As of: July 2026 (updated regularly)
La Laguna is home to seven of the venues featured here, ranging from the San Cristóbal Gastrobar to the Despensa de La Concepción. This contrast is illustrated by ‚The 12 Best Tapas Bars in Tenerife‘: in the south, the Lisboa Bar in Costa Adeje and the Tropical Tapas Bar in Playa de las Américas mainly cater to holidaymakers. The north, meanwhile, focuses on Canary Islands cuisine, featuring papas arrugadas and mojo. Between the volcanic island of Mount Teide and its harbours, two distinct culinary styles emerge on the plates, which can be clearly distinguished from one another.
Tapas on Tenerife: North, South and the difference
At lunchtime, between 2 pm and 4 pm, the locals turn up. The ‚menú del día‘ then costs between 10 and 14 euros and includes three courses plus a drink. In the evening, prices go up and the bars fill up. In small establishments such as Bar El Campo in La Laguna, it’s best to have cash to hand, as cards aren’t accepted everywhere there. Outside the tourist areas, menus are often only in Spanish, as is the case at Bar Cafetería Universo. A plate of papas arrugadas con mojo is a staple on every table on Tenerife anyway.
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In the island’s 480 bars, slices of fried chorizo sit alongside bowls of papas arrugadas and mojo. The scent of toasted goat’s cheese wafts through the narrow streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Wine from the volcanic slopes of Mount Teide accompanies the small portions. At the San Cristóbal Gastrobar in La Laguna, guests stand shoulder to shoulder at dark wooden counters.
In the afternoons, the 491 cafés switch to serving tapas with cortado and tinto. Near the shrine to Our Lady of Candelaria on the east coast, grilled fish is served with a sea view. At The View in Guía de Isora, gambas al ajillo sizzle in earthenware bowls on the counter. Marinated olives fill the bowls between the wine glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit the tapas bars in Tenerife?
A visit to the tapas bars on Tenerife is particularly worthwhile in the early evening, when the kitchens serve papas arrugadas with mojo. During the carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, many bars and restaurants are very busy. Weekends also attract plenty of visitors looking to go on a tapas crawl.
When are tapas bars in Tenerife open?
Most tapas bars on Tenerife open at lunchtime, around 12 or 1 pm, and serve until late in the evening. In the afternoon, some bars take a break and reopen in the evening from around 7 or 8 pm. The exact times vary between the coastal towns and the capital, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
What’s the best way to get to the tapas bars in Tenerife?
The numerous tapas bars on Tenerife can be reached by hire car via the TF-1 and TF-5 motorways. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife and other towns, the TITSA bus routes provide convenient connections. Within the old towns, such as La Laguna, visitors can reach most of the bars on foot.
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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