Guachinche Route in Northern Tenerife: The 9 Best

Guachinche Route in Northern Tenerife

Guachinches are one of Tenerife's best-kept gastronomic secrets. These family-run establishments, originally garages or courtyards of rural houses, open their doors when the wine from their own harvest is ready and close when it runs out. They serve abundant, cheap homemade Canarian food alongside country wine you will not find on any restaurant menu. They are the essence of popular Tinerfeño cuisine and an unmissable experience.

Tacoronte-Acentejo Area

• Guachinche El Cubano (La Orotava): spectacular party meat, marinated ribs and rabbit in salmorejo. Smooth house-made red wine. Queues common at weekends.
• Bodegón Campestre (Tegueste / La Esperanza): terrace with Teide views. Grilled chops, roasted cheese with mojo and fresh white wine from the Orotava Valley.
• Guachinche La Era (La Victoria): hidden in a vineyard estate. Marinated meat, potatoes with pineapple and characterful red wine. Authentic atmosphere.
• Casa Tomás (Tegueste): one of the oldest. Canarian puchero, ropa vieja and pork. Bulk wine served in clay jugs.

La Orotava-Los Realejos Area

• Guachinche Pepe Luis (La Orotava): oven-roasted pork ribs, homemade chorizo and gofio escaldón. Red wine from Orotava with denomination of origin.
• La Casona (Los Realejos): rabbit in salmorejo, goat meat and watercress stew. Their own vegetable garden with seasonal produce.
• El Lagar (La Orotava): inside a century-old winery. Fresh goat's cheese, black potatoes and dry mineral white wine. An authentic experience.

Tegueste-Anaga Area

• Guachinche de María (Tegueste): the queen of chickpea stew. Enormous portions, smooth wine and homemade dessert. Closes early because it fills up.
• Bodegón Anaga (Las Mercedes): at the entrance to the Anaga forest. Grilled meat, wrinkly potatoes and smoked cheese. A mandatory stop before hiking.

Guachinche Rules

• They do not accept cards: always bring cash
• There is no menu: they tell you what is available and that is it
• The best ones open only Friday to Sunday at lunchtime
• Traditional guachinches have no official website; hours vary by season
• If there is a queue it is a good sign. Be patient
• Look for those with their own vineyards for the most authentic wine
• Guachinches change every season. Ask locals which ones are open