Most tourists visiting Tenerife make the same mistake – they eat at the first restaurants they encounter, missing the opportunity to discover the island’s authentic flavors. Tenerife restaurants offer so much more than the tourist menus found in hotel dining rooms or beachfront establishments. The island’s culinary scene is a unique blend of Spanish traditions with Canarian specialties, enriched by African and Latin American influences that create an unforgettable dining experience.
When exploring food in Tenerife, you’ll discover that the real culinary treasures hide in places where locals eat – in hidden guachinches, family-run restaurants passed down through generations, and establishments that regular guidebooks never reach. Best restaurants in Tenerife aren’t always the most expensive ones; often, the most memorable meals happen in small, authentic venues where tradition meets passion for cooking.
The best restaurants Tenerife has to offer combine exceptional food quality with reasonable prices and authentic atmosphere. While you might pay €25-35 for an average meal at a tourist restaurant, in an authentic guachinche, you can enjoy a complete dinner with homemade wine for just €15 – and the taste will stay with you long after your vacation ends.
During our culinary exploration of the island, we discovered that Tenerife food represents a fascinating fusion of cultures. From traditional guachinches serving wine straight from the barrel, to establishments offering fresh seafood with ocean views, to places where international cuisine meets Canarian character – this island truly satisfies every palate.
We’ve prepared a curated list of 10 exceptional places to eat Tenerife that showcase the island’s diverse culinary landscape. These aren’t random selections – each establishment has its own story, unique atmosphere, and specialties that make dining experiences on Tenerife truly memorable. From budget-friendly €10 meals to exclusive €40-50 experiences, our guide covers various price ranges while guaranteeing authentic culinary adventures that will help you understand why local food culture is so extraordinary.
- Guachinche El Cubano – Authentic Cuban-Canarian Fusion Experience
- Bodegón 7 Islas – Dining with Views of Teide
- Tasquita del Puerto – Fresh Seafood Paradise in Los Abrigos
- Costa Varadero – Modern Interpretation of Canarian Traditions
- Restaurante El Cordero – Traditional Grilling Mastery
- Chamachete – Three Decades of Family Culinary Tradition
- Calma Balkan Cuisine – International Flavors with Island Flair
- Cafetería Liceo de Taoro – Historic Elegance in La Orotava
- Cafetería La Baranda – Cliff-Top Cocktails and Sunsets
- Panna Cioccolato – Artisan Gelato with Tropical Fruits
- Where to Eat in Tenerife – Regional Guide and Practical Tips
- Price Guide – Restaurant Costs in Tenerife 2025
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Rent our home
Guachinche El Cubano – Authentic Cuban-Canarian Fusion Experience
Location: Lugar Maestre Juan, La Orotava | Phone: 661 06 55 06
Website: guachinches.es/guachinche/el-cubano/
Guachinche El Cubano represents where Tenerife restaurants meet Cuban culinary traditions, creating a unique fusion that you won’t find anywhere else on the island. This popular guachinche has gained fame for blending traditional Canarian cuisine with Cuban accents, offering a menu that tells the story of cultural connections across the Atlantic.
The house specialties include carnes a la brasa (grilled meats), ropa vieja – succulent slow-cooked beef stew that falls apart at the touch of a fork, and Cuban additions like arroz congrí (rice with black beans) and tostones (fried plantain patties). Their homemade wine is served a granel (poured from barrels), and its fruity flavor perfectly complements the intense flavors of the dishes.
What makes El Cubano one of the best restaurants Tenerife locals recommend is its stunning location in a rural setting with views over the La Orotava valley and Mount Teide. The atmosphere feels authentically Canarian – rustic wooden tables, vine-covered terraces, and the sound of laughter mixing with traditional music.
The experience here exemplifies what makes food in Tenerife special – it’s not just about eating, but about connecting with the island’s cultural heritage. Be prepared for queues, especially on weekends, as this place’s popularity among local residents is the best endorsement of its quality.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €8-12 per main course, €4-6 for wine pitcher
- Hours: Wed-Sun 12:45-18:00, Fri-Sat until 22:00
- Tip: Arrive early to avoid waiting times
Bodegón 7 Islas – Dining with Views of Teide
Location: Calle Longuera, s/n, La Guancha | Phone: 922 828 343
Website: vamosdeguachinche.com/norte/la-guancha/7-islas/
Bodegón 7 Islas stands out with its unique spatial concept that makes it one of the best restaurants in Tenerife for special occasions. The establishment features seven wooden cabañas (huts), each named after one of the Canary Islands, offering intimate dining spaces for couples and small groups, while the main hall and terrace accommodate larger parties.
The Canarian cuisine here focuses on classic parrilladas (mixed grilled meats), chuletón de res (bone-in steak), garbanzas (chickpea stew), and pimientos de padrón. The restaurant operates its own vineyard, serving homemade wine both a granel and in bottles from local wineries, making it a perfect representation of authentic Tenerife food.
What makes this establishment exceptional among restaurants in Tenerife is the guaranteed views of Mount Teide from most tables. The sight of the majestic peak, especially during sunset, transforms dining into a magical experience that combines gastronomy with natural beauty.
The restaurant’s location in La Guancha provides easy access while maintaining the authentic guachinche atmosphere that locals cherish. The combination of traditional food, local wine, and spectacular views creates dining experiences that capture the essence of what makes Tenerife special.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €7-14 per main course, €5-8 for wine
- Hours: Wed-Sun 12:30-17:00, Fri-Sat until 22:00
- Tip: Request a table with Teide views when making reservations
Tasquita del Puerto – Fresh Seafood Paradise in Los Abrigos
Location: Los Abrigos
Website: tasquitadelpuerto.com
In the small fishing village of Los Abrigos, Tasquita del Puerto offers what might be the freshest seafood among all Tenerife restaurants. The restaurant owner personally selects the finest fish at the local fish market every dawn, ensuring that what arrives on your plate was swimming in the ocean just yesterday.
The specialty here is paella de mariscos loaded with prawns, mussels, squid, and clams, alongside arroz caldoso con bogavante (rice with lobster). The fish preparation showcases the simplicity that makes best food in Tenerife so appealing – from simple grilling with olive oil and garlic to sophisticated dishes in almond or tomato sauces.
The restaurant’s location provides not just exceptional food but also authentic atmosphere. Watching returning fishing boats while dining adds an element of authenticity that makes meals here feel like genuine places to eat Tenerife experiences rather than tourist attractions.
What sets Tasquita del Puerto apart from other restaurants Tenerife offers is the direct connection to the sea. The daily selection depends entirely on what local fishermen bring in, meaning the menu changes based on ocean conditions and seasonal availability.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €15-25 per main course
- Tip: Reservations recommended, especially for weekends
- Specialties: Daily fish selection, seafood paella, local catch preparation
Costa Varadero – Modern Interpretation of Canarian Traditions
Location: Adeje
Website: restaurantecostavaradero.com
Costa Varadero represents the modern evolution of Tenerife food, combining local products with international culinary techniques. This establishment has gained recognition for its innovative approach to traditional Spanish dishes, with emphasis on ingredient quality and creative presentation.
Their famous tuna tartare exemplifies this approach – combining fresh local fish with Asian-inspired seasonings, served with avocado, soy sauce, and spicy additions. This dish demonstrates how best restaurants Tenerife can honor tradition while embracing contemporary culinary trends.
The menu features bocadillos (Canarian sandwiches), fresh salads with local ingredients, and creative burgers that showcase the island’s produce. The restaurant’s philosophy centers on collaborating with local producers, ensuring each meal supports the community while guaranteeing ingredient freshness.
Costa Varadero’s brunch menu has become particularly popular among both locals and visitors, offering a relaxed atmosphere perfect for leisurely meals. The establishment proves that restaurants in Tenerife can successfully blend international influences with local character.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €12-22 per main course
- Special: Weekend brunches (€10-20)
- Philosophy: Farm-to-table approach with local producers
Restaurante El Cordero – Traditional Grilling Mastery
Location: Southern Tenerife
Website: restauranteelcordero.com
El Cordero showcases traditional Canarian cuisine in its most authentic form, representing what locals consider the essence of Tenerife restaurants. The establishment specializes in carnes a la brasa prepared in an authentic patio canario, surrounded by lush vegetation and traditional Canarian architecture.
The specialty lies in grilled meats prepared over wood from local trees, which imparts a unique, smoky flavor impossible to replicate with modern equipment. The menu features local varieties of beef, pork, and goat, served with papas arrugadas and mojo sauces that define food in Tenerife.
Evening visits often feature traditional Canarian music performances, creating complete cultural experiences that go beyond dining. The natural garden setting with endemic plants makes meals feel like journeys back to the roots of Canarian culture.
What makes El Cordero special among best restaurants in Tenerife is the spiritual dimension of dining here. The combination of traditional preparation methods, local ingredients, and cultural atmosphere creates experiences that connect diners with the island’s heritage.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €18-28 per main course
- Special: Evening live music performances
- Atmosphere: Traditional patio with endemic garden
Chamachete – Three Decades of Family Culinary Tradition
Location: TF-82, between Los Menores and Guía de Isora
Website: chamachete.com
Since 1987, Chamachete has remained in the same family’s hands, cultivating traditions of comida casera (home cooking) with exceptional ingredient quality. This establishment represents what best restaurants Tenerife can achieve when passion meets decades of experience.
The restaurant offers over 40 carefully selected wines, including local Canarian varieties that perfectly complement their menu. The combination of traditional Canarian dishes with seasonal creations using local suppliers makes each visit unique.
Chamachete’s interpretation of barraquito – the traditional Canarian coffee with condensed milk, liqueur, foamed milk, and cinnamon – prepared according to their 30-year recipe, has become legendary among places to eat Tenerife. This attention to detail in even the smallest elements demonstrates their commitment to excellence.
The restaurant’s longevity and consistent quality have made it a favorite among locals who appreciate authentic Tenerife food prepared with respect for tradition and innovation in equal measure.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €15-25 per main course
- Hours: Thu-Mon 12:00-23:00, Tue-Wed closed
- Specialty: House barraquito, seasonal local ingredients
Calma Balkan Cuisine – International Flavors with Island Flair
Location: C.C. Patio Canario, Adeje | Phone: 634 000 443
Website: calmabalkancuisine.com
With over 30 years of international culinary experience, Calma Balkan Cuisine brings authentic Balkan flavors to the Tenerife restaurants scene. This unique establishment offers Greek, Turkish, Bulgarian, Serbian, and Romanian culinary traditions, creating diversity that enriches the island’s dining landscape.
The restaurant specializes in live BBQ – meats grilled over open flames in an open kitchen, allowing guests to watch the preparation process. Experienced chefs prepare everything fresh, from traditional Balkan sausages to exquisite steaks and seafood.
The spectacular location with coastal views and unforgettable sunsets makes Calma one of the best restaurants in Tenerife for romantic dinners. Daily live music performances – from retro and jazz to traditional Balkan music – create complete cultural experiences.
This establishment proves that food in Tenerife can successfully incorporate international influences while maintaining the island’s welcoming atmosphere and emphasis on fresh, quality ingredients.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €20-35 per main course
- Hours: Mon-Sun 14:00-00:00, Tue closed
- Special: Live music nightly, sunset dinner reservations recommended
Cafetería Liceo de Taoro – Historic Elegance in La Orotava
Location: La Orotava
Website: liceodetaoro.es
Housed in a historic palace in La Orotava, Liceo de Taoro represents the elegant side of Tenerife bars and cafés. This establishment combines exceptional coffee with historical atmosphere, creating experiences that showcase the island’s cultural sophistication.
The café offers spectacular Teide views from its palace terrace, while the interiors maintain their original early 20th-century elegance. Traditional Canarian breakfasts, local pasteles (pastries), and perfectly prepared barraquito make this one of the most atmospheric places to eat in Tenerife.
The menu includes light lunches and tapas, but the real specialty is the ambiance and atmosphere. Time moves slower here, and enjoying local specialties becomes a ritual of appreciating moments surrounded by history and beauty.
Liceo de Taoro demonstrates that best bars in tenerife can offer more than drinks – they can provide connections to the island’s cultural heritage and architectural beauty.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €8-15 per meal
- Specialty: Morning coffee with Teide views
- Atmosphere: Historic palace setting, elegant terrace
Cafetería La Baranda – Cliff-Top Cocktails and Sunsets
Location: C. San Simón, El Sauzal | Phone: 680 39 02 72
Instagram: @labarandachillout
La Baranda deserves special recognition among Tenerife bars for its unique combination of spectacular location and chill-out atmosphere. Located in picturesque El Sauzal, this establishment is famous for serving some of the island’s best barraquito alongside incredible views from a glass balcony suspended over cliffs.
The lounge music atmosphere surrounded by beautiful gardens creates perfect settings for relaxation after days of culinary exploration. While not a traditional restaurant, La Baranda offers light meals, tapas, and cocktails that perfectly complement sunset viewing.
The glass balcony experience provides unparalleled photo opportunities and romantic settings that make this one of the most Instagram-worthy best bars in Tenerife. The combination of creative cocktails, local coffee specialties, and dramatic clifftop location creates memories that last long after vacation ends.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €8-15 per meal, €2-4 for coffee
- Best time: Evening visits for sunset views
- Specialty: Cliff-hanging glass balcony, creative cocktails
Panna Cioccolato – Artisan Gelato with Tropical Fruits
Location: P.º María Amalia Frías, 2, Arona | Phone: 604 37 66 04
While traditional Tenerife food focuses mainly on savory dishes, Panna Cioccolato proves the island offers exceptional sweet experiences. This Italian artisan gelateria produces gelato using traditional recipes with highest quality ingredients, including spectacular sorbets made from local tropical fruits.
The specialties include sorbets made from local Tenerife fruits – mango, passion fruit, banana, and papaya – that maintain natural, intense flavors. Classic Italian flavors like pistachio, Ferrero Rocher, and tiramisu are all prepared daily in the restaurant kitchen.
The gelateria’s reputation for generous portions and reasonable prices (€2.20-2.90 per serving) has made it popular among locals who appreciate quality products, friendly service, and outdoor seating with ocean views.
Panna Cioccolato represents the sweet side of best restaurants Tenerife experience, proving that authentic flavors can come from international traditions adapted to local ingredients.
Practical Information:
- Prices: €2-5 per serving
- Specialty: Local fruit sorbets, daily-made gelato
- Location: Ocean view seating area
Where to Eat in Tenerife – Regional Guide and Practical Tips
Planning your culinary adventure across Tenerife benefits from understanding regional differences in restaurants Tenerife offers. The northern part of the island, particularly around La Orotava, Santa Úrsula, and El Sauzal, represents the kingdom of authentic guachinches. The southern areas offer more international restaurants and modern interpretations of traditional Tenerife food.
Public transportation allows access to most recommended places to eat Tenerife, though some hidden guachinches require private transport. Many authentic establishments don’t accept reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis, especially popular places like El Cubano.
Best restaurants tenerife south tend to be more expensive and tourist-oriented, while northern establishments maintain stronger connections to local traditions and offer better value. However, both regions provide exceptional dining experiences when you know where to look.
The island’s compact size means maximum travel time between any two restaurants is 30-40 minutes, making it possible to explore different regions and dining styles during a single visit. This accessibility is one of the advantages that makes Tenerife restaurants so appealing to food enthusiasts.
Price Guide – Restaurant Costs in Tenerife 2025
Understanding pricing helps budget your culinary exploration of restaurants in Tenerife:
Guachinches (Most affordable):
- Main course: €8-12
- Wine pitcher: €4-6
- Complete meal for 2: €25-35
Local family restaurants:
- Main course: €12-18
- Wine glass: €3-5
- Complete meal for 2: €35-50
Fresh seafood restaurants:
- Fish dish: €15-25
- Paella for 2: €30-40
- Premium seafood: €20-35 per dish
International restaurants:
- Main course: €18-30
- Cocktail: €8-12
- Complete meal for 2: €50-70
Cafés and gelaterias:
- Coffee/barraquito: €1.50-3
- Gelato: €2-5 per serving
- Pastry: €3-6
Northern Tenerife generally offers lower prices due to family-run establishments, while southern tourist zones can be 30-50% more expensive for similar quality food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Local favorites include guachinche El Cubano, Bodegón 7 Islas, and Chamachete for traditional cuisine. Look for places full of Canarians, especially on weekends. Avoid restaurants with multilingual menus in tourist zones – authentic Tenerife restaurants typically serve locals who speak Spanish.
The best food in Tenerife combines traditional guachinches in the north with fresh seafood restaurants in fishing villages like Los Abrigos. Hidden establishments away from tourist areas consistently offer superior quality and authentic flavors at reasonable prices.
Tenerife food represents a fascinating fusion of Spanish traditions with Canarian specialties, influenced by African and Latin American culinary heritage. Key dishes include papas arrugadas with mojo sauces, fresh grilled fish, garbanzas stew, and local wines served directly from barrels.
Daily food budgets range from €25-35 (economical) to €40-60 (moderate) to €70-100 (premium) per person. Places to eat Tenerife offer excellent value, especially in local establishments away from tourist centers.
Guachinches are traditional family establishments at vineyards serving homemade wine with simple, traditional dishes. Find them mainly in northern Tenerife around La Orotava, Santa Úrsula, and El Sauzal. They operate seasonally (December-April) and offer limited menus focused on authenticity over variety.
Summary – Tenerife Restaurants Offer Authentic Island Flavors
Tenerife restaurants provide incredible diversity that satisfies every palate and budget, from traditional guachinches serving wine from barrels to modern establishments combining international techniques with local ingredients. The best restaurants in Tenerife aren’t always the most expensive – often, the most memorable meals happen in small, family-run establishments where tradition meets passion for authentic cooking.
Our complete list of places to eat Tenerife:
- Guachinche El Cubano – Cuban-Canarian fusion in La Orotava
- Bodegón 7 Islas – Traditional dining with Teide views
- Tasquita del Puerto – Fresh seafood in Los Abrigos
- Costa Varadero – Modern Canarian interpretations
- Restaurante El Cordero – Traditional grilled meats
- Chamachete – Three decades of family tradition
- Calma Balkan Cuisine – International flavors with sunset views
- Cafetería Liceo de Taoro – Historic elegance in La Orotava
- Cafetería La Baranda – Cliff-top cocktails and views
- Panna Cioccolato – Artisan gelato with tropical fruits
Food in Tenerife proves that small islands can offer enormous culinary adventures. Whether you’re seeking traditional Tenerife bars, family-run guachinches, or modern restaurants with international flair, this island delivers authentic experiences that create lasting memories. The combination of quality ingredients, reasonable prices, and passionate preparation makes dining here exceptional value for food enthusiasts.