As of: July 2026 (updated regularly)
La Caleta thrives on fish, and three establishments keep the fishing village’s reputation alive: La Masía del Mar, LA VIEJA Restaurante and Restaurante Piscis Terraza. Anyone looking for the best fish restaurants on Tenerife should leave the touristy south around Playa de las Américas and Los Cristianos behind. In the alleyways of La Laguna, Isleño Delgado Marisquería displays its seafood in the shop window. On secluded stretches of coastline, families whose eateries have been rooted in the village for generations prepare their meals. There, the Vieja, fresh from the boat, ends up on the grill.
Fresh fish: North, South, coast – where’s the best value?
Lunch is when guests pay the least. The ‚menú del día‘ costs between ten and 14 euros in many fish restaurants and includes three courses plus a drink. Kitchens usually open at 2 pm, and the locals tend to arrive around 3 pm. In small coastal restaurants, card payments can sometimes be problematic, so cash is safer. The menu features Vieja, Cherne and Papas arrugadas con mojo as staples. Knowing their names helps when ordering without speaking Spanish. The Restaurante Sal Negra in Arona and the Rincón del Marinero in Los Cristianos follow the same routine.
Tips for your visit
In the harbour towns along the east coast, freshly grilled vieja is served alongside papas arrugadas with red and green mojo. In many of the 1,099 restaurants, the fish comes straight from the fishing boats of the coastal villages. To accompany it, the waiters serve wine from the volcanic slopes, with a tart and mineral flavour.
At the harbour in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, sancocho is served – salted fish with sweet potato. In the afternoons, locals order small portions of fried squid in the island’s 480 bars. Marisqueria Ramos in Los Cristianos displays its seafood in the shop window, whilst the Atlantic breeze sweeps in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are seafood restaurants in Tenerife suitable for families with children?
Families with children will usually find a place to eat in one of the island’s 1,099 restaurants. In harbour towns such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, high chairs and smaller portions are available. Fish and seafood go well with papas arrugadas, which young guests also enjoy. On the terraces along the coast, children have plenty of space to run about.
Can you get by speaking German in restaurants on Tenerife?
In the coastal towns of the south, many waiters understand German or English, and menus are often available in several languages. Further inland, near Mount Teide, Spanish and local expressions are the norm. A basic knowledge of Spanish or English makes ordering easier there.
Do you need to book in advance at fish restaurants in Tenerife?
In simple fish restaurants, turning up on the spur of the moment is often enough, especially at lunchtime. For popular restaurants on the coast, at weekends and during the high season, it’s worth booking in advance. During the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, tables are particularly hard to come by.
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.
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