Last updated: September 2026 (updated regularly)
El Médano is situated on the south-east coast of Tenerife in the municipality of Granadilla de Abona, and its seafood restaurants thrive on the catch from the local coastal fisheries. At Café Ubuntu, 899 guests awarded an average rating of 4.5 stars. At Tasca El Lagar, grilled octopus is served whilst surfers and locals mingle on the beach. Colourful picture postcards and fast food are almost entirely absent here. The 12 best restaurants in El Médano show that authentic Tenerife can also be found in the windy south.
Eating out in El Médano: prices, opening times, tips
At lunchtime, the ‚Menú del día‘ is available – a three-course meal including a drink for between 10 and 14 euros – found all around the Plaza del Médano and right on the beach. In the evening, it gets busier and more expensive, though the place never gets overcrowded. Dinner is served from 8 pm, often not until 9 pm; if you arrive earlier, you’ll find tourist-oriented options. The menus are mostly in Spanish. In smaller restaurants, cash is a safer bet than a card. Bookings are usually not necessary, but advisable in high season.
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Tips for your visit
Along the seafront promenade, 33 restaurants with terraces overlooking the water are clustered together. At Brisas Del Médano and Hito 257, fish caught by local coastal fishermen ends up on your plate, accompanied by seafood from the Canary Islands. The volcanic cone of Montaña Roja towers above the tables. In the town centre, simple tascas sit alongside Italian restaurants such as the Piemonte Ristorante Pizzeria and the Restaurante Al Pomodoro.
Five cafés are scattered throughout the alleyways and along the waterfront, including Café el Médano with outdoor seating in the trade winds. The wind carries sand across the tables of the two bars near the surfing beaches. In the afternoon, windsurfers and kitesurfers gather there after their sessions, just a few steps away from the Penelope Restaurant & Cocktail Bar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do restaurants in El Médano cost on average?
Prices are generally in the mid-range, with main courses costing around 10 to 20 euros depending on the restaurant. Fresh fish and seafood often fall at the higher end of the scale due to the coastal location. Cafés such as Café el Médano and the two bars near the surfing beaches are more affordable.
Are restaurants in El Médano suitable for families with children?
Many of the 33 restaurants are situated right on the seafront promenade and in the Plaza del Médano, with plenty of outdoor seating. The short walk to the sandy beaches and the laid-back atmosphere of this surfing resort make a visit with children hassle-free. Café Ubuntu and Brisas Del Médano offer terraces overlooking the water.
Can you get by speaking German in restaurants in El Médano?
Many establishments understand at least a little German, as windsurfing and kitesurfing attract an international crowd. Spanish and English are more reliable, especially as the menus are usually in Spanish. In tascas such as El Lagar, a basic knowledge of these languages will come in handy.