As of: October 2026 (updated regularly)
In the north-west of Gran Canaria lies the mountain town of Moya, which is not known as a traditional tourist destination – a factor that lends the local restaurant scene a particularly authentic feel. The town’s twelve best restaurants stand out for their authentic Canary Islands cuisine, without resorting to tourist menus. The menus feature classics such as ropa vieja, a selection of regional goat’s cheeses and the characteristic mojo bread, made according to traditional family recipes.
Canarian cuisine away from the tourist crowds
The culinary culture in Moya is rooted in traditional island customs: the main meal is served between 2 pm and 4 pm, with many establishments offering a ‚menú del día‘ for between 10 and 13 euros, consisting of three courses plus a drink. In the evenings, some establishments do not open until 9 pm or remain closed. During the week, there are fewer visitors, resulting in a somewhat subdued atmosphere. Menus are mostly in Spanish, and English-speaking staff are few and far between. Cash payment is recommended, as card payments are not widely accepted.
Tips for your visit
Twelve restaurants are scattered across the hilltop village, many of them offering views of the gorge below the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria. Canarian cuisine dominates the menus, combined with dishes from the nearby laurel forest of Los Tilos de Moya. The alleyways around the church square are filled with the aroma of traditional Bizcochos de Moya.
Three bars in the village centre serve as a meeting place for locals in the mornings. Two wine bars serve wines from the island’s hillsides. Grilled meat features prominently on the menus of two steakhouses, whose terraces open out onto the mountain panorama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any restaurants in Moya with outdoor terraces or sea views?
Several of the twelve restaurants in Moya have outdoor terraces, as the village is situated at a high altitude in the mountains. Direct sea views are rare due to its location in the mountainous north and the deep gorge below the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, but some restaurants offer sweeping views across the mountain slopes and towards the coast.
Which restaurants in Moya are popular with locals?
Locals mainly frequent the simple restaurants and the three bars in the town centre, as well as the two steakhouses serving traditional Canary Islands home-style cooking. The two wine bars also attract a local crowd who enjoy regional wines with light snacks.
How much do restaurants in Moya cost on average?
The twelve restaurants in Moya are predominantly in the mid-price range, with main courses costing between 8 and 15 euros. The two steakhouses are usually slightly more expensive for their meat dishes, whilst bars and wine bars offer more affordable tapas and small portions.