Leonese Mountain region Retains its Culinary Crown

The Repsol Guide for 2025 has once again spotlighted the rich gastronomic landscape of the Leonese mountain region in Spain. Three restaurants, all nestled in the eastern part of this picturesque area, have earned coveted spots on the guide’s recommended list, reaffirming thier commitment too culinary excellence. These establishments—El deván de Valdeón, Verdiago Vive, and La Praillona de Boñar—have consistently impressed, maintaining their recognition from previous years.

El Deván de Valdeón: A Modern Twist on Tradition

Located in the stunning Picos de Europa setting of Posada de valdeón, El Deván de valdeón distinguishes itself through its innovative approach to regional cuisine. Chef Rubén Morán masterfully blends local ingredients wiht avant-garde techniques, incorporating international flavors to create a dining experience that is both familiar and surprising. The restaurant’s dedication to quality and creativity has made it a standout in the region.

The Repsol Guide specifically recommends the blue cheese croquettes of Valdeón, a testament to the restaurant’s ability to elevate simple ingredients. Other notable dishes include:

• Cheese salad with bittersweet peach, nuts, and violet caramel vinaigrette
• Potato waffle with black pudding and apple
• Iberian rib lacquered with beer-soja and fried rice
• Pork trotters with shrimp in coconut green curry
• Grilled ox peak
• Cod to chilindrón with emulsion of roasted garlic and fried crumbs
• Blue cheese cake of Valdeón and quince

Verdiago Vive: Revitalizing a Region Through Gastronomy

Verdiago Vive, situated in Verdiago, represents a bold and inspiring venture. A couple’s commitment to their homeland is evident in this multifaceted establishment, which includes a small rural hotel, several rural houses, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. The name itself, “Verdiago Lives,” encapsulates their mission to breathe new life into the area.

The restaurant emphasizes local products, customary recipes, and a warm, family-oriented service.This dedication to its roots has resonated with the Repsol Guide,which praises the project’s ambition and potential.

Signature dishes that have captured the guide’s attention include:

• Fringe leeks with stewed trotters
• Temperate salad of lettuce, tomatoes, mushrooms, ham, and gulas
• Cachopo of cecina, cheese, and pepper
• Chuleton (steak)
• Hamburger with brioche bread and fried potatoes

La Praillona de Boñar: A homage to Family Tradition

Described by the Repsol Guide as a quintessential “meal house,” La Praillona de Boñar draws inspiration from the culinary legacy of the Bandera brothers’ grandmother and mother. This establishment offers a wide array of traditional Leonese dishes, with a particular emphasis on seasonal game. The combination of excellent cuisine, attentive service, and the stunning Leonese mountain backdrop makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

Recommended dishes include:

• Pork trotters
• Bullfight (stew)
• Cocido (chickpea stew)
• Fabada Argollana (bean stew)
• Broken eggs with minced wild boar
• Mercilla and Reineta apple fritters
• Seasonal mushrooms