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Nestled in the heart of the Canary Islands, Tenerife is not just a place to sunbathe or to visit breathtaking landscapes, but also an island of culinary wonders. From traditional seafood dishes to sweet desserts, there's a lot more to dining in Tenerife than meets the eye. Join us as we explore the best food in Tenerife, featuring some of the most iconic dishes and the best places to relish them.
Our journey begins with the quintessential Canarian dish, papas arrugadas. This savoury treat is a testament to Tenerife's culinary simplicity. The best place to savour the authentic taste of papas arrugadas is at El Patio in Santa Cruz. Here, the chefs meticulously prepare these potatoes, boiling them in sea salt to achieve the signature wrinkled texture, and serve them with a side of mojo sauce. The ambience at El Patio adds to the experience, providing a delightful setting to indulge in this iconic Canarian delight.
Moving on to a heartier fare, we delve into potaje de berros, a traditional Canarian watercress soup. La Hierbita in La Orotava is the perfet place for an authentic bowl of this wholesome soup. Boasting a commitment to preserving the island's culinary heritage, La Hierbita's potaje de berros is a flavourful medley of locally sourced watercress, potatoes, chickpeas, and aromatic spices. The restaurant's charming ambience further enhances the dining experience, making it a must-visit for those seeking a taste of Tenerife's culinary roots.
No exploration of Tenerife´s cuisine is complete without encountering the fiery mojo picón. This spicy and tangy sauce, often paired with grilled meats or fish, adds a punch to every bite. Head to El Rincón de Juan for an unforgettable mojo experience. This restaurant, known for its dedication to crafting exquisite Canarian flavours, serves mojo picón that perfectly complements its grilled specialties. Prepare for a flavours´ explosion that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight.
Shifting gears to something sweet, let's indulge in the island's famed plátano, or banana. El Platano Azul in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a paradise for banana enthusiasts. This establishment offers a unique dining experience. The menu features plátano in various forms, including some tasty desserts. El Platano Azul provides a picturesque setting to savour the natural sweetness of Tenerife's beloved fruit.
For those seeking a taste of Tenerife's rabbit dish, conejo al salmorejo, look no further than Bodeguita Canaria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. This charming eatery is renowned for its dedication to preserving traditional Canarian recipes. The conejo al salmorejo here is a culinary masterpiece, featuring rabbit slow cooked in a flavorful salmorejo sauce. The rustic ambince of Bodeguita Canaria enhances the dining experience, transporting visitors to the heart of Canarian culinary traditions. It is a must-try authentic food in Tenerife.
Step into the culinary time machine with a serving of ropa vieja at El Monasterio in Los Realejos. This dish is a flavourful stew made from shredded beef, garbanzo beans, and a rich tomato sauce. El Monasterio, housed in a historic building, offers a charming setting to savour this traditional Canarian delight. The restaurant's commitment to preserving the island's culinary heritage is evident in every bite of its meticulously prepared ropa vieja.
Venturing into the heart of Tenerife's mountainous terrain, we discover the robust flavours of estofado de cabra at La Casona del Patio in Santiago del Teide. This rustic dish features goat stewed to perfection with local spices, creating a culinary symphony that reflects the island's rich agricultural heritage. The cosy atmosphere of La Casona del Patio, coupled with its commitment to using locally sourced ingredients, ensures a dining experience that captures the essence of Tenerife's traditional mountain cuisine.
El Calderito de la Abuela invites you to taste the past with its gofio escaldado. Gofio, a toasted grain flour that has been a staple in Canarian cuisine for centuries, takes centre stage in this dish. At El Calderito de la Abuela, the chefs skilfully prepare gofio escaldado, blending this traditional ingredient with broth to create a nourishing and flavoursome porridge. The restaurant's commitment to preserving the culinary heritage of Tenerife makes it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of the island's past. It’s a longstanding family-run business where you’ll receive spectacular in addition to delightful food.
For a taste of Tenerife's coastal culinary delights, head to Mesón Los Ángeles in Santa Cruz de la Tenerife and try the iconic sancocho. This dish, a hearty fish stew, features a blend of local fish, potatoes, and aromatic herbs. Mesón Los Ángeles provides a picturesque backdrop for enjoying the flavours of the ocean. The chefs at this renowned establishment showcase their expertise in crafting sancocho and other Canarian dishes that capture the essence of Tenerife's coastal gastronomy.
Indulge in the ocean-fresh flavours of Tenerife with a serving of atún en adobo at El Burgado in Los Cristianos. This dish, featuring marinated tuna, showcases the island's bounty from the Atlantic. El Burgado’s commitment to sourcing the freshest seafood ensures a dining experience that transports visitors to the heart of Tenerife's coastal culinary traditions. The restaurant's vibrant atmosphere and dedication to quality make it a top choice for seafood enthusiasts.
Conclude your culinary journey through food in Tenerife with a sweet treat, the frangollo, which you will find served in various restaurants on the island. This traditional Canarian dessert is a delightful blend of milk, sugar, cinnamon, and wheat flour, creating a creamy and aromatic pudding. It’s a tasty treat that you’ll be sure to fall in love with during your visit.
Eating and drinking is all part of the fun of exploring Tenerife, and outside of traditional Canarian dishes, you’ll find plenty to indulge in, including international cuisine. From cafes to fine dining, there are a variety of establishments to enjoy Canarian food. Here are some of the best locations to enjoy thriving food scenes:
• Santa Cruz: The capital boasts a diverse food scene, with bustling markets and charming cafes reflecting the island's culinary diversity.
• La Orotava: This town preserves traditional Canarian fare, offering a taste of authentic recipes amid its historic streets.
• Los Realejos: Known for its lush banana plantations, Los Realejos provides a unique blend of sweetness and authenticity, centred around the island's home-grown fruit.
• La Laguna: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, La Laguna offers a culinary experience intertwining historical charm with traditional Canarian recipes.
• Santiago del Teide: Nestled in the mountains, this town provides hearty mountain cuisine, showcasing the robust flavours of Tenerife.
• Buenavista del Norte: The homeland of gofio, Buenavista del Norte invites exploration of traditional Canarian ingredients and culinary heritage.
• Garachico: With its coastal charm, Garachico offers a seaside atmoshphere and a taste of Tenerife's coastal delights.
• Puerto de la Cruz: A seafood paradise, Puerto de la Cruz is known for its rich maritime history and diverse seafood offerings.
• Adeje: Popular with visitors, Adeje has a little something for everyone.
We hope you enjoy this gastronomic exploration of Tenerife, where each town weaves its unique thread into the island's culinary narrative. From the bustling markets of Santa Cruz to the preserved traditions of La Orotava, the banana paradise of Los Realejos, and the UNESCO charm of La Laguna, Tenerife's towns offer a diverse palette for every culinary enthusiast. Through iconic dishes and the best restaurants, it’s time to set out to discover the heart of food in Tenerife.
Be sure to check out our hotels in Tenerife to help you plan your visit to this incredible island.
Guest Relations Manager at Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort
I was born and raised on this beautiful island, and after 20 years working in hotels, both on the island and abroad, I still fall in love with my profession every day. My job gives me the opportunity to touch people's emotions by personalizing their stays and creating unforgettable memories. This is achieved by combining the wonderful facilities of our Tivoli La Caleta with its amazing gastronomic offerings by Olivier Da Costa, our Seen Beach Club, Guilty, and Yakuza, and its luxurious Anantara Spa, a sanctuary for the senses where forgetting the world is very easy. I then guide them back by showing them the wonderful and hidden corners of Tenerife so they can enjoy the true essence of the Canary Islands. It is a privilege to share the beauty and culture of my home with visitors from all over the world and to see how they fall in love with Tenerife just as I have.
Immerse yourself in the natural environment of the luxurious Tivoli La Caleta Tenerife Resort, the first Tivoli property to open in Spain. This fully renewed hotel benefits from an astonishing setting. Nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, this seafront hotel is located in one of Europe’s most exclusive destinations: Tenerife’s Costa Adeje. The hotel itself is a maze of organic detail and projects the deep green of nature. Its sensual lines and soft edges convey a southern Moroccan style.
It’s easy to get out and about on foot when you stay at the NH Tenerife hotel. This modern property is in the center of Santa Cruz. It’s a few minutes’ walk from the main shopping street and there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the neighborhood. Plus, the city’s famous auditorium and César Manrique Maritime Park are close by.
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