Eating Out in Tenerife: The Best Places, Dishes and Areas for Food
Updated 29 October 2026 · DoTenerife
The best restaurants in Tenerife fall into four camps: traditional Canarian restaurants and guachinches in the north, seafood places in fishing villages like Los Abrigos, La Caleta and Las Galletas, the island’s handful of Michelin-starred restaurants, and the huge choice of international restaurants in the southern resorts. Start with papas arrugadas and mojo, grilled cheese with palm honey and the catch of the day, and eat where locals eat for the best value.
Canarian dishes to try
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Papas arrugadas con mojo | Small potatoes boiled in salty water, with red (mojo rojo) and green (mojo verde) sauces |
| Queso asado | Grilled local goat’s cheese, often with palm honey (miel de palma) or mojo |
| Pescado fresco | Catch of the day, simply grilled: vieja (parrotfish), cherne, sama |
| Conejo en salmorejo | Rabbit marinated in a garlic, paprika and wine sauce |
| Carne de cabra | Slow-cooked goat stew |
| Gofio | Toasted grain flour, used in stews, desserts and escaldón |
| Ropa vieja | Chickpea, meat and potato stew |
| Puchero canario | Hearty meat and vegetable stew |
| Bienmesabe | Almond and honey dessert |
| Barraquito | Layered coffee with condensed milk, liqueur and cinnamon |
Guachinches: the island’s most local experience
Guachinches are informal eateries, mostly in the north around La Orotava, La Matanza, Tacoronte and La Victoria. Traditionally they opened to sell the owner’s own wine with simple home cooking. Expect paper tablecloths, short menus of grilled meat, stews, potatoes and cheese, and low prices. Many open only certain days or seasons, so ask locally or check recent reviews.
Where to eat by area
Costa Adeje and La Caleta
The south’s dining hotspot, from casual beach restaurants to fine dining in five-star hotels. La Caleta, a former fishing village at the end of the promenade, is known for seafood restaurants by the water. See the La Caleta area page.
Los Cristianos
A wide mix around the harbour, the old town streets and Playa de las Vistas: Spanish, Italian, Indian, British and seafood. Good value away from the front line of the promenade.
Playa de las Americas
International restaurants, steakhouses, curry houses and British-style bars, many open late to suit the nightlife crowd.
Los Abrigos and Las Galletas
Small fishing harbours on the south-east coast with well-known fish restaurants. Pick your fish from the counter and have it grilled.
Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava
Traditional Canarian cooking, harbour fish restaurants and access to the guachinche belt.
La Laguna and Santa Cruz
The best tapas scene on the island, with students and locals filling bars around La Laguna’s old town and the streets near Santa Cruz’s La Recova market.
Fine dining
Tenerife has several Michelin-starred restaurants, mostly in luxury resorts in Costa Adeje and Guía de Isora, with others in the north. Menus are typically tasting menus showcasing Canarian produce. Book well ahead, especially at weekends and in winter. The official Michelin Guide website has the current list and star ratings, which change annually.
Typical prices
| Meal | Rough cost per person |
|---|---|
| Coffee | €1.50–€3 |
| Menú del día (lunch, set menu) | €12–€18 |
| Tapas and a drink | €10–€20 |
| Mid-range dinner with wine | €25–€45 |
| Fine dining tasting menu | €100+ |
| Guachinche meal with wine | €15–€25 |
Prices vary by area, with the busiest seafront spots costing more. See our Tenerife prices guide for wider costs.
Tips for eating out
- Eat the menú del día at lunch for the best value; many local restaurants offer it on weekdays.
- Walk one street back from the seafront for lower prices and more local menus.
- Check the bill for bread or cover charges, and decline them if you don’t want them.
- Tipping: not obligatory. Rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is appreciated.
- Book ahead for popular restaurants on Friday and Saturday evenings and during carnival.
- Try local wine: Tenerife has several wine regions, with Listán Negro reds and Listán Blanco whites.
Food with entertainment
Many restaurants and bars in the south combine dinner with live music, and dedicated dinner shows offer set menus with cabaret or flamenco. For British comfort food, see our guides to a Sunday roast and a full English breakfast. For live music after dinner, see what’s on tonight.
Frequently asked questions
What food is Tenerife famous for?
Papas arrugadas (wrinkly salted potatoes) with red and green mojo sauces, grilled goat's cheese with palm honey or mojo, fresh fish such as vieja, rabbit in salmorejo sauce, gofio, and local wines from the north.
What is a guachinche?
A traditional, informal eatery in the north of Tenerife, often in a family garage or farm building, that serves home-cooked Canarian food alongside the owner's own wine. They're cheap, cash-friendly and very local.
How much does a meal out cost in Tenerife?
Roughly €12–€18 for a lunchtime menú del día, €25–€45 per person for a mid-range dinner with wine, and well over €100 per head at the top restaurants. Prices vary by area and change over time.
Are there Michelin-starred restaurants in Tenerife?
Yes. Tenerife has several Michelin-starred restaurants, mainly in luxury hotels on the south and west coasts and in the north. The Michelin Guide website has the current list.
What time do people eat dinner in Tenerife?
Locals usually eat dinner from around 9pm, but resort restaurants serve from early evening, often from 6pm, to suit visitors.
Do restaurants in Tenerife charge for bread?
Some do. Bread, olives or mojo brought to the table may appear on the bill as a small charge. You can politely decline if you don't want it.