As of: July 2026 (updated regularly)
Gáldar serves up goat meat, local cheese and the famous Gáldar onions without pandering to tourists. The former capital of the Guanches in the north-west of Gran Canaria offers down-to-earth cuisine. Anyone looking for the 12 best restaurants in Gáldar will find northern Canarian cuisine rather than a glossed-over gastronomic experience. La Trastienda de Chago has 456 reviews and a rating of 4.6 stars. La Cantina de Ro boasts a perfect 5.0 stars from 27 reviews. The best fish in the region finds its way onto diners‘ plates via the coastal road to Sardina del Norte.
Northern Canarian cuisine: Understanding Gáldar’s culinary scene
In Gáldar, lunch between 2 pm and 4 pm is the main meal of the day; the ‚menú del día‘ costs between 10 and 13 euros. In the evening, restaurants rarely open before 9 pm – the people of Gáldar eat late. Prices are significantly lower than in Las Palmas, and in smaller establishments, guests often pay in cash. A knowledge of Spanish is helpful, as some menus are only available in Castilian. For fish, it’s worth making a detour to Sardina del Norte, ten kilometres away. Cash payments and late opening hours set Gáldar apart noticeably from the coastal towns in the south.
Tips for your visit
There are 51 restaurants scattered through the alleyways of the old town around the Iglesia de Santiago de los Caballeros. The menus feature papas arrugadas with mojo and fish from the north-western ports. Bar Restaurante Hnos. Melian has received the most feedback in the city, with 880 reviews, whilst Laiba Doner Kebab has 511. Near the Cueva Pintada, there are tables al fresco, where bananas from the fields at the foot of the Montaña de Gáldar are served as a side dish.
El Efecto Baco, with a rating of 4.7 stars and 83 reviews, specialises in wine and small plates. Six bars line the squares in the centre, serving café cortado and local wine. Nestled amongst the historic façades are three pizzerias, bringing Mediterranean dishes to the old town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book in advance at restaurants in Gáldar?
With 51 restaurants in Gáldar, it’s worth making a booking at weekends and around the festival of the town’s patron saint, Santiago, at the end of July. At the three pizzerias and three kebab shops, you can simply turn up. Smaller eateries near the Iglesia de Santiago de los Caballeros fill up quickly at lunchtime with office workers.
What vegetarian options do restaurants in Gáldar offer?
Many of the 51 restaurants in Gáldar serve papas arrugadas with mojo, grilled vegetables and locally produced cheese. The three pizzerias offer meat-free pizzas topped with vegetables, whilst the three kebab shops often serve falafel. Some of the fresh ingredients come from the predominantly agricultural countryside at the foot of the Montaña de Gáldar.
When is the best time to visit the restaurants in Gáldar?
It’s well worth a visit during the Fiestas Mayores de Santiago at the end of July, when the restaurants in the centre are packed. Combining a visit with a trip to the Cueva Pintada is a great idea, as several restaurants are within walking distance. At lunchtime, between 12 noon and 3 pm, many restaurants serve set menus for between 10 and 15 euros.
Opening hours and other details are subject to change; please check before visiting.
All restaurant profiles for the Canary Islands can be found at www.Kanaren-Kleinanzeigen.com.