Playa Blanca, set in the south of Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, ideal for families and couples seeking pleasant weather, a fantastic range of tourist amenities and a huge choice when it comes to dining out. Although there are less restaurants here than Costa Teguise and Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca still offers a wide variety of eateries, with everything from small tapas bars and authentic Chinese restaurants to modern bistros and traditional Canarian restaurants.
Local cuisine
One of the most popular restaurants in Playa Blanca, La Cocina de Colacho is ideal for those who want to try some of the local cuisine. This modern restaurant can only seat up to 60 people, so making a reservation is highly recommended during the summer months. Open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 6.30pm until 11.30pm, this eatery is most well-known for its affordable five-course tasting menu which changes every week.
Boasting a seafront location, Terraza la Cubierta is popular amongst those who want to indulge in traditional Canarian cuisine. Although there is only a small selection of dishes on offer, each one has been perfected by the chef and is sure to please. As well as the a la carte menu which features fish, seafood, pork, beef and chicken, Terraza la Cubierta also offers a selection of tapas and a daily specials board which is great value for money.
Families and couples who want to discover the local cuisine of Playa Blanca should spend an evening at Los Hervidores. This small traditional restaurant serves a selection of popular Canarian dishes, such as lamb cutlets, deep-fried calamari, grilled sole and pork chops, each of which is accompanied by Canarian potatoes and a selection of seasonal vegetables. Here you'll find a comprehensive wine list available, with a top selection of Spanish and local wines to complement each dish.
Another eatery popular with those who want to get to know Canarian cuisine, Restaurante Aromas Yaiza is sure to please. Most people travel to this popular restaurant to sample one of the several set menus which feature the very best that the Restaurante Aromas Yaiza has to offer. If you can't make up your mind, choose the surprise menu, made up of eight courses chosen by the chef.
Modern European
With such a varied menu, Romantica is bound to have something for even the fussiest eater to enjoy. This eatery offers a selection of traditional European dishes which each incorporate a modern twist that is pleasantly unexpected. Some of the most popular options are the scallops, steak tartare and shoulder of lamb, all of which are accompanied by seasonal salad or vegetables. If you're still feeling peckish, take a look at the extensive homemade dessert menu.
When it comes to modern European dining, Sebastyan's is one of the best restaurants in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. Overlooking the beach, this eatery serves a variety of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, many of which are based on Greek cuisine. Every dish is cooked to order, so you'll be guaranteed a fresh meal every time. The extensive menu offers plenty to choose from, including warm and cold starters, salads, fish, veal, pork, lamb, beef and chicken, as well as a number of desserts.
Popular amongst locals and visitors alike, La Petite Marmite is the ideal place for families and couples who want to indulge in contemporary cuisine. Here you'll find a large menu full of European specialities, such as lasagne, sweet and savoury crepes, chicken casserole and grilled steaks. As well as the a la carte menu, La Petite Marmite also offers a set menu which is top value for money. If you've left room for dessert, you'll find a great selection of ice creams, cakes, tarts and puddings to choose from.
Tapas
Tapas enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to dine at Taberna Godino. This small tapas restaurant offers a comprehensive selection of traditional dishes, such as Canarian potatoes, meatballs in tomato sauce, deep-fried calamari and padron peppers. There is a great selection of homemade sauces and dips to accompany your meal, as well as a number of international and Canarian wines.
Atlantico Bar Restaurant is perfect for those who enjoy casual dining, where picking and sharing is encouraged. At this tapas restaurant you'll find a top selection of small dishes, ideal for enjoying as a group. Some of the most popular options include smoked ham, Canarian cheese, mussels and stuffed mushrooms. If you're in the mood for something larger, there is also a variety of traditional fish- and meat-based main courses available, as well as several homemade desserts.
When it comes to quality tapas, the dishes served at El Mirador are hard to beat. Overlooking the coast, this restaurant provides spectacular sea views, as well as an extensive tapas menu, with cold and warm options, salads and tapas which you eat with a spoon. If you're dining with someone who would prefer something heartier, there is also a large a la carte menu available, with popular favourites such as mushroom and king prawn risotto, grilled sea bass, hamburgers and grilled duck breast. There is also a small selection of children's dishes, ensuring something for everyone.
Another restaurant popular amongst avid tapas fans, Restaurante Natura Beach is loved by locals and holidaymaker alike. Here you'll find an extensive tapas menu, full of freshly prepared dishes such as garlic prawns, goat cheese and grilled sardines, all of which are accompanied with freshly baked bread and quality olive oil. On top of the tapas menu, Restaurante Natura Beach also offers a full a la carte menu and a fresh fish and seafood board which changes every day. To accompany your main there is a top selection of drinks available, including many cocktails made with fresh fruit.
Asian
Just because you're on holiday doesn't mean you can't indulge in a Chinese takeaway. China City Chinese Restaurant offers a large a la carte menu, full of your favourite Asian dishes, as well as a number of set menus and banquets which offer fantastic value for money. The generous portions served here are more than enough to satisfy even the largest appetite and if you can't manage it all, the wait staff will be happy to wrap it up for you to take back to the hotel.
If you can't decide between going out for Chinese or for a steak, make a compromise by going to Asia and Steak House. This fusion restaurant offers a selection of Thai dishes, as well as a variety of meat-based meals which are brought sizzling to your table. If you can't decide on just one course, take a glimpse at the set menu which features some of the best starters, mains and desserts that the restaurant has to offer.
Spices is one of the most popular places to go for an authentic Indian curry in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. This eatery serves a wide variety of dishes, each of which can be altered to suit your palate. There are plenty of starters to choose from, such as poppadoms, bhajis, pakoras and samosas, followed by many main courses, including korma, vindaloo, tikka masala, rogan josh, madras and atcha, all of which can be made with a variety of meats, fish or vegetarian options.
Pub grub
When it comes to pub grub, it's tough to beat Port of Call. This British-run restaurant offers a menu full of traditional dishes like toad in the hole and fisherman's pie, as well as more modern choices, such as stuffed duck and fajitas. There are various themed nights held throughout the week, including burger and fries Tuesdays, chicken Wednesdays, mixed grill Thursdays, catch of the day Fridays, lamb Saturdays and carvery Sundays.
With such a wide variety of dishes available, Ice House comes very highly recommended. Here you'll find a menu full of popular favourites such as curries, burgers, chilli, sandwiches, toasties, pies and wraps. If you leave room for dessert, you'll be able to choose from a huge selection of ice creams, as well as homemade puddings like apple crumble and banoffee pie.
The Old Mill Irish Bar is one of the best places to go in Playa Blanca for good old pub grub. This friendly restaurant provides a menu bursting with meals we all know and love, including a variety of pizzas, grilled meat, battered fish, pasta dishes, pies and salads, as well as several international options. If you stop by in the morning, you'll be able to sample the top selection of breakfasts, sandwiches and toasties, made with ingredients imported from the UK.
Seafood
Plaice in the Sun is one of the most popular restaurants in Playa Blanca and it's no wonder why. This British-run eatery is a classy fish and chip shop which serves a wide selection of freshly caught fish, battered and cooked to order. After you've chosen your preferred fish, you can enjoy it alongside some chunky chips and mushy peas as you take in the beautiful sea views on the outside terrace.
Seafood lovers won't want to miss the chance to dine at Blue Note Lanzarote. This seafront restaurant offers an a la carte and tapas menu, each of which features a number of fresh fish and seafood dishes. As well as the fantastic food, this restaurant also serves a wide variety of cocktails and boasts the very best gin and tonics in the whole of Lanzarote.
The recently-renovated La Chalanita Restaurante is a must-visit for seafood lovers during their holiday in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote. The two Canarian owners can both speak English and will be happy to explain any dishes on the menu that you're unsure of or make suggestions if you can't decide on one meal. This eatery boasts some of the freshest fish and seafood available in Lanzarote, including white prawns, sea bass in cava and lobster hot pot. For those not in the mood for fish, La Chalanita Restaurante also serves a variety of vegetarian and meat-based dishes such as fillet steak, Iberian pork fillet and duck confit.
For a meat feast
If you're craving a top quality steak, look no further than Restaurante Volcan de Timanfaya. This restaurant is known for cooking steaks perfectly and serving them alongside a selection of delicious homemade sauces. Not just a place for carnivores, Restaurante Volcan de Timanfaya also offers a selection of fish, pasta and vegetarian dishes, ensuring something to please everyone.
Cervantes is one of the best places to go in Playa Blanca for an excellent steak. Highly recommended by tourists and locals alike, this eatery serves a variety of choice cuts with several different sauces, as well as a discounted house special which changes every day. In order to cater for everyone, Cervantes also serves fish, pasta and vegetarian dishes, as well as a varied children's menu.
Carnivores won't want to miss the chance to spend an evening at El Argentino one of the very best steak houses in the whole of Lanzarote. Ideal for families and couples alike, this popular eatery serves a wide variety of meat-based dishes, including burgers, ribs, chops and a selection of steaks which are the restaurant's speciality. You can choose from sirloin, fillet, rib eye, T-bone, New York strip and rump steaks, all of which come with a selection of homemade sauces and side dishes which are sure to please. You'll also find a kids' menu available, offering smaller portions of the items on the adults' menu, as well as popular favourites such as pizzas, chicken nuggets and fish fingers.