As of: October 2026 (updated regularly)
Guachinches are found only on Tenerife, nowhere else in the Canary Islands. These winegrowers‘ taverns serve their own wine alongside home-cooked fare, reflecting the harvests from the volcanic slopes. The 12 best guachinches on Tenerife are, almost without exception, located around La Laguna and in the Orotava Valley. De Argelio, La Morenita and Los Baldíos carry on the tradition in the north. Papas arrugadas with mojo come from the kitchen, whilst the house wine is served in simple carafes at the table. This isn’t so much a restaurant concept as a private invitation.
Home-cooked food, our own wine, a genuine island atmosphere
They are usually only open for lunch, with the busiest period between 1 pm and 4 pm. If you arrive after 3.30 pm, you may find the kitchen has already closed. In the evenings, places like 3 Dragos or Casa Portela are often closed. Payment is almost always in cash; very few accept cards. The menus are usually only in Spanish, so knowing a few basic words helps enormously. When it comes to price, no restaurant beats a guachinche: papas arrugadas, a meat dish and a glass of house wine rarely cost more than 12 to 15 euros per person.
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Hand-painted signs between the vines and banana trees point the way to the small eateries, often housed in converted garages or the backyards of farmsteads. In La Laguna, the restaurants are clustered: De Argelio, Brasas y Calderos, El Fogón, El Buen Comer and El Torreón are all located within a few kilometres of one another. El Borgoñón de Sandra is further out in Punta del Hidalgo on the coast.
Around the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, there are 1,099 restaurants, whilst 480 bars keep the evening going. A genuine ‚guachinche‘ differs in that it serves its own wine and is often only open for a few months of the year. Asador la Familia in La Laguna carries the family tradition right in its name, whilst Bar Casi is the only establishment on this list in the south, near Adeje. Many restaurateurs cook with views of Mount Teide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are guachinches in Tenerife suitable for families with children?
Guachinches on Tenerife are well suited to families, as these rustic wine bars have a relaxed atmosphere. The concise menus, featuring classics such as papas arrugadas with mojo, are a hit with children. However, children’s menus and high chairs are often not available, so families with young children should make their own arrangements.
Can you get by speaking German in restaurants on Tenerife?
In the tourist-oriented areas in the south, as well as in many of the island’s 1,099 restaurants, German-speaking guests can get by using German or English. Away from the tourist hotspots, such as in Santa Cruz de Tenerife or in the guachinches of La Laguna, the staff mainly speak Spanish. A basic knowledge of Spanish makes communication considerably easier.
Do you need to book in advance at guachinches on Tenerife?
At most guachinches in Tenerife, no booking is required, as these establishments are deliberately kept simple and informal. At weekends and on public holidays, however, popular spots such as La Morenita or Los Baldíos in the wine-growing regions on the volcanic slopes fill up quickly. For larger groups, it’s a good idea to book in advance by telephone.