Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a city where Atlantic breezes, volcanic landscapes and a deep-rooted maritime heritage meet on the plate. The capital of Tenerife is often seen as a gateway to the island’s famous resorts, but those who pause here discover a dining scene that is refreshingly local, honest and diverse.
From century-old taverns tucked into narrow streets near the Noria district to modern dining rooms overlooking the port, the city rewards curious eaters. The local pantry is exceptional: papas arrugadas, fresh cherne, goat cheeses, mojo sauces and bananas from the north all appear in endlessly creative ways.
Canarian cuisine is the backbone of the best tables in Santa Cruz. Yet the city also embraces mainland Spanish traditions and international influences, reflecting its history as a busy Atlantic stopover between Europe, Africa and the Americas.
This guide is built for first-time visitors and returning travellers who want to eat well without falling into tourist traps. It focuses on places where locals actually eat, where the product is respected and where the welcome feels genuine rather than transactional.
The restaurants below span market stalls, family-run classics, seafood specialists and a few refined addresses for special occasions. Each entry has been selected for consistency, character and a strong sense of place, rather than trendiness alone.
What unites them is a commitment to flavour and hospitality. Whether you are looking for a quick breakfast, a long seafood lunch or a late dinner after exploring the Rambla de Santa Cruz, there is a table here for you.
These are the best restaurants in Santa Cruz de Tenerife right now.
Restaurante Lebeche
| Address | C. Antonio Domínguez Alfonso, 39, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 922 27 05 96 |
We had a fantastic meal at Lebeche Arrocería! The food was absolutely delicious — full of flavor, fresh, and beautifully presented. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming.
Special thanks to Gustavo, who was incredibly friendly, attentive, and made us feel right at home. His service made the experience even better.
Highly recommended if you’re looking for authentic, high-quality food and great vibes. We’ll definitely be coming back!
A brilliant restaurant with a wonderful atmosphere and delicious food. An outstanding paella with octopus and chorizo. A sensational cheesecake. The staff are extremely friendly and helpful.
Esmeralda and Gustavo welcomed us warmly in their family restaurant. We also saw the chef who made the most delicious paella we've ever had! And that says a lot because we've lived in Spain for 3.5 years! Truly a great place to eat for the finer Spanish kitchen. Also the starter of patatas braves in filo pastry was so surprising and tasteful (spicy:-))! We also enjoyed that the restaurant was spacious and calm, with no background music but a fountain in a pond instead! Last, we were so happy to have chosen the local white wine (dry, named listan). It was delicious and a perfect match with the food!
Highly recommended! I think the food quality even deserves a Michelin rating. A MUST GO in Tenerife! We sat in the outdoor area which is in a vibrant street filled with restaurants. The indoor area looked very nice as well with a little fountain in the centre and a high ceiling.
We love the pork starter the most (forgot its name) - the pork is roasted just right, put on top of a bite of mashed potato and with some ‘honey balls’ beside it. Altogether gives a very fine and sophisticated taste giving high end molecular gastronomy vibes. REALLY MIND BLOWING!
The paella tasted above average as well and well presented, just not as surprising as the pork starter.
No matter how full you are, you just can’t miss the desserts. Both the chocolate cake and cheese cake just tasted perfect and giving that high end feeling as well.
This is absolutely the restaurant you have to visit if you come to Tenerife!!! The food is amazing and full of creativity. You can taste a totally new flavour from many of their dishes! People here are very nice and helpful! Would definitely revisit and try some new dishes next time!
Etéreo by Pedro Nel
| Address | C. San Antonio, 63, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 922 19 41 95 |
Starters
- we received a complementary aperitivo. A nice surprise. It was some sort of tasty bao bun with meat.
- Ham croquettes. Tasted nice but €15 for something I could have cooked at home in the air fryer is expensive.
- beef sweetbread. Fatty strips of meat, and definitely not worth €23.
Mains
- Lamb. Very tasty, nice portion size. Nice crispy skin, with soft tender meat. €39.50 with no sides.
- Sea bass and sauce were very nice, however it was served with no sides. It would have been nice to have them included. It would have been nice if this was communicated with us. Maybe we should have checked this when ordering. €33.50.
Deserts
- chocolate lava cake & fruit/ice cream. Deserts were excellent. No faults here. Tasty and delicious. €13.50 each.
Wine
- Rosè was very tasty and refreshing. 7:50 a glass.
- red wine. I think it was called El toro, from the north of Tenerife €7.50 a glass. Very tasty.
- on a side note, the wine glasses are very cool.
Other thoughts
- staff were polite and friendly. We were served quickly.
- charged €6.40 for two bottles of water, which was a bit of a surprise.
- we were charged a 7% charge on the bill. I probably should have checked this. I left a tip on top of this not knowing I was already charged 7%.
- overall an okay experience with a premium price tag. I would have given 4/5 stars, but the price is too much for what you get.
- appearance was very nice. Toilets were clean and had nice handwash
- From reading reviews, I know the owner likes proof of visit, so I included some pictures of our food and a picture of our receipt 😉
Amazing place. Best restaurant we went to in Tenerife. Probably one of the best we have ever been to. We got the lamb, sirloin, ceviche, croquettes, cheesecake and volcanic inspiration dessert. All were incredible. Manuel and Juan Carlos were our servers and both so warm and friendly. Made the experience that much better. Can’t recommend enough.
First rate dining option in SCdT. A wide variety of food choices and excellent execution of the dishes. Our server Manuel, was also very good. The one glitch was how many times we had to request the somm to place our wine order. We already have made plans to return.
Pedro was a happy chappy! Food was awesome, best bottle of wine we had all holiday. Smell and taste senses were blown away. Choice of knife for the steak was a nice touch!
One of the best restaurants in Tenerife we reckon!
Thank you so much!
Visiting this restaurant was a great choice. We ate the best steak we ever had and the wine and dessert were amazing as well. What makes this place special is the outstanding service. Especially Manuel did a great job, as he recommended us meals exactly according our expectations. He can perfectly describe every meal in the menu to the detail which is something not happening often. Highly recommended!
Taberna Ramón
| Address | Rbla. de Sta. Cruz, 56, 38004 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 24 13 67 |
We had really a great experience in Taberna Ramon.
The plates were not always huge but the food was really great.
We could not stop ordering and every dish was having a unique taste.
The restaurant is really little and always full of local.
Anyway the waiter was able to find a table and we were able ro sir without reservations.
Tables were very little and all crowded but we could find anyway our way ro enjoy.
The service was fast and every dish comes after another.
Really reccomanded
The food was ok,but for something that it looks very traditional,the food wasn't amazing. For my taste there could be a little more salt,and for the shrimps I would expect a better taste,but there was too much garlic. The chicken could be way better prepared..
This place is across the Plaza de Toros in Santa Cruz. The restaurant is rather small where you can eat at the counter or at small tables. The owners and the waiters are very kind and helpful to assist you with your choice of dishes. The food is delicious and value for money. The red house wine as well. Be prepared to wait for a table, even if you booked ahead. However, once seated, you will be served promptly. We recently went back for dinner and again enjoyed the delicious food. Moreover, we offered the owners our football club scarf 🧣
Probably our best meal in Santa Cruz. Recommend by our hotel. Authentic local fare - the jamon was sublime, coupled with an excellent bacalao and gorgeous green beans. Great affordable wine list. Brilliant buzzy local restaurant with super friendly service. Worth the wait in the cold if you neglect to book a table.
A great local tavern with friendly and efficient services, and lots of choices with decent value. We came back several times. Well recommended!
Moral
| Address | C. Jesús Nazareno 20, esquina con, C. Pi y Margall, 13, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 3:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 672 45 15 55 |
Incredible meal at Moral, every course was thoughtfully balanced. The crispy pork was outstanding, easily a highlight of the meal. The steak was tasty and beautifully cooked, and the vegetable tempura starter was a fun, unexpected touch. Desserts were a great finish, especially the flan and the little canelés. Service was warm and attentive throughout, and the space itself has a lovely, light-filled charm. Currently a Bib Gourmand, but honestly wouldn’t be surprised to see a Michelin star here soon. Highly recommend!
From the outside, it is almost unnoticeable: a narrow door on a quiet street, a calm facade. Inside it’s all about clean lines, soft light and a few intimate rooms. I especially loved the one with the round table — the perfect spot for a slow lunch with friends.
The food is outstanding. You can taste every component in each dish; nothing gets lost, everything feels in sync. The tableware adds to that feeling of simple, relaxed elegance.
Service is gentle and attentive without being overly formal. By the end of lunch the restaurant was completely full, yet it stayed calm — muted conversations, no rush, just a pleasant background hum.
We ordered a starter, a main and a dessert — and honestly, we could barely finish the dessert because the portions are quite generous. Definitely a place to come hungry and with time to enjoy it.
The restaurant is listed in the Michelin Guide, and you can feel it in every detail — from the interior to the last crumb on the plate.
Wow, just perfect. I have found the Michelin project a bit hit and miss but this place was easily one of the best places I have dined. We took the tasting menu and added in the special. Every plate left me wanting more but together it was portioned to perfection. Everything combine to flawlessly, attentive staff, exquisite produce, laid back intimate setting 🙇♂️
An excellent meal, among the best choices in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Our group of five basically ate everything on the a la carte menu. Best courses were the rabbit, the carpaccio, and the bien mesabe. But we downed every bite of all the things they brought to the table.
An extremely pleasant experience, I recommend it!
I chose two dishes: the aubergine was the best I've ever eaten in my life, no exaggeration! the duck was juicy and delicious ❤️🔥
Also the dessert in the photo was quite sweet 🙂
Moral is very cosy space and the service here was perfect 🫶🏻😌✨
I plan to visit again!
El Rincón Del Boca a Boca
| Address | C. San Clemente, 39, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 8:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 696 41 23 63 |
If you're tired of classic restaurants, try this place. It seems to me to be a mix of Asian, European, and South American influences.
Amaaaaaaaaazing food!!!! It was so delicious and the staff was super friendly and tried their best to accommodate us in English and with a little combination of spanish and english our night went amazing and had some of the best food we ever had! Can seriously recommend!!
Amazing food and service.
We tried everything and it was all a new experience shared in a plate !
Loved it!
The best food in Tenerife we try here, tacos are amazing and ladies who works here are super friendly. 5 stars with reason 🌸
Food is an Asian Spanish fusion, but not that special. The atmosphere is nice and the service is good. Price is fairly high and the dishes are not
Ok restaurant but I wouldn’t recommend it again.
Bodeguita Canaria
| Address | C. Imeldo Serís, 18, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 7:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 922 29 32 16 |
Tasty beyond expectations. We ordered the excellent local rabbit dish, a very rich salmon salad and the canarian potatoes (as a starter). Everything was delicious, the portions big enough to skip the dinner today. The service was impeccable.
A restaurant serving traditional Canarian cuisine, and the food was absolutely delicious. The staff were very friendly and even treated us to some Canarian rum at the end of our meal. Highly recommended—it was a wonderful experience.
Amazing food! Great service and staff! Made my trip to Santa Cruz de Tenerife better!
A very cozy family style restaurant with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The staff were very friendly, and the food was delicious with authentic Canarian flavors
In a nut shell: Great local Canarian restaurant in the city center
The restaurant is located in the city center of Santa Cruz. It’s fairly spacious and offers both indoor and outdoor seating.
The menu is focused on Canarian cuisine and uses local products. It’s a place that locals really love, we actually received recommendations from three different local people.
When we arrived, the restaurant was full, and more guests kept coming even as we were leaving.
Service was quick and efficient. Not all staff members speak English, but it’s easy enough to manage.
We ordered the Canarian salad, which was simple, fresh, and tasty. The tuna and spinach croquettes were excellent, and the fried calamari were the highlight of the meal. The only disappointment was the Canarian tortilla: a large portion, but a bit bland.
Prices are very reasonable.
If you are nearby, it is recommended
INTHËÕS
| Address | Av. Francisco la Roche, 19, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 7:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:30 – 4:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 611 86 53 73 |
Overall, a very nice experience. The quality of the food was very good, as well as the presentation of the dishes. The pistaccio cheesecake was incredible! Service was friendly and accommodating. A minor complaint: The portion sizes are quite on the small side, with some mains being the size of starters.
We've just had lunch here and oh my goodness it was amazing! The food is absolutely delicious and the service is by far some of the best I have ever experienced. I cannot recommend this restaurant enough!
Best place to eat out in Santa Cruz. We came here quite spontaneously and were amazed by the extremely high quality of food & service. We will come back 🙂
We had a vegetarian Musaca, Valerian salad with sautéd mushrooms, hummus and tzatziki. The food is amazing, it’s a family restaurant, we had a chance to speak to the head chef who happens to be the owner. This place is one of the hidden gems, where food is something more than just a bunch of good ingredients. Nice, honest cooking with a personalized touch, accommodating chef with quite a lot of international experience under the belt. Clean place, nice vibe, ocean view and fresh breeze, this place won’t disappoint.
We were here for valentine. It was very nice the food was very good and the waiter was really kind. Would totally come back
Quebracho asador, parrilla
| Address | C. Ramón y Cajal, 9, 38004 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 8:15 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 8:15 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 8:15 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 7:15 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 7:15 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 640 12 06 81 |
We ordered a Classic Menu For Two which had a lot of nice side dishes along with steak! Bread and cheese + empanadas + fried potatoes. The staff tried their best to be very fast as the restaurant was full of customers!
Meat was top notch!
The whole thing was more than our stomachs could take in!
Very tasty food first of all! The host is kind. We ordered a menu for two and we are very satisfied. Any recommendation.
I ordered carnivore meat menu for 2, a lot od delicious food. I will come again for sure!
The ambience was pleasant and comfortable, creating a nice atmosphere for the evening.
The staff were friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome. A special mention to Rafael, who served us—he had a positive and joyful attitude that stood out and made the evening even more enjoyable.
We tried the classic menu for two, which included starters, a selection of meats, and we also ordered wine. The meat was well-prepared and flavorful, and the wine paired nicely with the meal.
Overall, it was a very enjoyable dining experience with good service, a welcoming atmosphere, and a solid menu. I’d recommend it for those looking to explore Argentinian cuisine.
Excellent food, best steak, delicious vine , and excellent service. If you like steak must visit this place.
bodegon el puntero
| Address | C. San Clemente, 13, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 12:30 – 4:15 PM, 8:00 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 12:30 – 4:15 PM, 8:00 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 12:30 – 4:15 PM, 8:00 – 10:30 PM Friday: 12:30 – 4:15 PM, 8:00 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 4:15 PM, 8:00 – 10:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 922 28 22 14 |
Such a good lunch spot in Santa Cruz! Bodegón El Puntero was definitely the right choice today.
The 🐙 pulpo was amazing!! I'm a pulpo lover! Here the pulpo was so tender, and perfectly cooked. The papa con mojo was so satisfying freshly and full of authentic Canarian taste. Paired with a refreshing clara and bit pan, it was a super fulfilling meal.
What I really loved is the atmosphere, very local-ish, lively, and authentic. It feels like a traditional Canarian tavern where people come to enjoy good food and good company. Casual, welcoming, no fuss. Also, I appreciate their no-reservation policy, you just walk in and enjoy. Of course you might expect some waiting times coz they can't tell you exactly how long will take to get a table but it worth to even wait. If you're solo eater come along it might faster for u that bar tables available sooner.
Definitely a place I’d come back to and try more dishes🥁
The food was amazing! Fish was super fresh and delicious, and authentic. Staff was friendly, and service super quick. Our tour guide recommended this restaurant, and we went all the way back to eat there again, because we loved it so much. We queued up a few minutes before they opened both times, and got a table right away.
This restaurant can be found close to the main shopping street of Santa Cruz. Be aware you cannot make seat reservations, so it is first come first serve. However you can have a drink and snack at the bar, while waiting. This authentic place, with open kitchen, offers limited seating. The dishes are delicious, in particular the octopus, the fish and the chickpeas. Get a taste of the (sweet) white house wine. The service is efficient and, once seated you get served fast. This place is one of my favourites for lunch in Santa Cruz’s centre offering good value for money. We are regulars and never disappointed 😋😃
That will be very short review.
Just WOW for that amazing food and atmosphere 😍 👌 Thank you
Traditional seafood restaurant. Love it
The cuttlefish was very nice and tender. Great find!
A real local hidden gem 👌🏼
San Sebastián 57
| Address | Av. de San Sebastián, 57, 38005 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:15 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 1:15 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 1:15 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 1:15 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 1:15 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 822 10 43 25 |
Excellent food, wine and service. All dishes well presented and executed. Front of house staff were welcoming and helped with wine recommendations. A very affordable treat.
This was an excellent restaurant. We chose the tasting menu with 7 courses plus mise en bouche and petits fours. Everything was prepared perfectly and service was Nice and efficient. A very good value for money. I highly recommand.
San Sebastián Nº 57 simply invites to sit down, relax and spend two happy hours eating good food. I left with a full stomach, two new favourite Tenerife wines and a big smile.
The tasting menu (EUR 60) is excellent value for money. Refined without being pretentious. Local ingredients mixed with borrowed flavours and techniques that make sense.
The ceviche was my favourite dish. Fresh, vibrant and beautifully acidic. Mandarin and coriander go very well together!
Regarding presentation, I especially liked the tableware. Beautiful stoneware and elegant glass plates worked really well together. Though retrieving the final drops of sauce and soup from some of the stoneware became a fine motor skills exercise.
The clientele was eclectic. Local businesspeople, tourists, couples, families and everyone in between seemed perfectly at home here.
The chef indeed came out to speak to every table. He is charming, genuinely interested in feedback and distractingly handsome. I was seated right next to the kitchen window and could thus witness some of the ‘military’ operation.
Practical tip: bring cash for the tip! Card payments for gratuities are unfortunately not possible, and the staff absolutely deserve one.
I will happily come back with friends and family, whenever I am around again.
An elegant, minimalist restaurant with refined lighting and perfectly set tables. Part of the kitchen is visible through a glass partition, letting you watch the chefs at work. Near the entrance, you’ll see a proud wall of awards, from the Guía Repsol to the 2024 Michelin Star.
The service is polished and attentive. With each course, the staff carefully explains how the dish was prepared and which ingredients were used. It adds a deeper appreciation to the entire experience.
We ordered the tasting menu and a steak. Despite arriving quite hungry, we couldn’t finish the full menu — it’s generous and easily shareable between two people.
The tasting menu included four starters, main courses made with local ingredients, two desserts, and a sweet treat at the end. Every dish was well-balanced, thoughtfully plated, and served at the perfect pace.
The only downside was the steak. It cost around €50, so you naturally expect it to be perfectly cooked — but unfortunately, it wasn’t the doneness we had requested. Still, the overall experience was excellent and definitely worth it for anyone seeking a refined, flavorful journey.
I liked the dinner here, took a set for €54 and was satisfied with the food. Especially liked starters - Tartar, Shrimp Ceviche and Potato Foam were 3 delicious starters in this set and I liked them all. Others were also good, but I was full after pork cheeks 😁
Generally - I recommend this place, cozy and tasty 👍
La Cueva Caprichosa
| Address | C. la Brita, 9, 38107 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:30 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 663 94 10 05 |
From the entrance waiter was unpleasant, did not even said Hola or hello on the beginning. I don't know his name because he did not introduce himself. Eventually we got someone else. Young guy, helpful and speaking English. First guy did not even try to communicate with us. I still give 1 star for service because first waiter was so unpleasant that he practically ruined it. We did not get out only because we were hungry after all day of sightseeing.
Food was 50/50. My Tenderloin steak in roquefort cheese was really tasty. Only problem is that, I have ordered medium and got it well done. So I think it was not cooked right to my order. My partner's Secreto Iberico was not impressive either. Meat was chewy and not seasoned much.
As a starter I got pork bao and it was the weakest of all dishes we have ordered. No taste and meat was dry.
Sweet potato cake was very good. Accompanied with a sweet sauce was delicious. I think that was best of our order. Altogether I am not coming to this place again. I would come back for food but I don't want to be treated as an intruder by waiters. Not recommended.
Really a hole in the wall. Food is very affordable and taste very good. It's located in a small village. Ordered the beef tenderloin and goat. The dessert nuts and honey was really tasty.
Average food but interesting interior decoration - a cave? I ordered half tuna steak which as you can see is fully cooked hence very dry and chewy, one piece of mushroom with almogrote cheese, and fried sardines which was very greasy. Price was fairly cheap though. Service was good.
Right/ Big portions, very nice ambience and food presentation, extremely good ratio quality- price. The pulpo is an absolute must try! Best of Tenerife and probably all Canary islands!!
Really interesting place off a beaten path, very attentive staff, but their food fell short. We've had the grill selection for 2 and everything was dry - with ribs being borderline inedible. Place was bustling with locals and we've heard good recommendations, so it's possible we were just unlucky.
Kon·Tiki | Restaurante Terraza de Cocina Viajera
| Address | Junto al Hotel Mencey, Calle Dr. Jose Naveiras, 38, 38004 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 683 15 35 47 |
Amazing fresh food, great wine and fun atmosphere. The best meal we had in Tenerife! Do not skip this place. The ceviche was flawless, the miso cod celebrated the fresh fish and the robota grill provided amazing flavour. Thank you for an amazing experience and flavour bomb
The perfect restaurant! The drinks were lovely, food was incredible and the atmosphere feels very inviting!
We went mid September and had the whole restaurant to ourselves and it was the nicest vibe.
I still think about the Thai Lasagna regularly, it was so unique and delicious! Presentation was gorgeous too.
As an Asian, I truly appreciate the exceptional fusion Asian cuisine they offer. Every dish we ordered was outstanding, and I haven’t felt this satisfied in a long time! The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the creativity in each plate was impressive. Highly recommend!
It’s a great restaurant with amazing food and a terrace. I loved the Bulgogi Angus the most and yakitori de cordero (lamb).
Highly recommend!
We had the most amazing meal at this restaurant. Starters of a delectable salad, followed by calamari and then chicken cooked to perfection in coconut and herbs for main course. The chocolate ganache was a perfect ending to a lovely evening. I highly recommend this restaurant. The ambience is sublime.
Cayote Restaurante
| Address | Calle Dr. Guigou, 29, 38001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 822 68 09 07 |
The risotto was good and well prepared, but unfortunately the service really spoiled the overall experience.
There were two waiters, and one of them was clearly new and very confused. She couldn’t remember who ordered what and kept asking several times whether the food or drinks were ours. When we reminded her about the wine we had ordered, she first poured red wine. After we told her we had ordered dry white wine, she then poured sweet white wine instead. Only after explaining once again did we finally receive the dry white wine we had originally ordered.
The second waitress was fine and more professional, but overall the service was slow and disorganized. It’s a pity, because the food itself was good, but the service needs serious improvement.
My experience with Cayote was great. I have visited in the evening and the vibe of the place is amazing. Great design, nice music playing in the background. The steak was made just as I asked. The wine recommendations were the best thing! I have tried 2 different red wines, one local and one from mainland, both were impressive! I would definitely recommend this place!
The interior of the restaurant was so beautiful but the food was average the steak was almost just fat that was not good to eas but the tuna tartare was fine and the gyozas where decent i think at this price point you can eat a lot better in tenerife we where a little dissapoinet but the wine was very good though
This place is perfect for couples, Tito our waiter was perfect explained the dishes and very passionate if I had a restaurant I woud defo have him there. I never even write reviews but this one I couldn’t help it. Visit Cayote when you’re in Tenerife I promise you won’t regret it. 5* all the way. Thank you to the chef and Tito
Amazing food (must-try: beef tenderloin & the sweet finals – chocolate & cheesecake), fast service, beautiful décor and a relaxing vibe. Loved it!
Restaurante Rincón de Pedro
| Address | C. los Molinos, 73, 38005 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 609 53 88 87 |
Listen… we came hungry and left emotionally attached 😂
This family-owned gem in Tenerife is EVERYTHING. The food? Clean plates, no survivors. The service? Top tier. The owner was chatting with us like we were cousins at a Sunday cookout.
It was my boyfriend’s birthday, and even though we were too full for dessert, this man brings out a whole potato… with a candle in it. ICONIC. Then hits us with celebratory shots. I said yeah, we found our people.
We loved it so much, we came back before leaving. And THIS time—enter the guava cheesecake. Baby… one of the best cheesecakes of my life. I should’ve smuggled one in my carry-on, no shame.
If you’re anywhere near this place, GO. Come hungry, leave happy, maybe with a potato birthday cake 🥔🕯️✨
Hidden gem. Must visit for sure. Very friendly staff, delicious food. Fairly big portions. We had two salads to share, and the rainbow of taste was absolutely amazing.
Crickets were also very good. One of the places I’ll return to when visiting Santa Cruz next time.
Food was delicious. My partner and I enjoyed croquettes, rice with prawns, and rice with pork. The Spanish flavors were flavorful, a bit spicy, and incredibly filling. A bit off the beaten path, but worth retreating under the cool covering!!
Amazing service and such a warm atmosphere! The best local food in the city, everything was absolutely delicious, from the meat dishes to the seafood. It’s a family-run business that truly cares about its customers and makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Highly recommended!
Amazing food and great service. Came here mainly due high review ratings and was not disappointed. Probably the only down side are the building works in front of the restaurant, but once completed the place must visit in Santa Cruz!
Tasca De La Mar El Mero
| Address | C. de la Rosa, 11, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 8:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 8:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 8:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 2:00 – 4:30 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 2:00 – 4:30 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 697 39 76 96 |
We had the best beef steak we've ever tasted at this restaurant. It was so good that we came back a second time! The open kitchen created a great atmosphere, and the restaurant felt warm and welcoming. The food and service were excellent, and we would definitely recommend this place.
We can't wait to visit again!
The place is very small with only two or three tables. Easy to arrive walking. Nice ambiance, music and lights. Very detailed (or even too much) explanations by the chef about dishes and wines. All the dishes where great, desserts included. The kitchen is right behind the bar. Good but priced Spanish wines. More than 40€ per person.
This place is wow, deffinitelly a must try! We got a stuffed yellow paper with nashed potatoes and minced meat, covered in a spanish chocolate sauce-amazing. The beef was also cooked to perfection, very tender and flavorfull. Loved the fact that the food is vooked in front of you. Thank you for the service and great dinner.
I really love this restaurant for several reasons. Firstly it really serves amazing food that is classic Italian cousine with a modern note. Secondly you have a really lovely team that makes you feel welcome. Thirdly this place is cosy and really something special.
I highly recommend you try to catch one of the spots near the counter so that you can observe the cooking. Food wise I highly recommend you order all courses (starters e.g parmigiana or ham/cheese platter, 1st dish, meat/fish and a dessert) as all of these are really fantastic.
Personally I felt the Beef Lasagna, Angus Steak and Tiramisu are must haves here.
Went with a friend a full day at #feriamodatfe and was looking for a place to have a great glass of wine and something to nibble with it .. this was the perfect place although it’s really really small we managed to get a place on the bar where we treated to a great Logroño by the glass and cheese platter .. they have a menu which is fixed but with daily specialities .. they do meat but cater for vegetarians and the wine is superb . The service is great and the chef actually prepares the meal in front of you as it’s an open kitchen
Roca de Sal
| Address | C. Antonio Domínguez Alfonso, 26, 38003 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 922 89 97 28 |
We've been walking through the city to find a quiet place with outside seating where there's no car passing by just millimeters away from your feet or where there aren't thousands of tourists staring at your plate.
Luckily with Roca de Sal we found all of this. On top of that our waiter has been the sweetest ever: helping us to find a good choice of starters complimenting the ordered seafood paella. He's been fair enough to tell us the approximated sizes of the dishes to make sure we don't overdo it.
The food was everything we asked for: fresh, delicious and perfectly arranged onto the plates.
On top of that I got to practice my Spanish skills having a pleasant conversation with the waiter and all of us got cute self-made Origami folded.
With this pleasant atmosphere and friendliness we stayed for a dessert of tiramisu and cafe as well and definitely did not regret it.
I'll definitely come back if I happen to be in town again. It's been an amazing experience from the beginning till the end and the prices are totally reasonable as well. ❤️
We visited Roca del Sal while staying in Santa Cruz and it was a fantastic experience. The food was absolutely delicious and everything tasted very fresh. You can really feel the quality of the ingredients.
The atmosphere is great — relaxed, cozy, and perfect for enjoying a good meal. The staff were very friendly and welcoming, which made the evening even more enjoyable.
We came with our child and felt very comfortable. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy local food and spend a nice evening. Definitely a place we would love to visit again when we return to Tenerife!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was amazingly delicious. European style haute cuisine dishes. Thank you for the friendly atmosphere, the freshest seafood and a large selection of wine. I was delighted, we will definitely come again.
Lovely place with amazing food and service. Servers were kind and helpful, and the lemon chicken is one of the best things I have ever eaten. We loved it so much we ate here 2 of the 4 evenings of our stay in Santa Cruz. Highly recommend
We had a lovely dinner here on Sunday evening. We ordered the scampi in garlic oil and the paella, and both dishes were very tasty. Everything was well prepared and full of flavor.
The atmosphere was very pleasant, even though the restaurant wasn’t very busy that evening. What really made the experience special was the service. The waiter was incredibly friendly, welcoming and attentive throughout the evening.
Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience and we would definitely recommend this place.
Casa Ireneo | Restaurante de comida tradicional española
| Address | Pl. de Ireneo Gonzalez, 6, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:30 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 1:30 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 1:30 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 1:30 – 5:00 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Friday: 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 1:30 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 1:30 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 682 74 07 34 |
Please be careful when placing your order—make sure to ask the waiter what exactly you are being charged for. We were served bread (one piece per person) that we did not order, and it was not offered to us in advance. In the end, we were charged €16.80 for it (for 8 pieces). Without butter , not about restaurant level.
The place is beautifully designed, clean, with a small number of tables and an open kitchen. The food was average, and the portions were rather small.
Incredible food (third visit!). Gildas and anchovies on brioche sensational. Wonderful friendly service from Jonathan and Alba.
Wonderful service and food. The Iberian ham and flan are perfection. Large selection of tapas.
Great food and very nice people.
Very nice and friendly staff, they helped us out perfectly given our subpar Spanish. The oysters, anchovies and meatballs were one-of-a-kind in terms of taste and really made our dinner here one to remember.
How to Eat Well in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Understanding a few local habits will dramatically improve your experience in the city’s restaurants. Dining times, ordering customs and menu reading all shape what you eat and how much you pay.
Embrace late dining hours. Lunch in Santa Cruz typically starts around 1:30pm and peaks at 2:30pm, while dinner rarely begins before 8:30pm. Many kitchens close between 4pm and 8pm, so plan your day around these rhythms rather than fighting them.
Look for the menú del día at lunch. From Monday to Friday, most traditional restaurants offer a fixed-price lunch menu that includes a starter, main course, dessert or coffee, bread and a drink. It is usually the best value in the city and a great way to taste home-style Canarian cooking.
Order local fish with confidence. The waters around Tenerife provide excellent cherne, vieja, sama and tuna. Ask what is fresh that day instead of defaulting to imported salmon or farmed sea bass, and be aware that fresh fish is often priced by weight.
Share a few raciones instead of ordering individual mains. Canarian dining is social, and many of the best dishes arrive in the centre of the table. Ordering several half or full raciones of papas, grilled cheese, croquettes, octopus and local fish lets you sample far more of the menu.
Book ahead for weekends and festival periods. Santa Cruz has a strong local dining culture, and the most popular family restaurants fill quickly on Friday and Saturday nights. A short phone call or WhatsApp message in Spanish is often enough to secure a table.
Save room for barraquito. This layered Canarian coffee with condensed milk, espresso, milk, cinnamon and lemon peel is the perfect end to a meal. Many locals order one instead of dessert, especially after a long lunch.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife remains one of the most underrated food cities in the Canary Islands. While other parts of Tenerife lean heavily on international menus, the capital keeps its culinary identity close, offering visitors a chance to taste the island as it really is.
Take your time, walk between courses and let the city’s relaxed pace set the rhythm of your meal. In Santa Cruz, eating well is rarely about extravagance. It is about fresh fish, honest cooking and the quiet confidence of a place that knows exactly what it has to offer.
