As of: July 2026 (updated regularly)
Eating out in Arrecife is cheaper than in the south of Lanzarote, and you can really taste the difference at the Charco de San Ginés. On Friday evenings, Canary Islands families dine by the lagoon lined with fishing boats, whilst Puerto del Carmen remains geared towards tourists. The 12 best restaurants in Arrecife are located right where the Atlantic provides the catch. La Ripia in Argana Alta tops the list with 5.0 stars from 141 reviews. La Cocina de Colacho on Calle Velázquez has been collecting 489 votes from locals for years. Commercial hype is almost entirely absent from the island’s capital.
Local cuisine between Charco and Calle Real
Eating out in the evening requires patience, as the kitchens in local restaurants usually don’t open until 9 pm. At lunchtime, the ‚menú del día‘ – a three-course meal including a drink – costs between 10 and 14 euros. The menus are usually in Spanish, so knowing a few words will help when ordering. In some places, only cash is accepted. Lanzarote’s Malvasía isn’t just served by the glass; it’s the talk of the table. Prices in Arrecife are noticeably lower than in Playa Blanca, and this is reflected in the bill after your meal.
Tips for your visit
At Charco de San Ginés, the tables stretch right up to the quay wall, whilst fishing boats bob in the lagoon in front of them. Fresh fish from the Atlantic finds its way onto the plates at the city’s 98 restaurants. Barullo Gastrobar on Calle Ginés de Castro y Álvarez leads the way among tapas spots, with 208 reviews and a 4.8-star rating. Six Japanese restaurants have set up shop amongst the eateries from the Canary Islands.
Near the Castillo de San Gabriel, the terraces look out over the stone bridge towards the sea. In the 27 cafés in the city centre, locals enjoy breakfast with a latte and pastries. Munchys by Puzzle on Calle Triana has made a name for itself with 123 reviews, whilst Bar Bahia de Nao on Avenida de Naos has nearly 200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which restaurants in Arrecife are popular with locals?
Locals head to the seafood restaurants around the Charco de San Ginés lagoon, where the fresh catch is served straight to the table. Bar Enrique on Calle Academia, rated 4.9 stars, and Bar El Rubicón in Argana Alta also attract mainly locals, who go there to order tapas and fish dishes.
How much do restaurants in Arrecife cost on average?
The 98 restaurants in Arrecife cover a wide range; simple meals often cost between 10 and 15 euros. Seafood specialities at Charco de San Ginés are usually a little more expensive, whilst the 44 bars in the side streets serve affordable tapas.
Are restaurants in Arrecife suitable for families with children?
Many of the 98 restaurants in Arrecife specialise in simple fish and meat dishes and are suitable for families. The location on the Atlantic coast and the promenade at Charco de San Ginés give children plenty of space to run about between courses.
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.