Where to eat in Tenerife
Complete Canarian gastronomy guide: typical dishes, recommended restaurants, authentic guachinches and the best wines on the island.
10 must-try dishes in Tenerife
Recommended restaurants
Guachinches
The most authentic gastronomic experience in Tenerife
Guachinches are family-run establishments in northern Tenerife where winemakers serve their own wine alongside homemade food at very affordable prices. They are temporary and change every few months, offering a unique and genuine experience.
Content coming soon
Wines of Tenerife
Tenerife is the only island in the world with 5 Designations of Origin: Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de La Orotava, Ycoden-Daute-Isora, Abona and Valle de Güímar. Its vineyards, many on volcanic slopes at high altitude, produce unique varieties like Listán Negro and Malvasía.
Viñedos de la D.O. Tacoronte-Acentejo
La Victoria de Acentejo forms part of the Tacoronte-Acentejo Denomination of Origin, the first wine D.O. created in the Canary Islands, in 1992. Its volcanic, Atlantic-facing slopes, cooled by the trade winds, offer an exceptional terroir for the vines of these mid-altitude lands of northern Tenerife. The D.O. is renowned above all for its young reds from Listán Negro and Negramoll grapes and for whites from Listán Blanco. Touring its vineyards reveals an agricultural landscape of great beauty and illuminates the wine culture that underpins the local economy and traditions, with the guachinches as its most authentic expression.
Viñedos de la D.O. Tacoronte-Acentejo
Tegueste's agricultural landscape is shaped by the vine. Its vineyards belong to the Tacoronte-Acentejo Designation of Origin, the first wine D.O. recognised in the Canary Islands, created in 1992. This designation extends across the northern slope of Tenerife, covering municipalities such as La Laguna, Tacoronte, El Sauzal, La Matanza, La Victoria, Santa Úrsula, El Rosario and Tegueste itself. Its flagship variety is listán negro, the basis of young, fruity reds with a volcanic character, accompanied by other grapes such as negramoll, tintilla and castellana. Walking the Tegueste mid-slopes among the vines, visiting its wineries and tasting its wines is one of the municipality's most authentic experiences, deeply linked to its rural identity and to celebrations such as the Romería de San Marcos.
Mercadillo del Agricultor, el Vino y la Artesanía
Opened in 1999, this is one of the busiest farmers' markets in the north of Tenerife and the great showcase of local produce. Its stalls, shared between farmers and craftspeople, offer fresh fruit and vegetables, potatoes, honey, cheeses, breads, sweets and local crafts. It also has an information, tasting and sales point for wines of the Tacoronte-Acentejo Designation of Origin, where you can sample the region's famed high-altitude reds. Open at weekends, it brings together locals and visitors in a festive, authentic atmosphere. It is the best way to taste and take home the very best of La Matanza's land.
Casa del Vino de Tenerife (Casa Museo Insular de la Vid y el Vino - La Baranda)
Tenerife's island wine and vine museum, run by the Cabildo de Tenerife in a 17th-century traditional estate at La Baranda; museum entry is free, with a tasting room, restaurant and shop of Canarian wines.
Monje Winery
Family winery with Teide views
Frequently asked questions about food in Tenerife
What is a guachinche and how to find one?
A guachinche is a temporary establishment where winemakers from northern Tenerife sell their homemade wine with traditional food. They are mainly found in the Tacoronte-Acentejo and La Orotava areas. The best way to find them is to ask locals or check social media.
What are the typical dishes of Tenerife?
The most representative dishes are papas arrugadas with mojo (picón and green), gofio escaldado, Canarian sancocho, rabbit in salmorejo, ropa vieja, carne fiesta, grilled cheese with mojo, and desserts like bienmesabe and frangollo.
Is it worth doing a wine tasting in Tenerife?
Absolutely. Tenerife has 5 Designations of Origin and indigenous varieties you won't find anywhere else in the world. Wineries offer guided tastings with spectacular views of the volcanic vineyards. It's an essential experience for wine lovers.