Can Manel — Andorra la Vella’s emblematic traditional restaurant

Today we lunch at Can Manel, one of the most emblematic restaurants in Andorra la Vella, known for its open kitchen, family atmosphere and a menu that preserves traditional cooking. Located opposite the town hall, the restaurant was founded by Manel Flinch and is now run by his son Carles; it attracts both locals and visitors looking for authentic, quality produce.

The dining room feels comfortable: stone walls and natural-material decor dominated by wood create a warm atmosphere. We are shown to a table with a direct view of activity around the stoves by Anna, and Julio, the experienced head waiter, seats us. Carles stops by from the kitchen to welcome us and recommend seasonal items not on the menu.

As a group of eight, we decide to share several starters. We begin with grilled snails (cargols a la llauna), followed by a foie duo of duck and goose with sweet wine jelly and toasts; two plates of porcini carpaccio; two plates of sautéed saffron milk caps (rovellons) with garlic; homemade cod fritters with honey, romesco sauce and mayonnaise; and a basket of croquettes made from meat stew. Main courses include truffled “canelons Rossini” named after the founder, stewed partridge in vinaigrette, mountain-style rice, and a large charcoal-grilled rib of mature beef served rare with extra fries. Portions are generous and everyone samples a bit of each dish.

For dessert we continue sharing: two portions of cansalada celestial with raspberry sauce, two thin apple cakes with Calvados and vanilla ice cream, and cream-filled fritters. Can Manel is presented as part of the country’s gastronomic heritage, a place where the kitchen’s work and each dish reflect culinary tradition.

Practical details: Can Manel focuses on market and local produce. Address: plaça Príncep Benlloch, 5, Andorra la Vella. Phone: +376 822 397. Opening hours: 13:00–15:30 and 20:30–22:30. Weekly closure: Tuesday night and Wednesday. Recommended dish: Risotto Purito. Average price: €50–60. Ambience: classic, elegant. Parking: nearby.

Wine pairing: We drink a Macán Clásico, a collaboration between Rothschild and Vega Sicilia, a Rioja made mainly from tempranillo (ull de llebre). It is described as elegant and balanced, with aromas of ripe red fruit, fine spice notes and a characteristic balsamic background—suitable with rice dishes, stews, small game and aged cheeses.

Events and local gastronomy news: Sant Julià de Lòria is finalizing preparations for the 41st Santa Llúcia Fair, to be held 5–7 December, which will open the Christmas season with activities for all ages. The gastronomic area will offer dishes and tapas from local restaurants and special tastings, including the Andorra Taste tapa. A chill-out area will feature local products, cocktails, workshops, games, oyster vermouths and concerts by The Swing Girls, MKP and Alba Sánchez.

The Andorra a Taula chefs celebrate a revitalising edition that helps attract audiences in a difficult month and reinforces the gastronomic tradition with creative menus and local produce. Restaurateurs praise the event’s reception and consolidation but highlight the need for more structural support for growth and the urgent challenge of finding qualified staff to maintain high-quality service.

Food trucks and local cuisine at the Poblet de Nadal: The Neret area of Andorra la Vella’s Christmas village strengthens its gastronomic offering this year with nine restaurateurs and food trucks from across the country. They will serve sandwiches, pizzas, broth, burgers, hot chocolate and other options. The commune says the varied, curated offer complements the cultural programme and helps consolidate the Neret as an essential, welcoming Christmas space.