El Herreño

El Herreno is a traditional Canarian tasca on Calle Mendizabal in Vegueta, the historic old quarter of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in Spain's Canary Islands. A tasca is a small, informal bar-restaurant that serves tapas and simple plates, and this one is listed for its papas arrugadas, the wrinkled salted potatoes that are among the best-known dishes of the archipelago. The cuisine is Canarian, and prices of about EUR 12-25 per person make it one of the most affordable options in the old town. Signature dishes include papas arrugadas con mojo, queso asado and a range of Canarian tapas. Papas arrugadas are small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until the skins wrinkle and a thin salt crust forms, then served with mojo rojo and mojo verde. Queso asado is grilled local cheese, typically served with mojo or a sweet preserve, and the combination of potatoes and cheese forms a classic shared starter. The dining room character is unpretentious and local, with a mix of residents and visitors, moderate to high noise levels when busy, and no dress code. Drinks are simple, with beer, house wine and soft drinks the usual choices, and a Canarian wine can be requested. Reservation difficulty is low, since walk-ins are normal, although groups may find it easier to call ahead. Opening hours typically cover lunch and the evening, and checking locally is sensible because small tascas can close on certain days. The tasca fits naturally into a walk through Vegueta, close to the Catedral de Santa Ana, Casa de Colon and the Plaza del Espiritu Santo, and works well as a first introduction to Canarian food before moving on to more elaborate restaurants elsewhere in the city. Sharing several plates is the best way to sample the menu.