Planning a trip to Tenerife and seeking authentic culinary experiences? A guachinche represents the heart of Canarian dining culture, where traditional food, homemade wine, and local hospitality create unforgettable gastronomic memories. In this complete guide, you’ll discover everything about these unique dining establishments that embody the culinary heritage of the Canary Islands.
We regularly visit guachinches and savor not only the exceptional food but also the atmosphere surrounding these special places. Especially on weekends, when local families gather around tables, the air fills with aromas of traditional dishes and sounds of Canarian music, while time moves more slowly – this is when you can truly experience the irreplaceable spirit and tranquility of the Canary Islands.
For those seeking broader culinary adventures beyond guachinches, explore our comprehensive guide to the best restaurants in Tenerife where locals eat, featuring everything from fresh seafood in fishing villages to modern establishments combining international techniques with local ingredients.
- What is a Guachinche? Understanding Canarian Dining Culture
- History and Origins of Guachinche – From Vineyards to Cultural Icons
- How to Recognize Authentic Guachinches – A Guide for Tradition Seekers
- Traditional Guachinche Menu – What to Expect
- Where to Find the Best Guachinches on Tenerife
- Top 10 Recommended Guachinches on Tenerife in 2025
- Practical Tips for Visiting Guachinches
- Guachinches vs Other Canarian Dining Options
- Why You Should Experience Guachinche Culture
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Guachinche? Understanding Canarian Dining Culture
A guachinche is a traditional, family-run dining establishment unique to Tenerife, where homemade wine from private vineyards is served alongside simple, traditional Canarian dishes. These aren’t ordinary restaurants – they’re places steeped in history, originally located at wineries, where you can experience the authentic culinary culture of the island.
For Tenerife residents, guachinches hold enormous cultural significance – they’re not just places to eat and drink wine, but social spaces where local traditions, music, and community spirit flourish. Many Canarians gather at guachinches on weekends, accompanied by guitars and the traditional timple instrument, celebrating their culture.
If you’re wondering why you should visit a guachinche during your stay on Tenerife, the answer is simple – it’s the most authentic culinary experience you can have on the island. Away from tourist resorts and chain restaurants, guachinches offer a taste of real Tenerife at affordable prices in an unparalleled, homey atmosphere.
These establishments represent one of the most rewarding unusual things you must do in Tenerife to experience its true spirit, offering encounters with genuine local culture that most tourists never discover.
History and Origins of Guachinche – From Vineyards to Cultural Icons
The fascinating history of guachinche Tenerife dates back to the 17th century, when local winemakers began opening their farms to British merchants interested in purchasing wine.
Over time, these informal wine sales points evolved. Farmers started serving simple meals to encourage customers to stay longer and consume more wine. Initially, these were makeshift stalls at farms that gradually transformed into more organized establishments, while maintaining their rustic and authentic character.
For centuries, guachinches operated without major regulations, as an informal part of the island’s economy. However, in August 2013, a decree was introduced regulating these establishments’ activities. New regulations, fought for by restaurant industry lobbies, significantly limited the number of official guachinches. From approximately 500 previously operating venues, only 72 met the strict standards and received official status. Some were closed, others transformed into regular restaurants, losing part of their traditional character.
Despite these changes, guachinches remain an important element of Tenerife’s cultural landscape, symbolizing resistance to gastronomic standardization and globalization. For many families running small home vineyards, they’re still a way to maintain traditions and provide additional income.
How to Recognize Authentic Guachinches – A Guide for Tradition Seekers
Finding an authentic guachinche on Tenerife can be a real challenge, especially since many restaurants and bars illegally use this name to attract tourists. Here’s how to recognize authentic guachinches:
Official Markings
Genuine guachinches display official wine-colored signs with the letter “V” and text “VINO DE COSECHA PROPRIA” (wine from own harvests). This indicates the establishment is officially registered and meets legal requirements. Previously, simpler signs reading “Se vende vino” (wine for sale) were used.
Key Features of Authentic Guachinches
Here are the most important elements that distinguish authentic guachinches:
- Own wine – They serve exclusively wine from their own vineyards, often poured straight from barrels or demijohns into pitchers
- Limited menu – They offer maximum three main dishes, supplemented by fruits and homemade preserves from their own harvests
- Limited beverages – Besides their own wine, the only available drink is water (no beer, soft drinks, or coffee)
- Seasonality – They operate only 4 months per year or less, until wine supplies are exhausted
- Homely atmosphere – Usually part of a private home, garage, or patio adapted as a makeshift establishment
Authentic guachinches differ from regular restaurants and bars primarily through their limited menu, lack of professional service (often served by the owner personally), and simple, unrefined décor. You won’t find printed menus, exclusive wines, or elaborate dishes here.
It’s also important that guachinches are places where prices are significantly lower than in standard tourist restaurants. For a complete meal with wine, you’ll rarely pay more than €15-20 per person, making them an attractive option for those seeking good food at affordable prices.
Traditional Guachinche Menu – What to Expect
The menu at guachinche Tenerife establishments is simple, traditional, and based on local, seasonal ingredients. According to regulations, authentic guachinches can offer maximum three different dishes, which often change depending on ingredient availability. Here are the most popular dishes you’ll find in authentic guachinches:
Popular Canarian Dishes Served in Guachinches:
- Carne de cabra (goat meat) – Slow-cooked goat, very popular on Tenerife, prepared according to traditional recipes
- Conejo en salmorejo (rabbit in sauce) – Rabbit marinated and cooked in aromatic sauce with vinegar, garlic, paprika, and other spices
- Costillas con papas y piña (ribs with potatoes and corn) – Succulent ribs served with traditional wrinkled potatoes and corn cobs
- Garbanzas (chickpeas) – Thick, aromatic chickpea stew, often with meat additions
- Ropa vieja (old clothes) – Traditional dish with shredded meat, chickpeas, and vegetables
- Papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce) – Characteristic Canary Islands potatoes cooked in heavily salted water, served with red (mojo rojo) and green (mojo verde) sauces
Homemade Wine as the Main Beverage
The heart of the guachinche experience is homemade wine, which owners produce in their own vineyards. Usually, these are simple, unfiltered wines with distinct character – both red and white. These wines don’t have sophisticated labels or renowned appellations, but they offer an irreplaceable taste of local winemaking tradition.
Wines are typically served in simple pitchers or carafes, drunk from unpretentious glasses. Local wine can also make an excellent Tenerife souvenir.
Prices and Portion Sizes
One of the greatest advantages of guachinches is not only affordable prices but also generous portions. For a main dish, you’ll usually pay between €5-10, and for a wine pitcher about €4-6. Portions are typically large enough to satisfy even the biggest appetite, and a complete meal for two people rarely exceeds €30-40.
Where to Find the Best Guachinches on Tenerife
Guachinches on Tenerife aren’t evenly distributed across the island – their occurrence is closely tied to winemaking traditions in specific regions. The vast majority of authentic guachinches are found in the northern part of Tenerife, where the climate favors vine cultivation.
Northern Tenerife as the Center of Guachinche Tradition
Northern Tenerife, with its humid climate and fertile volcanic soils, has been the island’s wine production center for centuries. This is precisely where most traditional vineyards are found, and consequently – authentic guachinches.
Best Towns for Finding Guachinches
When searching for authentic guachinches on Tenerife, focus on these locations:
- La Orotava – Historic town with rich winemaking traditions and numerous guachinches in the vicinity
- Tacoronte – Region known for wine production, where many authentic establishments are found
- La Matanza de Acentejo – Town famous for high-quality wines and traditional guachinches
- La Victoria de Acentejo – Another important wine region with numerous guachinches
- Santa Úrsula – Municipality with strong winemaking and gastronomic traditions
- El Sauzal – Picturesque town with beautiful views and authentic guachinches
- Tegueste – Region where winemaking traditions remain alive
- Los Realejos – Area with many hidden culinary gems
Top 10 Recommended Guachinches on Tenerife in 2025
Below we present a list of 10 best guachinches on Tenerife worth visiting in 2025. Each of these places offers an authentic culinary experience and genuine taste of Tenerife.
1. Guachinche El Cubano (La Orotava)
Specialty: Rabbit in salmorejo sauce and excellent homemade “Ruku Ruku” wine
Location: Set in a picturesque orange grove, access requires partially driving on dirt roads
Prices: €7-10 for main courses, €5 for wine pitcher
Hours: Fri-Sun 12:00-16:00 and 19:00-23:00
This authentic place offers incredible views from mountains to ocean. Access can be challenging, but the wonderful food and atmosphere fully compensate for it.
2. Guachinche La Huerta de Ana y Eva (La Matanza de Acentejo)
Specialty: Innovative approach to traditional Canarian dishes
Location: On Obispo Pérez Cáceres street, easy car access
Prices: €8-12 for main courses, €4-6 for wine
Hours: Tue-Sun 12:00-23:00
One of the best-rated Canarian restaurants on Tenerife. The establishment has a cozy dining room decorated with plants and serves huge portions.
3. Guachinche El Nervioso
Specialty: Ribs with corn and escaldón de gofio (traditional roasted flour porridge)
Location: Located in Socorro district, easy access
Prices: €6-9 for main courses, €4 for wine pitcher
Hours: Thu-Sun 12:00-22:00
Cozy place run by a family that passionately cultivates the region’s culinary traditions.
4. Bodegón El Primero (Santa Úrsula)
Specialty: Garbanzos soup (chickpeas) and octopus
Location: At Malpais 10 street, near northern highway exit (exit 28)
Prices: €7-10 for main courses, €5-8 for wine
Hours: Tue-Sun 12:00-16:00 and 19:00-22:30
Very popular place, highly rated by local residents. Serves excellent Vino Afrutado Bodega 35 fruit wine.
5. Guachinche Casa Tomás (near northern airport)
Specialty: Ribs with corn and papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes)
Location: Located in Socorro district
Prices: €6-9 for main courses, €4-5 for wine pitcher
Hours: Fri-Sun 12:00-16:00 and 19:00-22:00
Authentic place where you can feel the true spirit of guachinche, with simple décor and homey atmosphere.
6. Guachinche Los Andes (La Orotava)
Specialty: Roasted goat and homemade wine
Location: On the road leading to Teide
Prices: €9-14 for main courses, €5 for wine
Hours: Thu-Sun 12:00-22:00
Located in a picturesque spot on the road to Teide, offering wonderful views and excellent meat specialties.
7. Guachinche Las Chozas
Specialty: Grilled meats and spectacular views
Location: On the outskirts of El Sauzal, requires own transport
Prices: €8-12 for main courses, €5-7 for wine
Hours: Fri-Sun 13:00-22:00
This place combines traditional Canarian cuisine with breathtaking ocean views.
8. Guachinche El Fogón (near northern airport)
Specialty: Rabbit in salmorejo and cozy atmosphere
Location: In Los Baldíos district
Prices: €7-10 for main courses, €4-6 for wine
Hours: Wed-Sun 12:00-16:00 and 19:00-22:00
Intimate place where you can taste authentic Canarian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
9. Guachinche Ramón (La Orotava)
Specialty: Excellent homemade “Ruku Ruku” wine and traditional dishes
Location: Near La Orotava center
Prices: €8-11 for main courses, €5-7 for wine
Hours: Tue-Sun 12:00-23:00
One of the most famous guachinches on the island, offering a complete experience with Teide views.
10. La Cueva Caprichosa (near La Laguna)
Specialty: Octopus and cheeses with Canarian sauces
Location: In Taco town, requires walking through a small tunnel
Prices: €8-12 for main courses, €5-8 for wine
Hours: Tue-Sun 13:00-16:00 and 19:00-23:00
Unique establishment located literally in a grotto. Extraordinary atmosphere surrounded by nature, with plants growing from rocks.
Practical Tips for Visiting Guachinches
Visiting a guachinche on Tenerife can be an extraordinary experience, but it’s worth knowing several practical tips that will help you fully enjoy this cultural and culinary adventure.
When is the Best Time to Visit Guachinches?
The guachinche season typically lasts from December to April, though some establishments open only for a few weeks when they have wine available. Most guachinches are most active on weekends, especially Fridays and Saturdays. Then you can experience the best atmosphere, often with live music and singing, but these are also the busiest times.
If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, it’s worth visiting guachinches during weekdays, preferably at lunch time (1:00-3:00 PM). Before visiting, check the weather forecast to plan your day accordingly.
Reservations – Are They Necessary?
Most guachinches don’t accept reservations – the “first come, first served” rule applies. At popular places, especially on weekends, you might need to wait for a free table. If you’re planning to visit in a larger group (over 4-6 people), it’s worth arriving earlier or trying to contact the owners in advance.
Etiquette and Customs
When visiting guachinches, remember several guidelines:
- Patience – Service may be slower than in typical restaurants, as often the owners themselves prepare and serve meals
- Flexibility – The menu is limited and may change depending on ingredient availability
- Cash – Most guachinches don’t accept credit cards, so have cash ready
- Respect for tradition – Remember you’re visiting not just a dining establishment, but also the hosts’ home
Language Barrier – How to Cope
In authentic guachinches, you’ll rarely encounter English-speaking staff, and menus (if they exist at all) are usually only in Spanish. Here are several ways to handle the language barrier:
- Learn basic Spanish phrases – simple “por favor” (please) and “gracias” (thank you) can work wonders
- Use translation apps – many apps now offer real-time translation features
- Point to other guests’ food – if you see something appetizing at a neighboring table, you can simply point to that dish
- Trust the hosts – you can ask for recommendations using the simple phrase “¿Qué recomienda?” (What do you recommend?)
Guachinches vs Other Canarian Dining Options
Guachinches on Tenerife are just one of many unique elements of the rich culinary culture of the Canary Islands. It’s worth understanding how they fit into the broader context of the archipelago’s gastronomy.
Comparison with Restaurants and Bars on Tenerife
Unlike standard restaurants, guachinches offer significantly more limited menus, lower prices, and less professional but more authentic service. You won’t find qualified waiters, impressive dish presentations, or wine lists here – these are places where simplicity, authenticity, and tradition matter.
Regular restaurants on Tenerife often offer a “light version” of the guachinche experience, with more extensive menus and professional service, but losing some of their authentic character. For many tourists, this might be a compromise between authenticity and convenience.
When planning your culinary adventures, also consider what to avoid in Tenerife to prevent common tourist mistakes that could impact your authentic dining experiences.
Why You Should Experience Guachinche Culture
Guachinche Tenerife establishments represent much more than just places to eat and drink wine – they’re genuine windows into the culture, history, and culinary traditions of the Canary Islands. By visiting these authentic venues, often run by the same families for generations and steeped in tradition, you have the chance to experience a Tenerife that you won’t find in tourist brochures or guidebooks.
Authentic Cultural Experience
A visit to a guachinche offers the opportunity to interact with real island life – away from tourist resorts and international restaurants. It’s a chance to see how local residents spend their time, what music they enjoy, and what traditions they cultivate. Especially on weekends, when many guachinches feature live traditional music, you’ll feel the true spirit of Tenerife.
Unique Taste of Authentic Canarian Cuisine
The cuisine served in guachinches is the essence of Tenerife’s culinary traditions – simple, hearty, and incredibly flavorful. Dishes like rabbit in salmorejo, goat meat, or ribs with corn are tastes that stick in memory and represent authentic expressions of local gastronomy. Homemade wine, produced using methods passed down through generations, completes this unique experience.
Memories You’ll Take Home from Tenerife
A visit to a guachinche isn’t just a meal – it’s a memory that will stay with you long after returning from vacation. Meeting the hosts, conversations at the table with other guests, and the irreplaceable atmosphere – all create an experience that’s hard to find in standard tourist attractions.
Guachinche Tenerife establishments represent the heart and soul of the island – places where tradition meets modernity, creating a unique culinary and cultural space. If you’re seeking authentic experiences during your trip to Tenerife, visiting at least one guachinche should rank high on your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most authentic guachinches on Tenerife now accept card payments. Some difficulties arise from the informal nature of these places and the fact that they’re often run as supplements to agricultural activities. Therefore, it’s wise to ensure you have adequate cash before visiting.
It varies. According to regulations, they can operate maximum 4 months per year or less, if they sell all their wine from storage earlier. The best time to visit guachinches is from December to April, though exact opening dates depend on wine production cycles at individual farms. In the tourism era, everything is changing, so check opening times on Google Maps and rely on visitor reviews.
In authentic guachinches, you’ll rarely find menus in languages other than Spanish. In many places, menus don’t exist in written form at all – hosts simply inform you verbally about what they have available that day. It’s worth preparing for the language barrier, learning basic phrases, or using translation apps.
Traditional guachinches typically don’t accept table reservations. The “first come, first served” rule applies. On weekends and during lunch hours, the most popular guachinches can fill up quickly, so arrive a bit earlier. If you’re planning to visit with a larger group, you can try contacting the owners in advance, though this isn’t always possible.
Reaching guachinches on Tenerife without a car can be challenging, as most are located away from main tourist routes and public transportation lines. The best solutions are:
Renting a car, which provides maximum flexibility and ability to explore less accessible places
Using a taxi (though this can be expensive, especially if the guachinche is far from your accommodation)
Joining an organized culinary tour that may include guachinche visits
Using local buses (TITSA) that reach larger towns, then walking to your destination (check distances beforehand)
Traditional guachinches on Tenerife focus mainly on meat cuisine, but you can find several vegetarian options. The most commonly available meatless dishes include:
Papas arrugadas con mojo (wrinkled potatoes with sauces)
Queso asado (grilled cheese)
Ensalada mixta (mixed salad)
Garbanzas sin carne (chickpeas without meat)
Escaldón de gofio (traditional roasted flour porridge, sometimes served with vegetables)
However, inform the hosts about your dietary preferences, as even seemingly vegetarian dishes may contain meat ingredients (like meat broth).
An authentic guachinche on Tenerife differs from a regular restaurant in several key ways:
Own wine – guachinches serve exclusively wine from their own vineyards
Limited menu – they offer maximum 3 main dishes
Limited operating time – open only a few months per year
Homey atmosphere – often located in private homes or their parts
Informal service – usually served by the owners themselves
Lower prices – significantly more affordable than standard restaurants
No professional equipment – simple tables, chairs, dishes
Limited beverages – besides their own wine, only water is available
A visit to a guachinche is more like visiting someone’s home than a dining establishment, which makes this experience so unique.