Mesón El Drago

Mesón El Drago is a traditional Canarian restaurant in Icod de los Vinos on the northwest coast of Tenerife, located on the Plaza de la Constitución directly adjacent to the famous El Drago Milenario — reputed to be the oldest living dragon tree in the world, estimated at over a thousand years old. The restaurant takes its name and identity from this singular natural monument; dining here is as much about the setting as it is about the food, with the ancient tree visible through the restaurant windows and from the plaza terrace. The kitchen produces classic Tenerife food without pretension: ropa vieja, the shredded meat and chickpea stew that has been a Canarian staple for centuries, arrives moist and deeply flavoured. Escaldón de gofio — toasted grain moistened with fish stock or stew — appears as a side or starter and is one of the most distinctively Canarian preparations available on the island. Potaje de berros, the local watercress stew, is made from produce grown in the fertile valleys around Icod. Papas arrugadas with the house mojo are a reliable constant. Icod de los Vinos is a wine-producing town and the house wines reflect the local Isleño appellation. The dining room is comfortable and simply decorated; the plaza terrace is the preferred choice in good weather. Prices are very reasonable — a full meal seldom exceeds €28 per person. The restaurant is convenient for visitors touring the northwest coast of Tenerife or stopping to see the dragon tree, making it the natural choice for a midday meal in one of the island's most historically rich towns.