@refubirreria.com
3. Casa Rufus
In the small village of Gessa, inside a stone building typical of the houses in the Aran Valley, Casa Rufus offers a delightful experience of Aranese cuisine, where tradition and quality come together in every dish. It’s perfect for those seeking homemade flavors and a cozy atmosphere after a day of exploring the valley.
- Website: https://www.casarufus.com/
- Address: C/ Sant Jaume, 8. Gessa.
- T. +34 682 615 833 | trpere@gmail.com
4. ROC ‘N’ CHRIS
If from Garós you reach Latin America, from Aubert you will travel to Asia. In this restaurant, 4 kilometers from Vielha, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultures merge with Mediterranean roots to offer a complete menu.
- Facebook: facebook.com/osteria.rocandcris/
- Address: Carretèra de Francia, 9. Aubert.
- T. +34 973 64 17 23 | rocandcris@gmail.com
5. ES ARRAÏTZES
At this establishment, you’ll cross the Atlantic without leaving Garós. If you enjoy cuisine with a contemporary and innovative touch, this gastronomic offering fuses Peruvian cuisine with typical products from the Aran Valley. Thanks to the attention to detail, each visit becomes a memorable dining experience you won’t soon forget.
- Website: https://www.esarraitzes.com/
- Address: Plaza Major, 7. Garos.
- T. +34 973 44 93 61 | info@esarraitzes.com
6. ER OCCITAN
The star concept is the Slow Food in this restaurant, which combines pleasure and knowledge, avoiding haste and savoring the flavors. It’s a commitment to innovation, avant-garde, and tradition, using local products from the Aran Valley, the Ribagorça and Pallars regions, and southern France.
- Website: https://www.eroccitan.com/
- Address: C/Major, 66. Bossòst.
- T. +34 973 64 73 66 | info@eroccitan.com
7. Ticolet
The first dish of this restaurant was born with the opening of the Baqueira Beret ski resort: eggs, bacon, sausage, and potatoes. Today, they continue to embrace traditional dishes while offering creative cuisine that applies innovation to tradition.
- Website: https://www.ticolet.com/
- Address: Edificio Besiberri s/n. Baqueira.
- T. + 34 973 645 477
8. El Portalet
On the banks of the Garona River, El Portalet evolves with the seasons, offering a menu filled with fresh, high-quality products. Its cuisine is contemporary and chef-driven, blending modern techniques with traditional ones.
- Website: https://www.restaurantportalet.com/
- Address: C/ Sant Jaume, 32. Bossòst.
- T. +34 973648200 | info@restaurantportalet.com
9. ERA GRIPIA
If you love oysters, this hidden restaurant in the streets of Vielha will be your sanctuary. It’s a place where Cantabrian and Basque products are present in the form of cold pintxos.
- Address: C/ la Torre, 8. Vielha.
- T. +34 699 64 65 86
10. OOH LALA CREPES
This cozy creperie in Vielha is the ideal place to enjoy a delicious sweet treat or, if you prefer, a savory one. In addition, the music sets the atmosphere in the place and also has an outdoor terrace of the most flirtatious.
- Address: C/ Cuert, 3. Vielha.
- T. +34 669 10 14 11