As of: October 2026 (updated regularly)
La Laguna tops the list of the 12 best Spanish restaurants in Tenerife, featuring five establishments, including Tasca El Tonique and Casa Franco. There, Canary Islands cuisine is served alongside traditional dishes from mainland Spain, without pandering to package holidaymakers. In the south, the Costa Adeje holds its own with the Ibérica Restaurante, whilst in Los Cristianos, La Cofradía and the KIKIRIKI welcome their guests. At the counters of the tascas, regulars from the neighbourhood sit alongside discerning visitors. Papas arrugadas with mojo are on the menu almost everywhere.
Tapas, tascas and traditional Canary Islands cuisine
Between 2 pm and 4 pm, Spanish restaurants fill up for lunch. The ‚menú del día‘ offers a three-course meal including a drink for between 10 and 14 euros. In establishments frequented by locals, the evening trade doesn’t really get going until after 9 pm, as is the case at Tasca Casa Antonino or Merendero Pepe. During the high season on the Costa Adeje, a reserved table ensures you’ll get a seat. Guachinches and small tascas, such as Bar Gela in Arona, prefer to be paid in cash.
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Tips for your visit
Across Tenerife, 1,099 restaurants are scattered amongst coastal towns and mountain villages. In the guachinches on the volcanic slopes, local families serve wine from their own vineyards. La Caleta is home to a selection of small eateries such as Tapitas la Caleta, where the fish is served fresh. In Los Gigantes, the Regency Restaurant stands out from the coastal row of restaurants. Visitors to Candelaria will find the restaurants within walking distance of the basilica dedicated to the island’s patron saint.
The island’s 480 bars open out onto the street and serve chips, local cheese and grilled sardines at the bar. Around Mount Teide, the eateries are spread far apart, whereas in the touristy south they are clustered closely together. In La Camela, Verna’s Restaurante leads the way among the more remote establishments. From some terraces, the view stretches all the way to the snow-capped summit of Spain’s highest mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to book in advance at Spanish restaurants on Tenerife?
With 1,099 restaurants on Tenerife, it’s worth booking a table, particularly in the evenings and in tourist centres such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the coastal towns. In the off-season and at smaller establishments in the island’s interior, such as in La Laguna, guests can usually find a table at short notice. During the carnival in the capital, booking early ensures you get a table.
What vegetarian options do Spanish restaurants in Tenerife offer?
Spanish restaurants on Tenerife serve papas arrugadas with mojo verde and mojo rojo, grilled vegetables, tortilla and ensalada. Island cheeses and vegetable-based dishes feature on the menus of many tascas. The 491 cafés also often offer light vegetarian dishes.
When is the best time to visit Spanish restaurants in Tenerife?
The evening is particularly worth a visit, as dinner is typically served from around 8 pm. During the carnival season in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the Festival of Our Lady of Candelaria, the restaurants are especially lively. Anyone wishing to sample the island’s typical wines from the volcanic slopes will find opportunities to do so all year round.