Tenerife for Gourmets: Where to Eat and What to Taste on the Island

The Best Seafood, Canarian Cuisine and Traditional Dishes Restaurants in Tenerife: A Selection Not to be Missed

Tenerife is an explosion of colors and incredibly wild landscapes, but the real journey on this island begins at the table! The island's cuisine is an irresistible mix of Guacinche traditions, African influences and Latin American touches, especially Venezuelan.

Traditional Guacinche cuisine is experiencing a revival. Many local restaurants are reintroducing old recipes , (like in Puglia for potatoes, rice and mussels or other dishes of the poor cuisine whose recipes always have a secret ingredient).

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Tenerife recipes are often cooked using indigenous ingredients to create dishes that hark back to pre-Hispanic times. Tenerife's culinary scene is slowly transforming, fusing modern techniques with traditional flavors, reflecting the old world in a new light.

I Guanchi 
Gli antichi abitanti delle Canarie, un popolo di origine berbera giunto dal Nord Africa. Vivevano di agricoltura e pastorizia, abitavano in grotte e usavano il Silbo Gomero, un linguaggio fischiato. La loro cultura sopravvive in tradizioni, toponimi e nella gastronomia, come il gofio, antico alimento a base di cereali tostati ancora oggi simbolo dell’isola.

Here, food is history, culture and conviviality: fresh ingredients, simple but flavourful dishes and a warm welcome that makes you savour each dish with gusto and curiosity.

From the legendary wrinkled papas – potatoes cooked in salted water, served with the very tasty mojo picón The most famous sauce in the Canary Islands, present in almost all typical dishes of Tenerife. There are two varieties: picón (made with red pepper and sweet pepper) and verde (made with green pepper and coriander).

Gofio , a mixture of toasted cereals handed down from the Guanches , also has an authentic and unique flavour.

The Canary Island plantain is the archipelago's most exported product and one of the islands' most famous tropical delicacies. Plantations are everywhere and easily visible from the road .

If you love meat, try rabbit with salmorejo , a very tender and spicy specialty, while for a comfort food with an ancient flavour, ropa vieja is the perfect dish: chickpeas, potatoes and meat in a mix of spices that conquers you at first taste.

But the real secret of the local gastronomy are the guachinche , the traditional taverns of the north of Tenerife, born to accompany the island's wine with home-made and abundant dishes. Here, between a glass of volcanic wine and an authentic banquet, you can experience the real Tenerife.

Restaurants and Guachinche I've been to and where YOU could dine too Tenerife for Gourmets: where to eat and what to taste on the Island

If you are on holiday in Tenerife and want to discover the best restaurants and guachinche on the island, here is a selection of places where I ate and that I highly recommend!

🍖 For meat lovers

• El Cordero (south of the island) - Unique location: you eat inside a banana plantation (Saturday and Sunday) or in large rooms surrounded by trees. Typical Canarian cuisine with mixed roasts, local cheeses and hearty dishes. Prices: €20-30 per person with generous portions. Atmosphere with live musicians!

• The Roots - Typical Canarian cuisine specialties with empanadas, croquettes and breaded ribs with lemon. Authentic atmosphere and affordable prices.

🐟 For those who love fish

• Water and Salt - Recommended. Off the beaten track. A must for lovers of fresh fish and shellfish. You can choose directly from the large central counter. Everything is very fresh. The red lobster-type prawns (120€/kg) are a real treat! I recommend the paccheri dish or the spaghetti with seafood, perfect for a final mopping up.

• La Griferia Paella & Cocktails Small place frequented by locals, with a cheerful atmosphere. Oscar-worthy paella tenerifiana! Fair prices

🍕 For a perfect pizza

• Coal - The best pizzeria on the island (if you want pizza) in perfect Neapolitan style! You absolutely have to try the babà too.

• Salento XIII - Best pizza in the North. Recommended by a friend who has lived in Tenerife for 10 years. Excellent pizza, professional staff and owner Luca very helpful.

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🌄 For a meal with a view

• Otelo I - Spectacular views of the Barranco de l'Infierno. Typical dishes: Conejo en Salmorejo (rabbit in Canarian sauce) and Pollo al Ajillo , prepared with an award-winning secret sauce. Popular prices and XXL portions

• Terrazas del Sauzal - Perfect for a romantic meal overlooking the ocean (ideal only in good weather).

• Atlantic Mirage Suites Hotel Panoramic terrace with incredible views. Possibility to have an international breakfast even if you are not a guest of the hotel.

🏡 For an authentic Canarian experience

• The Hierbita - Perfect for enjoying typical Canarian cuisine. Must try Queso asado, papas Arrugadas, Pimientos de papa and fried Plátanos . I celebrated my birthday there and it was unforgettable!

• The Wine House - The best restaurant to order a typical Canarian rice soup "Arroz Caldoso" .

• El Guachinjero Restaurant Spartan but authentic atmosphere, with traditional Canarian dishes prepared as they once were. We went there after the quad excursion and we were hungry

• Restaurante "El Guanche " Alte Schule Very characteristic. Interesting use of cactus for drinks and sauces. A unique restaurant, with dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from their garden. Not to be missed: Cactus mojito and homemade fruit juices. Panoramic view of the entire village of Masca Mainly vegetarian dishes

🍹 For special cocktails and aperitifs

• Aquanama Cocktail Bar Great for relaxing with well-made cocktails. A la carte restaurant with very good olives and tapas

• Lido Bambù. in Los Cristianos Run by Italians, perfect for a fruity cocktail on the beach. They also prepare food

  
  

🥐 For a tasty breakfast or brunch

The Peace Mill Ideal for breakfast, brunch or a quick lunch. They offer sweet and savory tostadas and "boccadillos" sandwiches with different flours, also in Italian style.

🌍 Do you want to try the same dishes in the restaurants we have chosen? Follow our advice and leave us your review on the blog below! And if you repeat these experiences, share them with us: tag #apugliesearoundtheworld and let us know where you ate best! 🍽️✨