Last updated: September 2026 (updated regularly)
Tenerife is home to 1,099 restaurants between the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the towns along the south coast. In the south, international eateries such as the New Star Indian Restaurant on Calle Valencia in Costa Adeje cater to holidaymakers. The north focuses on guachinches and wine from the volcanic slopes. La Laguna has developed into a gastronomic destination to be taken seriously. The 12 best restaurants on Tenerife encompass both traditions, as well as the establishments frequented by locals themselves, such as Radio Sabich in Costa Adeje with its 790 reviews.
North, South, local: What to eat in Tenerife
Lunch is the best time to eat on a budget. The ‚menú del día‘ costs around 10 to 14 euros between 2 pm and 4 pm and includes three courses plus a drink. In the evening, locals don’t start eating until 9 pm, and the bill tends to be higher. In smaller establishments in the north and in guachinches, cash is still required as cards aren’t accepted everywhere. Knowing some Spanish comes in handy there, as many menus are available exclusively in Spanish – for example, at Qué Pasó? in Guía de Isora, which has a 4.9-star rating.
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Tips for your visit
Papas arrugadas with red and green mojo can be found on tables all across the island, from Taberna Tío Martín in Los Cristianos to Despensa de Mi Abuelo in the same town. The grapes for the wines that accompany the grilled fish grow on the volcanic slopes. After visiting the Basilica of Candelaria on the east coast, the terraces fill with pilgrims.
Los Cristianos is home to the most striking establishments. The Spacca Napoli pizzeria and the Joia Pizza Bar are located there, as are the Tierra Canaria and the Arabic-inspired Zoco. Scattered throughout the old town’s alleyways are 491 cafés where the ‚barraquito‘ is layered with condensed milk. Higher up, the view of Mount Teide accompanies the tables in the mountain villages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get by speaking German in restaurants on Tenerife?
In the tourist centres of the south, such as Playa de las Américas or Los Cristianos, visitors can get by in German in many of the 1,099 restaurants. Numerous establishments have German-language menus and German-speaking staff. Away from the coast, as well as in the north and in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spanish and, to some extent, English are the main languages spoken. In country inns, a basic knowledge of Spanish proves helpful.
Do you need to book in advance at restaurants on Tenerife?
In many of Tenerife’s 1,099 restaurants, you can get a table without a booking, though it’s advisable to book at well-known guachinches, restaurants with views of Mount Teide, and during the high season and carnival period in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. For smaller bars and cafés, turning up on the spur of the moment is usually fine. At weekends and on public holidays, booking in advance ensures you get a table.
What vegetarian options do restaurants in Tenerife offer?
Vegetarian options on Tenerife include the island’s traditional papas arrugadas served with mojo verde and rojo, grilled vegetables, Canarian cheese, as well as gofio dishes and potaje. In the coastal towns of the south, there are also purely vegetarian and vegan restaurants, including Radio Sabich in Costa Adeje. Grill restaurants, on the other hand, often offer only a limited selection.
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.