The Canary Islands are home to a diverse and vibrant dining scene shaped by fresh Atlantic seafood, volcanic agriculture, island traditions, and a modern culinary movement that combines Spanish, African, and Latin American influences. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean, a traditional guachinche hidden in the hills of Tenerife, or a high-end tasting menu, this guide highlights the best places to eat across all islands.
Below, you’ll find recommendations for local restaurants, traditional Canarian cuisine, seafood hotspots, fine dining venues, budget-friendly options, and tips for choosing the best places to eat during your trip.
What to Expect from Canarian Restaurants
Dining in the Canary Islands is relaxed, friendly, and heavily influenced by local ingredients. Expect:
- Fresh Atlantic seafood available daily
- Volcanic wines from Tenerife and Lanzarote
- Rustic goat cheese, papas arrugadas, and mojo sauces
- Outdoor seating with mountain or seaside views
- Late dining hours — dinner typically starts at 20:00
For a full overview of what to taste, visit our detailed guide: Food & Drinks in the Canary Islands.
Best Restaurant Types to Try
1. Guachinches (Tenerife Only)
A guachinche is a family-owned, informal restaurant originally created to sell homemade wine. These hidden gems serve authentic Canarian dishes at very affordable prices.
Typical dishes:
- Papas arrugadas with mojo
- Grilled meats
- Gofio escaldado
- Local cheese with honey
Where to find them: La Orotava, La Laguna, Tacoronte, and the north of Tenerife.
2. Seafood Restaurants
The Atlantic Ocean provides exceptional seafood, especially in island harbors and coastal villages.
What to try:
- Lapas (limpets) with mojo verde
- Grilled vieja (parrotfish)
- Octopus (pulpo) with olive oil and sea salt
- Fresh calamari
- Sancocho canario — traditional fish stew
3. Modern & Fine Dining
A new generation of Canarian chefs blends traditional ingredients with modern techniques. Many restaurants feature tasting menus, wine pairings, and farm-to-table concepts.
Popular styles:
- Volcanic tasting menus
- Innovative tapas
- Local wine pairings
- Fusion cuisine influenced by Latin America
4. Budget-Friendly Restaurants
The Canary Islands are perfect for travelers who want great food without overspending. Look for:
- Menu del día (set lunch menus)
- Tapas bars
- Simple local taverns
- Beach bars serving grilled fish
Where to Eat on Each Island
🍽 Restaurants in Tenerife
Tenerife has the most diverse dining scene — from guachinches to fine dining restaurants overlooking volcanic landscapes.
- La Orotava & La Laguna: Traditional guachinches and rustic Canarian dishes.
- Costa Adeje & Los Cristianos: Seafood restaurants and modern beachfront dining.
- Santa Cruz: Tapas bars and contemporary cuisine.
🍽 Restaurants in Gran Canaria
- Las Palmas: Trendy cafés, markets, tapas streets (especially around Vegueta).
- Maspalomas & Meloneras: International restaurants and oceanfront terraces.
- Agaete: Fresh fish directly from the harbor.
🍽 Restaurants in Lanzarote
- Arrecife: Local taverns, Spanish cuisine.
- Puerto del Carmen: Seafood and modern fusion restaurants.
- La Geria: Wine estate restaurants with volcanic views.
🍽 Restaurants in Fuerteventura
- Corralejo: Fresh fish and international cuisine.
- El Cotillo: Laid-back seafood taverns.
- Caleta de Fuste: Family-friendly European restaurants.
🍽 La Palma, La Gomera & El Hierro
These smaller islands offer farm-to-table restaurants, eco-friendly menus, and traditional slow cooking.
- La Palma: Almond desserts, smoked cheese, volcanic wines.
- La Gomera: Potaje de berros (watercress soup), palm honey.
- El Hierro: Zero-kilometer restaurants using local produce.
Best Dishes to Try at Restaurants
- Papas arrugadas with mojo
- Grilled vieja (parrotfish)
- Bienmesabe dessert
- Goat stew (cabrito)
- Queso asado — grilled cheese with mojo
Wine & Drinks to Pair with Your Meal
Canarian wines are internationally acclaimed — particularly white volcanic wines and sweet malvasías.
- Malvasía Volcánica: Aromatic white wine from Lanzarote.
- Listán Blanco: Crisp volcanic wine from Tenerife.
- Ron Miel: Local honey rum served as a digestif.
- Barraquito: A must-try Canarian coffee dessert drink.
Tips for Choosing the Best Restaurants
- Avoid restaurants with aggressive street promoters.
- Look for places filled with locals — always a good sign.
- Try a guachinche for an authentic island experience.
- Seafood is freshest in small fishing towns.
- Reserve ahead for popular spots in Tenerife and Gran Canaria.
