As of: July 2026 (updated regularly)
Santiago del Teide lies at an altitude of just under 1,000 metres at the foot of Mount Teide, a long way from the British-influenced promenade in Los Gigantes. Here, the village preserves a Canary Islands culture that is all but lost in the south of the island. The 12 best restaurants in Santiago del Teide specialise in goat’s meat, papas arrugadas and locally produced wines. In tavernas such as the Restaurante San Francisco or the Restaurante Plaza, a meal costs very little, without the risk of falling into a tourist trap. The ‚menú del día‘ remains affordable, and the cuisine stays down-to-earth.
Canary Islands cuisine at an altitude of 1,000 metres
Around the village square, bars and tavernas fill up at lunchtime between 2 pm and 4 pm. The ‚menú del día‘ costs between 10 and 14 euros and includes three courses plus a drink. In the evenings, many restaurants don’t start serving until 9 pm. The menus are mainly in Spanish, so a basic knowledge of the language helps when ordering. Smaller establishments such as Bei Uwe & Renata prefer cash payments. Bookings are not necessary outside the Easter and Christmas holiday periods. Guests sit down as local tradition dictates.
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Not far from the church dedicated to St James the Apostle, 42 restaurants are scattered across the mountainous highlands. The Ristorante di Mount Teide offers an international menu, whilst the Restaurante San Francisco serves rabbit in salmorejo and goat’s cheese. The 25 bars fill up in the early evening as locals return from the Chinyero lava fields.
Five cafés line the main road, overlooking the dark volcanic slopes. In Los Gigantes, the tables at the Restaurante Ohana Sunset Club are set right up to the edge of the steep cliffs. Five tapas bars serve small portions to accompany wine from the west of Tenerife, whilst the Restaurante Blue Martini and the Heladería Crepería Cositas attract a different sort of crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vegetarian options do restaurants in Santiago del Teide, near Mount Teide, offer?
The 42 restaurants often serve vegetarian dishes such as roasted vegetables, papas arrugadas with mojo, salads and egg dishes. The five tapas bars offer meat-free options such as pimientos de Padrón, champiñones and cheese platters. Mediterranean-style restaurants such as the Ristorante del Mount Teide serve pasta and pizza without meat.
When is the best time to visit the restaurants on Mount Teide?
In the evening, it’s well worth visiting the coastal towns of Puerto de Santiago and Los Gigantes as the sun sets over the cliffs. The Restaurante Ohana Sunset Club makes the most of its location right on the cliff’s edge. The restaurants in the town centre also fill up during the festivities in honour of the patron saint, St James the Greater, in July.
When are restaurants in Santiago del Teide open?
Opening hours depend on the location. Many restaurants open for lunch from around 12 noon to 4 pm and for dinner from 7 pm. In Los Gigantes and Puerto de Santiago, numerous establishments remain open all day. In the higher-altitude town centre, establishments such as the Restaurante Plaza often take a lunch break.