A guide to food and drink in Tenerife
Tenerife holidays are at the forefront of gastronomic quality across the Canary Islands and you’ll find a wide range of restaurants in this picturesque volcanic region. With options to suit every budget – from 5* fine dining to simple, authentic fare in downtown eateries – you’ll find an abundance of fresh seafood restaurants to boot.
Exploring Tenerife's delicacies
Authentic Canarian food consists of grilled meats and fish with papas arrugadas – Tenerife’s signature potato dish – alongside vegetable or salad accompaniments. A spicy mojo sauce is added to give an extra hit of flavour – if you don’t mind a bit of a kick, then you should definitely give this dish a try.
If it’s smaller dishes that you’re after, tapas is served in most bars and is the perfect option if you want to sample a variety of different flavours during your stay. Try patatas bravas, garlic prawns or calamari marinated in garlic and chilli. These dishes are perfect to nibble on while you enjoy an ice cold Dorada – Tenerife’s native beer.
Classic cuisine at La Maisa del Mar, Costa Adeje
Enjoy a taste of the ocean at La Maisa del Mar near Costa Adeje. This beautiful seafront restaurant serves up the most colourful paellas, fresh monkish and lobster. Drink in the spectacular view of the Atlantic as you tuck into lobster, seafood paella with clams, monkfish, mussels and prawns or if you can’t decide, just pick the catch up the day.
Made with love at El Calderito, Puerto de la Cruz
For authentic Canarian cuisine visit the family-run, gastro restaurant El Calderito de la Abuela which is just a short 20-minute drive from Puerto de la Cruz.
The restaurant has its own garden where local farmers grow their own vegetables and herbs to which feature in the lovingly crafted meals. Craft wines and organic ingredients can be found here. Taste these while looking over spectacular views of the Orotava Valley, Mount Teide and the vast expanse of sea views that make it well worth the trip.
Monkey around at Monkey Beach Club, Playa de las Americas
Whether you’re here by day or by night, this uber-trendy beach cafe come bar in Playa de las Americas serves up a range of dishes including pasta, prime cuts of meat and scrumptious burgers – catering for all tastes. It’s a great option for families who want to unwind after a long day playing at the beach or for groups of friends looking for a relaxed venue to chat and listen to music in. Paella Campesina, Beach Wok, Fruti di Mare are all worth a try.
Try something new at Los Roques, Golf del Sur
Fast becoming one of Tenerife’s most popular restaurants, this little gem is situated in the fishing village of Los Abrigos, with stunning views of the harbour, serving up an award winning fusion of Mediterranean and Canarian cuisine. For pudding it’s got to be the indulgent avocado and lime sorbet in white chocolate and to drink you might want to try the appropriately named ‘Bull’s Blood’ – a dry but fruity cocktail that mixes Barcardi, cognac and Gran Marnier with fresh orange juice.
Great value at Lucas Maes, Puerto de la Cruz
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative then try the popular menu of the day. This offer is available to find in many restaurants in Tenerife. Typically it’s a three or five course meal made with produce currently in season. Lucas Maes offers this menu at a set price ad you can choose between the number of courses. From the spacious terrace and beautiful gardens you can enjoy the views of El Rincon and Puerto de la Cruz.