The Canary Islands, a stunning archipelago off the coast of North Africa, offer much more than breathtaking landscapes and beautiful beaches. This Spanish territory is also home to a rich culinary culture that blends Spanish traditions with unique island flavors. From freshly caught seafood to age-old recipes featuring local ingredients, the Canaries provide an unforgettable gastronomic journey. I will take you through the must-try foods, recommend some great restaurants, and offer insights into the costs and locations of the best dining experiences.
Seafood: The Heart of Canary Island Cuisine
Seafood truly takes center stage in the Canary Islands’ culinary scene, and for good reason. The islands are located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, which provides an abundance of fresh, high-quality seafood year-round. Fish and shellfish aren’t merely common ingredients—they are the very essence of Canarian cuisine, woven into the island’s traditions, culture, and way of life. The surrounding waters, rich in marine life, offer a bounty of fish varieties such as vieja (parrotfish), cherne (Canary grouper), and sama (red snapper), all of which are popular choices for grilling, stewing, or baking.
The islands’ proximity to the ocean ensures that seafood dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients, often caught just hours before reaching the table. Whether it’s tender octopus served with a drizzle of olive oil, sweet and delicate local prawns, or the traditional sancocho canario (a salt-cod stew), seafood forms the backbone of the islands’ gastronomic heritage. Additionally, the presence of vibrant shellfish, like clams, mussels, and lobsters, elevates the culinary experience even further, often featuring prominently in local seafood platters or served as a rich, flavorful broth.
What makes Canarian seafood particularly unique is the local approach to cooking. The use of the island’s iconic mojo sauce—a blend of garlic, olive oil, herbs, and spices—adds a distinct flavor to fish dishes, bringing out the natural sweetness and richness of the seafood. Whether enjoyed in a rustic seaside tavern or a refined restaurant overlooking the ocean, seafood in the Canary Islands is not just a meal but an unforgettable experience, capturing the essence of the islands themselves.
Must-Try Seafood Dishes:
- Sancocho Canario: This is a traditional fish stew made with salted fish (typically a type of salted cod called “morena”), potatoes, sweet potatoes, and a variety of local herbs and spices. The dish is often served with “mojo,” a traditional garlic-based sauce.
- Papas Arrugadas with Mojo: These wrinkled potatoes are boiled in sea salt water and served with a choice of two different types of mojo—“rojo” (red, made from peppers) or “verde” (green, made from cilantro). It’s a popular dish served alongside fish or meat.
- Grilled Fish: The islands’ coastal restaurants serve fresh catches of fish, such as vieja (parrotfish) and cherne (canary grouper). These are typically grilled and served with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt.
- Prawns and Lobsters: The prawns from the Canary Islands are famous for their sweetness, often served simply grilled or fried. You can also find lobsters prepared in various ways—served in soups, grilled, or in a deliciously creamy risotto.
Recommended Seafood Restaurants:
- El Risco (Lanzarote)
- Price: €20-40 per person
- Location: Famara Beach, Lanzarote
- El Risco offers fresh fish and seafood with a view of the ocean. Their grilled fish and sancocho canario are particularly popular. The prices are slightly higher, but the quality is exceptional.
- La Casa del Mar (Tenerife)
- Price: €18-30 per person
- Location: Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife
- This is a great spot for those who want to enjoy fresh seafood by the water. The shellfish platters and grilled fish dishes are outstanding, and they offer an extensive wine list to pair with your meal.
- Los Roques (Gran Canaria)
- Price: €25-45 per person
- Location: Agaete, Gran Canaria
- Located in the picturesque fishing village of Agaete, Los Roques specializes in fresh seafood dishes. It’s one of the best places to try sancocho and papas arrugadas alongside a fresh catch of the day.
Island Specialties: Unique Flavors of the Canaries
The Canary Islands have their own unique culinary heritage that blends Spanish and African influences. A variety of locally grown ingredients, such as goat cheese, sweet potatoes, and almonds, feature prominently in island dishes.
Must-Try Island Specialties:
- Goat Cheese (Queso de Cabra): The Canaries are famous for their rich and creamy goat cheese. It’s often served with local jams or drizzled with honey. The island of La Palma produces some of the best examples, which are often served as an appetizer or snack.
- Gofio: Gofio is a traditional flour made from roasted grains, usually wheat or corn. It’s used in a variety of dishes, from savory stews to sweet pastries, and is a cornerstone of Canary Island gastronomy. It’s often served with soups or mixed with milk for breakfast.
- Mojo Sauce: No visit to the Canary Islands is complete without tasting mojo. This garlic-based sauce comes in two varieties: mojo rojo (red) and mojo verde (green). Both versions are packed with flavors and are perfect for dipping or drizzling over your meals.
- Puchero Canario: This hearty stew is a Canarian classic, often prepared with meat, chickpeas, and vegetables like sweet potatoes and corn. It’s a comforting dish that reflects the agricultural richness of the islands.
Recommended Restaurants for Island Specialties:
- Bodegón El Manantial (La Palma)
- Price: €20-35 per person
- Location: Los Llanos de Aridane, La Palma
- This rustic bodega serves traditional Canarian dishes with a focus on local products like queso de cabra and gofio. Their puchero canario is a must-try.
- La Tasca de Juanito (Tenerife)
- Price: €18-25 per person
- Location: Santa Cruz, Tenerife
- Known for its cozy atmosphere, La Tasca de Juanito offers a wonderful selection of mojo sauces and gofio dishes. Their goat cheese platters and tapas menu are highly recommended.
- El Caldero (Gran Canaria)
- Price: €30-45 per person
- Location: Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
- A perfect spot for those seeking authentic Canarian dishes. They offer an impressive selection of stews, including puchero canario, and have a fantastic wine list featuring local wines.
Canary Island Wines: A Hidden Gem
While the Canary Islands may not have the same widespread fame for wine as mainland Spain, they are home to some truly unique and exceptional vineyards that produce wines with distinct characteristics. The islands’ volcanic soil, combined with the mild climate and constant sea breezes, creates an ideal environment for grapevines. These conditions, along with the centuries-old winemaking traditions of the region, result in wines that are unlike any others.
The local grape varieties Listán Blanco (a white grape) and Listán Negro (a red grape) are the stars of Canary Island winemaking. Listán Blanco produces refreshing, aromatic white wines with crisp acidity, often with citrus and floral notes. On the other hand, Listán Negro creates red wines that are vibrant and complex, with flavors ranging from red berries to earthy, spicy undertones. These grapes thrive particularly on the islands of Tenerife and La Palma, where the volcanic ash and rich, mineral-laden soils contribute to the distinctiveness of the wines.
In addition to these indigenous varieties, winemakers also experiment with other international grapes, creating a diverse range of wines. The unique terroir of the Canary Islands—marked by its volcanic landscapes—infuses the wines with a mineral edge and depth of flavor, making them a must-try for wine enthusiasts visiting the region. The combination of tradition and innovation makes the Canary Islands an exciting destination for wine lovers.
Recommended Wineries to Visit:
- Bodega Los Berrazales (La Palma)
- Price: Free entry, wine tastings from €12
- Location: San Andrés y Sauces, La Palma
- This family-owned winery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning wines. The views of the vineyards and the surrounding mountains make for a memorable experience.
- Bodega Tacoronte-Acentejo (Tenerife)
- Price: Wine tours from €10
- Location: Tacoronte, Tenerife
- Known for its reds, this winery offers guided tours where you can learn about the unique volcanic soils and taste some of the island’s best wines.
- Bodega El Grifo (Lanzarote)
- Price: €15 for a guided tour and tasting
- Location: San Bartolomé, Lanzarote
- One of the oldest wineries on the island, El Grifo offers a deep dive into the history of winemaking in the Canary Islands, with a chance to sample wines made from unique local grape varieties.
Where to Eat for a Special Occasion
While casual dining is widespread across the Canary Islands, there are also a number of high-end restaurants that elevate local ingredients and cooking techniques.
Recommended Fine Dining Restaurants:
- El Bulli del Sur (Gran Canaria)
- Price: €50-100 per person
- Location: Maspalomas, Gran Canaria
- A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative takes on traditional Canarian cuisine. Their tasting menu is a journey through local ingredients, transformed with modern techniques.
- Nub (Tenerife)
- Price: €70-120 per person
- Location: La Laguna, Tenerife
- Another Michelin-starred gem, Nub offers contemporary Canarian cuisine with an emphasis on sustainability and fresh, local produce. The atmosphere is intimate, and the service is top-notch.
- Aponiente (El Hierro)
- Price: €85-150 per person
- Location: La Restinga, El Hierro
- Known for its incredible seafood, Aponiente offers a creative tasting menu that showcases the best the island has to offer. It’s an ideal spot for a special occasion.
The Canary Islands offer a wealth of culinary delights, from the freshest seafood to island specialties that highlight local ingredients. Whether you’re indulging in a traditional fish stew, enjoying a platter of local cheeses, or sipping on a glass of volcanic wine, the Canaries are a paradise for food lovers. Prices can range from budget-friendly casual eateries to more luxurious fine-dining experiences, ensuring that there’s something for every taste and budget.
With its combination of incredible food, scenic settings, and welcoming hospitality, a culinary adventure through the Canary Islands is a must for anyone visiting the archipelago.