The El Diablo restaurant offers one of the most extraordinary culinary experiences to be found in the Canary Islands. It is situated amidst the impressive lava landscape of Timanfaya National Park on Lanzarote. And there, food is grilled over the heat of a volcano.
National Geographic named the restaurant one of the six most remarkable in the world. A natural heat source is used to prepare the dishes: an active volcano. Temperatures rise to around 400 degrees Celsius above a round, brick-lined vent. A grill rack has been fixed in place above it. The restaurant manages to cook meat, fish and vegetables to perfection under these conditions.
The volcano is more than just a hot cooking spot. A ten-metre-deep shaft provides the necessary heat. Although the volcano hasn’t spewed lava for more than 250 years, the heat can still be felt here. And the kitchen has simply repurposed it as a natural barbecue.
Vulcan barbecues on Lanzarote
The restaurant itself is something special. It was designed in 1970 by César Manrique. The architect and artist is renowned for his unique, nature-inspired architecture. This is also evident at Restaurante El Diablo:
A huge panoramic glass window offers guests a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. The ‚Montañas del Fuego‘ – the ‚Fire Mountains‘ – catch the eye and make the wait for dinner fly by.
The restaurant therefore impresses with its architecture and its unique cooking method. But that’s not all: several times a day, the staff demonstrate what is happening beneath the guests‘ feet. For example, water is poured into an opening in the floor. Seconds later, a steaming fountain erupts.
What Restaurante El Diablo on Lanzarote has to offer
Tourists from all over the world are captivated by these demonstrations of geothermal activity every day. The interplay between nature and gastronomy creates unique experiences.
The restaurant’s menu is also inspired by the local area, serving typical Canary Islands dishes. The selection ranges from grilled chicken to pork steaks and fresh fish, right through to pimientos de Padrón – the traditional grilled peppers. All of this is served with papas arrugadas, the popular Canary Islands ‚wrinkled potatoes‘ with a salt crust.
Directions and opening hours for El Diablo restaurant in Lanzarote
As lovely as all this sounds, the choice for vegetarians and vegans is rather limited. Normally, however, every visitor manages to find something to their liking, despite the limited selection.
Seats cannot be reserved, so it is advisable to arrive in good time. The El Diablo restaurant is situated in Timanfaya National Park on the Montaña del Fuego, at Diseminado Islote Hilario 1, 35560 Tinajo. It is open daily from 12 noon to 4 pm. Opening hours may vary on public holidays.
No comments on this article yet.