The high quality of Leon products and flavors to eat in Villafranca del Bierzo is due to its land and rivers that run through El Bierzo. The region enjoys a suitable climate for the slow curation of Leon sausages and game meat, which are very popular throughout the province.
Vegetables like the Roasted El Bierzo Peppers and meat products like the Botillo (meat stuffed with pieces of roasted pork – ribs and tail- and cooked after having I.G.P.), are some of the main dishes in the region, as well as breakfast since the consumption of jams and tomato or pepper preserves is widespread.
Regarding fish, the main product is the trout which, unlike in other areas, in Villafranca is cooked without bacon or ham and served fried or pickled. The cacheladas with sausage are also typical- due to the influence of the nearby Galician community- and the white beans from La Bañeza, stewed with bacon and sausage.
While all these dishes are exquisite, if you ask us what to eat in Villafranca del Bierzo we will tell you not to miss the empanada villafranquina which, unlike Galician empanadas, uses bread for dough and is filled with bacon and fresh sausage.
To accompany these dishes, you can enjoy the famous Bierzo or Tierra de Leon wines, both with certificate of origin. To finish your meal, you can choose some cheese or a manzana reineta, with D.O.P., appreciated for its intense flavor.