There’s a lot to love about Tenerife, the Island of Eternal Spring: the temperate climate, the dramatic landscape and enviable coastline are just some of its obvious pleasures. And there’s even more to love about this Atlantic island, especially when it comes to food.
Traditional Canary dishes are simple and feature fresh fish, rabbit and cheese and potatoes (a local specialty known as papas) and garlicky, peppery mojo sauce. But it’s not just local cuisine that’s worth trying: Tenerife also has a wide assortment of restaurants and below are some of the best for you to test!
Costa Adeje
In the fishing village of La Caleta, Restaurante La Vieja is known for dishing up its high-quality fantastic fish and seafood delicacies prepared traditionally and with extra attention to detail. Views from the restaurants’ plush terrace of the sea and surrounding nature make a trip to this lovely restaurant even more enjoyable.
Santa Cruz
The Santa Cruz Bus Station might not be the most obvious choice for a meal but you’d be hard pressed to find better tapas anywhere on the island. What’s on offer changes daily according to the seasons but there are usually the carb-tastic tortilla bocadillos usually on offer and neither should be missed!
Playa de las Americas
Frequented by locals and open-minded tourists, in the evening Antico Caffe’s large terrace is constantly full of those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of life in Playa de las Americas. Fabulous Italian food is served by wonderfully knowledgeable staff who ensure your visit to this elegant restaurant is fantastic.
Barranco Grande
Fancy escaping the sun for a bit? How about dinner in a cave? La Cueva Caprichosa is a restaurant situated in one under the Anaga Mountains that serves happy hikers and adventurous folk good-quality rustic food in a unique setting.
Guia de Isora
The chef Ricardo Sanz has created a menu full of Japanese and Western fusion dishes in this Michelin-starred restaurant. One of the two restaurants open to non-residents at the luxurious Abama Hotel, its inventive menu is considered to have one of the best Japanese food selections in Spain that cleverly utilises the finest Canary Island ingredients.
Los Cristianos
It ain’t fancy but Bar Restaurante El Cine in front of Los Cristianos beach serves simple delicious meals made from locally sourced produced. The constant queue for food is a testament to just how good the food is in this alley eatery. Its open kitchen enhances the happy atmosphere and the whole experience should not be missed if you’re in the neighbourhood.
Los Gigantes
El Rincon de Juan Carlos holds the truly distinct honour of being a family Michelin-starred restaurant and with good reason: chef/owner Juan Carlos prepares truly tasty dishes using local ingredients. The potato soufflé is particularly nice.
All in all, whatever your budget or appetite, you’ll dine well in Tenerife – so buen provecho!
Images by Mataparda, ecodillaluna and Sarah_Ackerman, used under Creative Commons license
