Last updated: September 2026 (updated regularly)
Tabaiba caters for locals and divers, not coach tours. Situated east of Santa de Cruz within the municipality of El Rosario, the village’s seven restaurants thrive on regulars. El Salitre has amassed more than 700 reviews, a figure driven by local patrons. Whilst Samy and Ayelén bake pizzas for the neighbourhood, the Osteria Italiana Nannaré serves Italian cuisine. The best restaurants in Tabaiba are therefore rarely featured in travel guides. They thrive because the people of the Valle de Guimar come here to eat, not the cruise ship passengers.
Tabaiba’s restaurants: local, relaxed, well worth a visit
Between 2 pm and 4 pm, Tabaiba serves its ‚menú del día‘ – a three-course meal including a drink for between 10 and 14 euros. Dinner starts late, usually from 9 pm, as is the case everywhere on Tenerife. Outside the holiday season, you can usually find a table without a booking. Small establishments sometimes only accept cash, so it’s a good idea to have a few notes in your wallet. If you’re ordering in traditional restaurants, a few words of Spanish will get you further than English.
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Tips for your visit
The seven restaurants are spread across the higher-lying residential areas and Tabaiba Baja on the Atlantic coast. In the coastal area, the tables overlook the diving spot off the town, whose artificial reefs attract visitors from across the Valle de Guimar. Oasis Chill Out Restaurante and Artadi Beach feature fresh fish on their menus; you can really taste the proximity to the sea.
There are also two bars: La Familia Tapas Bar and the Jardín del Mar Beach Bar. The spurge plant Tabaiba, after which the town is named, grows along the paths in the coastal area. In the evenings, the terraces fill up with divers and locals from El Rosario.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get by speaking German in restaurants in Tabaiba?
In Tabaiba’s seven restaurants, Spanish is the main language spoken. In the more touristy establishments in Tabaiba Baja, the waiters understand English and, to some extent, German. A basic knowledge of German isn’t enough everywhere; knowing a few basic Spanish phrases will help when ordering.
Do you need to book in advance at restaurants in Tabaiba?
The seven restaurants fill up quickly, so it’s worth booking at weekends and in summer. At quieter times, simply turning up at the door is usually enough.
What vegetarian options do restaurants in Tabaiba offer?
In the Canary Islands, vegetarian dishes mainly consist of papas arrugadas with mojo, grilled vegetables and salads. In the tourist-oriented restaurants of Tabaiba Baja, Mediterranean dishes are also on offer, such as pasta or meat-free pizza, as served at Da Samy and the Osteria Italiana Nannaré.