← All restaurants in Santa Cruz De Tenerife
As of August 2026 (updated regularly)
In the Toscal district of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, small businesses such as We The North Specialty Coffee on Calle Emilio Calzadilla roast their own coffee. The capital of Tenerife has different coffee-drinking habits to the south of the island. Here, it is the locals who order a cortado, not the beach tourists who order their latte. There are eight cafés in the city centre, ranging from the bustling Mercado de África to specialist roasters. Anyone looking for the best cafés in Santa Cruz de Tenerife will find themselves caught between traditional coffee house culture and the up-and-coming speciality coffee scene. Amani Coffee tops the ratings with 4.8 stars.
Cafés in Santa Cruz: urban culture rather than tourist charm
The morning is for breakfast, which goes on until around 11. By about 1 pm, the bar fills up for the lunchtime crowd. Locals drink their cortado standing up – it costs less than sitting at a table. A coffee usually costs between 1.50 and 2 euros. At the Mercado de África, business starts early; by 8 am, visitors can experience the city over a proper breakfast. English menus are less common here than in the south. Knowing a few words of Spanish goes a long way at the bar.
Tips for your visit
Café Regina Roaster Nivaria has garnered more than 1,100 reviews, a testament to its firm place in city life. Several of the eight cafés are within walking distance of the central weekly market. The display cases feature Canary Islands pastries alongside the ‚barraquito‘ – that layered latte with Licor 43 and lemon zest. Small tables line the cobbled pavements along shaded squares.
Aquí, Sí on Calle Pi y Margall is situated in a residential area away from the main squares. In the evenings, nine bars take over the scene around the central squares. Visitors during carnival season will find the outdoor areas bustling late into the night. Bambú Lounge Bar tops the list of the most popular venues with over 2,000 reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book in advance at cafés in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
At the eight cafés in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a booking is generally not necessary. However, during peak times in the morning or during Carnival, it’s worth enquiring in advance if you’re a larger group.
What vegetarian options do cafés in Santa Cruz de Tenerife offer?
The menus at cafés in Santa Cruz de Tenerife often feature tropical fruits from the central weekly market, vegetable snacks, salads and pastries. Meat-free Canary Islands specialities, as well as papas arrugadas with mojo, are also on offer.
When is the best time to visit the cafés in Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
The morning is a great time for a café con leche and fresh pastries, as are the days of the famous Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. After a stroll through the central weekly market, the eight cafés provide the perfect spot for a break.