As I said in my post on lunch in Oviedo, you need a good appetite when you come to this part of Spain (probably any part of Spain, for that matter). There simply is too much good food and you want to try as much as possible, right?
I had dinner at the famous “Tierra Astur” Ciderhouse – and it was quite the spectacle!
TIERRA ASTUR – OVIEDO, SPAIN
The Tierra Astur Story
Tierra Astur Sidrerías was born in 1997, with the opening of the Tierra Astur Gascona cider house. At present, they have five cider houses located in Avilés, Gijón, Oviedo and Colloto (Siero).
All of the locations are known for their uniqueness and spectacular decoration, based on wood and other materials that reflect the identity of Asturias and also that of its countrymen.
They really stand for sharing the traditional Asturian gastronomy, following the recipes that, in the past, were used in the kitchens of the Asturian towns and villages. With over 150 dishes, among them more than 40 cheeses, you’ll be sure to find something you like here!
THE TRAVEL TESTER IN ACTION
1. What does it SOUND like?
You can’t miss this restaurant. Not only because it’s right on the corner where the “Calle Gascona”, or the “cider boulevard” in Oviedo begins, but perhaps also because it’s so busy, you can hear the talking and laughter when you walk past.
Sounds like a place you want to be, and it won’t disappoint you.
2. What does it LOOK like?
There are two parts to the restaurant, one big dining hall with a “Tienda” (market), where you can buy fresh produce from the region, and a large bar. Then you also have a smaller indoor seating area (where we went) and an outdoor heated terrace to enjoy your meal.
3. What does it TASTE like?
The menu is just as overwhelming as the restaurant itself, but if you take a little bit of time, it’s not that hard to pick.
Basically, most dishes here are meant to be shared (“tapas” style), so you can order a sharing platter with meats, cheese or little dishes like croquettes or tortes (see below).
Adding on some cider, which the waiter will come and serve you all evening long (it’s because they serve it in a typical way that only fills your glass about 1/3rd), and your evening will be great, guaranteed.
…and now the most important part of the evening…
You can order many typical local dishes here, such as the famous “Fabada”, but we had so much food during the day, that we could only fit the tortes and the cheese. Priorities!
oh, and perhaps we had dessert after all…
4. What does it FEEL like?
The inside of the restaurant can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry. Once you’ve got your seats, just enjoy looking around, tasting all the food and you’ll feel right at home!
5. What does it SMELL like?
With all the amazing food going around, and cider being poured all around you, this place is a feast for the senses. You smell lots of delicious things! As the cider also gets poured on the floor a lot, there is this sweet/bitter smell of the cider hanging around, but you get used to that pretty quickly.
After our 5-senses test, we’re ready to answer our final (and perhaps most important) question in our Tierra Astur Restaurant Review:
6. Does this restaurant make us happy?
Boy, oh boy, I had such a good dinner here at Tierra Astur, I can’t believe we literally just had cheese, cornbread and sweet pies, topped with lots and lots of cider… and that this was totally acceptable! Luckily I don’t live here, because I would go crazy, but I definitely have a reason to come back to Oviedo to have another meal here. If only because I couldn’t fit those damn croquettes anymore! Ah!
VISIT TIERRA ASTUR
The Restaurant
Restaurante Sidrería Tierra Astur Gascona
The Address
Calle Gascona, 1, 33001 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain. (This restaurant is also based in Avilés, Gijón and Colloto in Siero)
Opening Hours
Mon-Thu + Sun 9AM-1:30AM and Fri-Sat 9AM-2:30AM
Website?
Get Social!
You can find the restaurant on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Disclaimer: I visited this restaurant as part of the #SpainCities blogger campaign. All opinions and photos are, as always 100% my own.
do not forget to visit the restaurant the tables of the campillin the best cachopo of asturias a delicious dish
Thanks for the tip!