The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, known for year-round mild weather, volcanic landscapes, and beaches across islands including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Canarian cuisine reflects the islands' unique history — indigenous Guanche staples (gofio, goat, fish), Spanish colonial influences, and African proximity. The result is a distinctive cuisine unlike anywhere in mainland Spain. Papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) with mojo sauce are the definitive Canarian dish. Fresh Atlantic seafood dominates menus — cherne (wreckfish), vieja (parrotfish), and atún rojo (bluefin tuna) are local highlights. Gofio (toasted grain flour) appears everywhere from porridge to ice cream. The Canary Islands' low tax rate (IGIC 7%) keeps restaurant prices below mainland Spain.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
El Diablo
A truly unique restaurant inside Timanfaya National Park where food is cooked over geothermal volcanic heat from beneath the earth. Designed by César Manrique, with panoramic crater views. One of the most extraordinary dining experiences in Spain.
Islote de Hilario, Timanfaya National Park, Lanzarote
Restaurante El Coto de Antonio
A longstanding institution in Las Palmas, renowned for its exceptional Canarian cuisine with a modern twist. Features fresh Atlantic fish, local meat dishes, and an impressive wine cellar.
Calle Albareda 22, 35008 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Kazan
Tenerife's leading Japanese fusion restaurant, combining premium Asian techniques with Atlantic seafood. Known for exceptional sushi, sashimi, and creative tasting menus.
Calle Bethencourt Alfonso 31, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Abama's Kabuki Restaurant
A Michelin-starred restaurant at the Abama Resort combining Japanese culinary philosophy with Canarian and Spanish ingredients. Chef Ricardo Sanz crafts extraordinary tasting menus.
Abama Resort, TF-47 km 9, 38687 Guía de Isora, Tenerife
Restaurante Llania
A renowned restaurant in a dramatic cliff-top setting overlooking El Golfo bay, serving exceptional Herreno cuisine. Famous for its fresh fish and local produce from El Hierro's organic farms.
Las Puntas, El Golfo, El Hierro
Restaurante El Risco
A beloved seafood restaurant in the charming coastal village of Agaete, serving fresh catch from local fishermen. Outstanding views over the ocean and exceptional value.
Calle Alcalde Armas Galván, 35480 Agaete, Gran Canaria
La Marinera
A classic seafood restaurant on the Las Canteras promenade with wonderful beach views. Famous for its fresh grilled fish, seafood rice, and classic Canarian flavours at reasonable prices.
Paseo de las Canteras 49, 35010 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Restaurante El Golfo
A charming fishing village restaurant overlooking the black sand beach of El Golfo, serving ultra-fresh seafood caught daily. Famous for its lapas (limpets) and grilled fish.
Calle los Hervideros s/n, El Golfo, Lanzarote
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Canarian
Spanish
Canarian Traditional
Seafood
Japanese
Gomeran
Gomerian
International
Italian
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Papas arrugadas con mojo
Small potatoes boiled in heavily salted water until the skin wrinkles and salts up, served with mojo rojo (red) or mojo verde (green). The definitive Canarian street food found at every market and festival.
Find it at: Markets, festivals, local bars across all islands
Bocadillo de atún
A crusty bread roll filled with fresh local tuna, often with tomato and olive oil. Sold at harbour-side cafes and markets near fishing ports.
Find it at: Puerto Rico (Gran Canaria), Las Palmas harbour, Santa Cruz port
Churros con chocolate
Deep-fried dough sticks with thick chocolate dipping sauce. Popular at Carnival time and weekend morning markets. Identical to mainland Spain but eaten at a very leisurely pace.
Find it at: Carnival markets, Sunday markets at Teror and Teguise
Carne fiesta (marinated pork)
Slow-cooked marinated pork chunks, a favourite at local festivals. Found at fiestas patronales across all islands in summer and autumn.
Find it at: Local festivals (fiestas patronales), summer events
Quesillo (Canarian flan)
The Canarian answer to crème caramel — slightly denser and sweeter than mainland flan, made with condensed milk. Sold individually at markets and bakeries.
Find it at: Panaderías (bakeries), markets across all islands
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Mercado de Vegueta
Fresh produce, local cheeses, mojo, gofio, tropical fruits
Where: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Hours: 08:00–14:00 Mon–Sat
Sunday Market of Teror
Local food products, chorizo, cheese, honey, crafts in historic village
Where: Teror
Hours: 09:00–14:00 Sundays
Mercado del Agricultor de Teguise
200+ stalls, local food, crafts, wine tastings
Where: Teguise
Hours: 09:00–14:00 Sundays
Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África
Fresh fish, local produce, spices, Canarian cheeses — primarily a local market
Where: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Hours: 06:00–14:00 Mon–Sat
Mercado del Agricultor de Gran Canaria
Direct from farmer — fruits, vegetables, honey, local wine
Where: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Hours: 08:00–14:00 Saturdays
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Lunch (14:00–16:00) is the main meal — the menú del día offers 3 courses with drink for €10–13 at most local restaurants
Dinner does not start until 21:00 at local restaurants — arriving at 19:00 means eating with tourists only
Guachinches in Tenerife (traditional farmhouse wine bars) are cash-only, seasonal (October–April), and have no reservation system — arrive early
All restaurant bills include IGIC (7%) — tipping is optional but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is appreciated
Ask for the 'plato del día' even if no set menu is displayed — most local restaurants have one
Tap water ('agua del grifo') is technically safe but often tastes mineral-heavy — most locals order bottled
In tourist areas, menus in English are standard — heading one or two streets inland finds local restaurants with Spanish-only menus and half the price
Papas arrugadas are always shared as a starter or side — order one portion between two people
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |