The Canary Islands offer one of the most distinctive food cultures in Spain — a mix of Atlantic seafood, volcanic-grown produce, traditional island recipes and influences from Latin America, North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. Whether you’re tasting iconic mojo sauces, trying fresh fish grilled over volcanic stones, sampling award-winning Malvasía wines or exploring bakery traditions shaped by centuries of island life, this guide takes you through the very best food and drinks in the Canary Islands.
Traditional Canarian Dishes to Try
Papas Arrugadas with Mojo
The most iconic dish, papas arrugadas (“wrinkled potatoes”), are small local potatoes boiled in salted water until the skin wrinkles. They are served with two legendary sauces:
- Mojo Rojo: red sauce with paprika, garlic and chili (a bit spicy).
- Mojo Verde: green sauce with cilantro/coriander, parsley and olive oil.
Expect this dish everywhere — from beach bars to fine dining restaurants.
Gofio
A staple of island life, gofio is roasted corn or wheat flour used in desserts, stews and even breakfast bowls. Locals eat it with milk, honey or mixed into soups for extra flavor.
Fresh Atlantic Seafood
The islands offer superb seafood thanks to their rich Atlantic waters:
- Vieja (parrotfish) — grilled, delicate and buttery.
- Lubina (sea bass) — often served whole with lemon.
- Pulpo a la plancha — grilled octopus with olive oil.
- Calamares (squid) — crispy or stuffed.
Coastal towns like El Médano (Tenerife), Corralejo (Fuerteventura) and Playa Blanca (Lanzarote) are seafood hotspots.
Tapas & Island-Style Appetizers
The Canary Islands have their own twist on Spanish tapas:
- Garbanzada: chickpea stew with vegetables and cured meats.
- Queso Asado: grilled cheese drizzled with mojo.
- Ropa Vieja: shredded beef or chicken stew.
- Chorizo de Teror: soft, spreadable local chorizo.
Sweets & Desserts
Canarian desserts are simple, fresh and delicious:
- Bienmesabe: almond-based dessert with honey and lemon.
- Príncipe Alberto: La Palma’s legendary chocolate-almond cake.
- Quesillo: silky Canarian flan.
- Frangollo: corn-based pudding with raisins and cinnamon.
Island Drinks & Wines
Malvasía Volcánica Wine (Lanzarote)
Lanzarote is famous for its volcanic wines, grown in ash-covered vineyards in the La Geria region. The star variety is Malvasía Volcánica — fruity, aromatic and perfectly balanced.
Tenerife Reds & Whites
Tenerife’s five wine regions produce excellent reds (Listán Negro) and refreshing whites (Listán Blanco). Many wineries offer tastings overlooking volcanic landscapes.
Ron Miel (Honey Rum)
A beloved island drink, Ron Miel blends aged rum with local honey. It is sweet, smooth and traditionally offered after meals.
Tropical Fruit Juices
The subtropical climate makes fruits like mango, papaya, banana and passionfruit incredibly fresh. Juice bars and beach cafés serve flavorful natural juices all year.
Best Restaurants & Food Experiences
Tenerife
- La Laguna: traditional Canarian cuisine in UNESCO-listed streets.
- Costa Adeje: upscale seafood restaurants with ocean views.
- Santa Cruz: contemporary dining and tapas streets.
Gran Canaria
- Vegueta: trendy tapas bars and wine taverns.
- Las Canteras: beachfront dining with fresh fish.
- Arucas: local rum and traditional Canarian meals.
Lanzarote
- El Golfo: volcanic-grilled seafood next to the green lagoon.
- La Geria: wine estates offering tasting menus.
- Playa Blanca: seaside restaurants for couples and families.
Fuerteventura
- Corralejo: surf cafés and casual seafood spots.
- El Cotillo: ocean-to-table fish restaurants.
Local Markets & Street Food
Visiting a market is one of the best cultural experiences:
- Mercado Nuestra Señora de África (Tenerife)
- Mercado de Vegueta (Gran Canaria)
- Teguise Market (Lanzarote)
Vegan & Vegetarian Options
Plant-based food is growing quickly across the islands. Most major towns offer vegan cafés with bowls, smoothies, wraps, salads and plant-based desserts.
- In Tenerife: Santa Cruz, La Laguna, Costa Adeje
- In Gran Canaria: Las Palmas, Maspalomas
- In Lanzarote: Costa Teguise, Playa Blanca
Food Safety & Practical Tips
- Tap water is safe for hygiene but bottled water is preferred for drinking.
- Seafood is fresh, but choose reputable restaurants in hot weather.
- Street food in markets is safe and high quality.
- Restaurants usually open late — dinner often starts around 8pm.
Where to Go Next
- Top Destinations in the Canary Islands
- Restaurants in the Canary Islands
- Things to Do in the Canary Islands
With fresh Atlantic seafood, volcanic wines, colorful markets and traditional island dishes, the Canary Islands offer a culinary adventure that combines heritage, creativity and unforgettable flavor.
