Casa Romántica Joins Gran Canaria Me Gusta Initiative
Nestled in the heart of Agaete Valley, Casa Romántica restaurant has become the latest addition to the Gran Canaria Me Gusta program, a culinary network promoting locally sourced products. Spearheaded by the Gran Canaria Island Council through its Department of Economic Development and the Gran Canaria Chamber of Commerce, the initiative supports establishments that celebrate the island’s gastronomic heritage.
A New Showcase for Local Producers
Councilor Minerva Alonso visited the restaurant to inaugurate a €14,900 exhibition space designed to highlight regional specialties. The installation features custom furniture, signage, and displays dedicated to Agaete’s signature products: coffee, wines, and artisan cheeses. The space also includes a daily-operating shop where visitors can purchase the same products they enjoy at the restaurant.
Island Flavors Under One Roof
The shop offers a curated selection of Gran Canaria’s finest, including Agaete coffee, Denominación de Origen wines, handmade cheeses, jams, olive oil, Valleseco cider, Tejeda and Moya sweets, Arehucas rum, and banana fiber crafts. Every item comes directly from local farmers, fishermen, and artisans, ensuring authenticity and sustainability. “Our goal is to bring local products beyond markets and fairs to the island’s top dining tables,” Alonso emphasized during her visit.
A Commitment to Sustainability and Excellence
Casa Romántica exemplifies this philosophy, sourcing ingredients from its three farms—producing tropical fruits, vegetables, and coffee—while recycling all waste and partnering exclusively with sustainable suppliers. Owner Víctor Lugo praised the council’s support: “This initiative reflects the growing success of island products and sets an example for other restaurants.”
From Humble Roots to High Gastronomy
Since 1976, Casa Romántica has championed local production, but recent years have seen it ascend to haute cuisine, earning accolades from the Michelin Guide, Repsol Guide, and the title of Best Restaurant in the Canary Islands 2024 by Qué Bueno Guide. The new shop integrates seamlessly into the restaurant’s museum-like garden tour, a walk that immerses visitors in the rural and cultural identity of Gran Canaria’s 21 municipalities.
