A guide to the best restaurants in Fuencaliente

The best on the island at La Casa del Volcan

Perched high up on a hilltop, La Casa del Volcan serves authentic Canarian cuisine. A favourite among local people as well as tourists, expect a Spanish menu and be prepared to try a simple yet delicious dish, such as the tomato salad. The fish is freshly caught on the day, the produce comes from local suppliers and they even have a range of vegetarian side dishes.

There are some great local wines on offer too, so don’t be shy to ask the waiter for a recommendation. Just make sure you book ahead if you can – the popularity of this place means it gets pretty busy in the evenings.

A taste of Italy at La Cantina del Gladiatore

If it’s international cuisine you’re after, La Cantina del Gladiatore serves up a first-class Italian feast. Widely regarded as having the best pizza on La Palma, their dishes are cooked to traditional family recipes – from antipasti to authentic pasta to creamy gelato, it’s ideal if you want a change from paella and tapas. If you’re just stopping for a light lunch, they also have a deli bar. Try the freshly baked croissants, stuffed with cream cheese and herbs.

Homemade almond cookies at Bar Parada

Located just down the road from Volcan San Antonio Visitor Centre, this small cafe is perfect for a rewarding coffee and slice of cake after a hike. Customers rave about its homemade almond biscuits, called Almandrados. They come with coffee, but try ordering them with a Barraquito, a local concoction made with coffee, condensed milk and liqueur.

If you want to take some souvenirs home, there’s also a gift shop attached to the cafe where you can pick up packets of biscuits.

A hidden gem at Puesta del Sol

For a fine-dining experience that doesn’t break the bank, head to Puesta del Sol. Tucked away in the garden of Villa Colon, it’s easy to miss, so it has a reputation for being a hidden treasure of La Palma. The dishes combine traditional Canarian and German flavours with a modern twist. Try the steak with local wine sauce, or the rabbit with pink potatoes. Eat around the sunset – the view from the dining area is spectacular.

Catch of the day at El Jardin de la Sal

Generous portions and stunning sea views are on the menu at El Jardin de la Sal, the best place to find fish and seafood dishes in Fuencaliente. Situated right next to the lighthouses and saltpans, you can watch commercial salt being made while you tuck into freshly-caught alfonsino fish. It’s not just the main dishes that make this place so popular, either – the sweet potato crisps that come served with pan-fried fillets and the coffee served upstairs on the terrace round off a meal perfectly.

Secluded beach snacks at Kiosco la Zamora

Kiosco la Zamora can be found off the beaten track, with chairs and tables overlooking Playa Zamora. This small kiosco offers simple but delicious food – it’s great if you want a light lunch next to the ocean, and there’s a sense of authenticity as more locals than tourists frequent it. Their fish dishes are served with garlic and spices, and if you’re feeling peckish you can opt for the 1kg fillet, served with a cold beer and fresh side salad.