The largest of the seven Canary Islands in Spain, Tenerife remains one of Europe's top holiday destinations for families and couples looking for great weather all-year-round, a chilled out atmosphere and a large array of dining options. Because so many different nationalities and cultures regularly travel to the island, Tenerife is bursting with eateries offering every type of dish and cuisine you can think of. In addition to the many Canarian restaurants scattered throughout the island, you'll also find establishments serving international menus, tapas and vegetarian dishes, amongst many other choices, all made with locally-sourced products.
Local Cuisine
Arlequin in Playa San Juan offers a fantastic selection of Spanish cuisine which is sure to tempt even the fussiest eater. The menu features tapas, freshly-caught fish and seafood, beef, poultry and a selection of homemade desserts. There are also several Spanish dishes with a Chilean twist, created by the head chef. Their seafood paella comes highly recommended and can be pre-ordered for as many or as few people as needed.
In Torviscas, Restaurante Sebastian is a great choice for anyone wanting to try contemporary Spanish cuisine. This eatery offers a selection of salads, tapas, meat dishes and even pizzas, accompanied by a seasonal a la carte menu. What really makes Restaurante Sebastian stand out above the rest is the quality of service and fresh ingredients which come as standard.
Although it's tricky to find, Meson Era Las Mozas in Valle San Lorenzo is worth the effort. The starter menu here is flowing with Canarian delicacies, including traditional Ropa Vieja and Chistorras. The main course menu is just as temping and is packed with barbecued and roasted meats, such as ox sirloin steak and rabbit. Because it isn't located in a holiday resort, a night out at Meson Era Las Mozas is suitable for almost every budget.
Modern European
Restaurante Los Roques in Los Abrigos is one of the most popular restaurants in Tenerife. Guests can choose to dine inside or on the terrace both places offer fantastic sea views. The menu features a number of traditional European dishes with a modern edge, bringing them straight into the 21st century. There is a selection of soups, salads and seafood to start, with a small choice of fish, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes to follow. There are also a few tasting menus available for diners who don't want to limit themselves to one dish.
Olivers with a Twist in Los Cristianos is another restaurant that serves typical dishes with a contemporary twist. Here you'll find a menu packed with British favourites, each with a few subtle changes that really make a difference. The homemade desserts are incredible popular, with many people opting for the chocolate Maltesers cheesecake. This small eatery fills up quickly, so it's best to book about one week in advance to avoid disappointment.
In the north of the island, Anocheza in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is another popular choice for modern European dining. This eatery offers two distinct menus the a la carte menu suitable for individual diners or couples and the tasting menu ideal for groups who want to try a bit of everything. Both menus offer a fantastic choice of meals, including soups, rice-based dishes, salads, seafood, fish and meat as well as a small dessert menu.
Tapas
When it comes to tapas, it's hard to beat the quality and variety of Tasca Tierras del Sur in Granadilla de Abona. Here you'll find a huge choice of traditional Spanish tapas, as well as a few typical Canarian dishes thrown into the mix. Although this restaurant is closed on Sunday and Monday, exceptions are made for groups of 12 or more diners.
Tito's Bodeguita in Puerto de la Cruz comes highly recommended by the hotels in the area. With plenty of parking nearby and a large outdoor terrace, this restaurant is a pleasure to visit and offers a menu made of up a great selection of authentic Spanish tapas. Some of the portion sizes are quite large, so check with your waiter to make sure you don't unknowingly order too much.
Tapas n Chill is a must for anyone wanting a quality tapas experience in Golf del Sur. The staff will happily go through the menu with you if you're unsure of any dishes and can easily recommend wine to accompany your chosen tapas. There are also a couple of comfy sofas to relax on after your meal.
Asian
Thai Botanico in Playa de Las Americas is Oriental dining at its best. This restaurant is decorated with many exotic plants and large sculptures, in line with the Thai theme. The team of chefs has worked hard to put together a modern menu, based on traditional dishes, with all-time favourites such as Thai green curry and satay skewers.
Also in Playa de Las Americas, Imperial Tai-Pan is another popular location for those in the mood for an Asian meal. Here you'll find indoor and outdoor dining areas, so you can enjoy your meal where you wish. The highlight of the restaurant is the Teppanyaki hot plate, which guests can sit around and watch chefs prepare the food. Reservations are a must at this busy eatery.
Bombay Babu in Costa Adeje is one of the best places to go for an authentic Indian curry in the south of Tenerife. As well as an extensive a la carte menu, this award-winning restaurant also offers take-away, pizza, set and group menus. With a large indoor and outdoor terrace, banquets, group bookings and birthday parties can all be catered for.
Pub Grub
Alejandra Cafe Bar & Grill in Costa del Silencio is the place to go for good old pub grub. With a predominantly British menu, this low-cost eatery offers a wide range of dishes with many traditional favourites. If you visit on a Sunday, be sure to try the Sunday dinner packed with meat, vegetables, mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, stuffing and a Yorkshire pudding, the portions will leave everyone feeling stuffed.
Offshore in Fañabe offers fantastic food at very reasonable prices with a warm and friendly atmosphere. This British-run restaurant serves ice-cold beer in chilled glasses and has everything from toasties, wraps and pasties to pies, roast dinners and fish and chips. Sport is also shown on several TVs and there is a Wii to keep the little ones amused.
The Original Wigan Pier in Costa Adeje does some of the best pub grub on the island. There is a wide choice of food served, including burgers, pies, filled baguettes and battered fish. As well as the extensive menu, the Orignal Wigan Pier also shows loads of live sport on several large screen TVs inside and outside the restaurant and provides regular evening entertainment.
Seafood
When it comes to seafood, Restaurant 88 in La Caleta is tough to beat. Boasting a seafront location, this eatery offers a large menu, packed with dishes such as sushi, salmon, sea bass and tuna, with a few meat and poultry dishes for non-fish eaters. Four set menus are available for diners who want to sample the best that Restaurant 88 has to offer without the hassle of studying the menu.
Miishi Sushi Club in Playa de Las Americas is one of the best places to go for sushi in Tenerife. Here you can choose individual dishes or opt for the selection platter to try a bit of everything. As well as sushi, this restaurant also serves Teppanyaki, which always makes for fantastic entertainment.
In San Eugenio, Carlos comes highly recommended by fish and sea food lovers from all over Tenerife. Here you'll find a wonderful selection of starters and main courses to choose from, which you can enjoy indoors or outside on the terrace. There is also a large Canarian wine list available to accompany each dish.
Tambo in Puerto de la Cruz is perfect for those who want a fantastic view with their meal. Located on the seafront, this restaurant serves freshly-caught fish that was swimming in the Atlantic that very morning. There is a variety of platters available for those who can't make up their mind, as well as a choice of rare dishes, such as lobster and whole octopus.