Eating and drinking
Feast on the wholesome traditional dishes that follow our grandmothers' recipes and sample the most cutting-edge recipes by chefs who take the best of our childhood flavours and give them a creative twist. Typical dishes seasoned with elegance tickle even the most demanding tastebuds and leave them eager for more. Allow yourself to be conquered by Tenerife's rich culinary heritage, married with the area's exceptional wines. Don't resist temptation any longer. Take a seat and allow our recipes to fill you with wonder.
An expert hand has carefully selected the finest products specially for you and blended them with traditional or perhaps state-of-the-art techniques to create a unique and mouthwatering dish. So much care has gone into it that the creator cannot help but peer out of the kitchen to witness your reaction as you sample the first mouthful. And guess what? The moment when your expression turns to admiration, the chef's face mirrors it with a smile.
A sip of wine gets your tastebuds going on a quest to define the pleasant sensations it evokes. A rush of spring splendour... perhaps that is the best way to define it – or quite simply "delicious!" if you're not one to elaborate too much. Either way, you happily sip away as you come to the realisation that the Island's wines have succeeded in winning you over.
Leave your fuss and fanciness at the door. You are entering an establishment adorned with folding wooden chairs and paper tablecloths. The cutlery is piled up in a basket for you to help yourself to and dish out to your table companions. Ok, so it's just an old refurbished country barn turned into a dining hall, but against all odds, they serve the tastiest home-made food and wine you have ever feasted on!
We answer to your frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about where to eat in Tenerife
Where to eat in Tenerife
Tenerife is divided into four main gastronomic areas: Santa Cruz–La Laguna, the North, the South and Isla Baja.
- The South has the island’s largest selection of fine-dining and international restaurants;
- The North stands out for its traditional, produce-led cuisine in rural settings;
- Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna combine urban gastronomy with signature cuisine;
- Isla Baja offers a more intimate experience connected to the sea and Teno Rural Park.
You can explore all the options in our restaurants section.
What types of cuisine can I find in Tenerife?
The island offers a wide variety of cuisines:
- Creative Canarian cuisine
- Signature cuisine
- Fish cuisine
- Seasonal cuisine
- International cuisine
- Italian cuisine
- Asian cuisine
- Traditional Canarian cuisine
This diversity reflects both the wealth of local produce — fish, potatoes, cheese and wine — and the presence of international chefs and restaurant concepts, particularly in tourist areas. Filter by speciality in the restaurant search tool to find the type of cuisine that most appeals to you.
How can I find the best restaurant in Tenerife for my visit?
The most practical approach is to combine two filters: the area where you will be staying or planning to travel around, and the type of cuisine you are looking for. This makes it easy to narrow down the options between fine dining, local produce-led restaurants, international cuisine and more informal experiences such as guachinches.
Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants in Tenerife?
Yes, Tenerife has several Michelin-starred restaurants, most of which are concentrated in the south of the island and are associated with signature cuisine and international fine dining. It is one of the island’s leading areas for anyone seeking a first-class gastronomic experience. You can find them by filtering by “Signature cuisine” in our restaurants section.
Where can I eat fresh, high-quality fish in Tenerife?
Fish cuisine has a strong presence in coastal areas throughout the island, with seafood restaurants, rice-speciality restaurants and establishments focusing on fresh produce from the local fish market. It is one of the most sought-after gastronomic experiences among visitors to Tenerife.
Where can I try the most authentic Canarian food in Tenerife?
Traditional Canarian cuisine is particularly common in the north of the island and in rural areas, with dishes such as rabbit in salmorejo, papas arrugadas with mojo sauce and local cheeses. For an especially informal and affordable experience, guachinches are the most authentic option. Visit our guachinches section.
Which restaurants are recommended for a special or romantic dinner in Tenerife?
For special occasions, people usually look for restaurants offering signature or seasonal cuisine. Many of these are located in the south of the island and serve sophisticated dishes in carefully designed surroundings, often with sea views. There are also high-end international and Italian restaurants in the hotel areas of Costa Adeje and the surrounding area.
Where can I eat if I am just passing through or looking for something quick and affordable in Tenerife?
For a simpler and more affordable experience, guachinches are the most popular option. These are family-run establishments, many of them located in wineries, serving home-cooked food and their own wine at reasonable prices, particularly in the north of the island.
What is the best time of year to visit restaurants and guachinches in Tenerife?
Tenerife’s gastronomy can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to its stable climate, although certain times of year have their own dishes and traditions, such as chestnuts and young wine in autumn, or summer patron saint festivities, when many guachinches open temporarily. Outside the high season, it is usually easier to get a table without booking in advance.
