My restaurant guide
If you've been to a really great restaurant that isn't featured here then please let me know about it [email protected] and I'll, one way or another, get round to checking it out! I really enjoy this part, lol:) Please bear in mind that I've had to visit these restaurants again to ask their permission for inclusion on the site, shame...:)
Casa Cabana - Puerto del Carmen
Kim & Jeremy took over the old La Cabana a fair few years ago and then finally moved on to new premises situated just up the road from the harbour in the Old Town of Puerto del Carmen ( stand at the entrance to the 'Rare Ole Times' and look directly ahead. Follow that road, Calle Teide and I'd guess that Kim & Jeremy will be 100 yards on the left.
I cannot fault their consistency, not just in the quality of food served there ( and I've been there a lot! ) but the service Kim and her staff provide too. They're all first class and I cannot recommend them highly enough. You'll get great food, fresh veg, fine wine and hearty portions. I've always thought their prices very reasonable which is why I return so often. They have a huge local trade too which just about says it all for me. Jeremy will cater for special diets but maybe it's better to ask him first and then he can be better prepared. Closed Fridays.
Visit their website at: casacabana.co.uk or Email: [email protected]
Alternatively call Kim & Jeremy direct on: 0034626724713
El Fondeadero - Costa Teguise
This one's a real find for me. I've been going there after sweaty gym sessions for my tortilla and tuna with a cortado con condensada ( strong, small coffee with a little condensed milk ) for years. 5 Euros gets me two fantastic tapas and a coffee. I don't know how they cook and serve it for that price! Other delights include the Ensaladilla Rusa and Croquetas de Pescado. I think one or two of the bar staff can speak English although I've always conversed in Spanish so I can't say, sorry.
It's a little out of town but worth the drive or long walk for a taste of tapas Canarian style and to mix a little with the local workers. The best I can direct you there is ask for the Kings house and follow the coast road towards Arrecife away from Costa Teguise ( pronounced Costa Tekeezay not Coasta Tegwise, lol:)) You'll see a row of three restaurants of which El Fondeadero is the middle one. Better still, jump in a taxi ( it'll cost you about 5 Euros today's prices 4/10/08 ) and walk back!
Enjoy!
La Cabana - Macher
Fancy going out of town for something special? La Cabana is a little bit off the beaten track, I'd say 10 mins taxi ride from the Old Town in Puerto del Carmen but I can pretty much guarantee you won't be disappointed. I've eaten here several times in the past and each time has been a joy. Darren sets the taste buds alight with his inspiring concoctions all cooked to perfection and Debs out front gives a glowing smile and faultless service. My only regret is that I'm normally disorganised as hell and a few times I've been too late calling to get a table. They have a formidable reputation and quite rightly so. It's intimate inside but they now have a sizable terrace and heaters for chilly winter evenings so further space is available. I'd always recommend booking here though. It's a strange place to have such a lovely restaurant to be honest. If I'd told you it's close to a petrol station and a Bus Stop you'd probably be put off so I'll say it's next to a Church, lol:) The views are nonetheless great if you do decide on the terrace option.
As I said, booking is highly advised ( Closed Sundays ) so try their website: lacabanamacher.com or contact them on: 0034650685662 or 0034646523089
La Bocaina - Playa Blanca
Nice one this, not the most romantic of settings but don't let that fool you as the decor and service inside is lovely. I've been here a few times and each time has been very good indeed, especially the deserts:) If you take the main road in to Playa Blanca it's the restaurant on the right after the garage. Someone recently asked me what the best restaurant in Playa Blanca was and although I haven't tried them all ( but would obviously like to! ) this one popped immediately in to my mind. Well worth the short walk up the hill and a locals haunt which says it all really.
Restaurante Playa Quemada - Playa Quemada
My local restaurant! If it's the setting your after then there can't be much better than this as you can almost dip your feet in the ocean from your table if you're sat outside. They used to sell a cheesecake which was incredible so ask for that although a recent change in ownership may have altered the menu a little. It's easy to find. Playa Quemada is past Yaiza, through Uga and turn right at the roundabout after the two big garages. Follow the road down and you'll see Restaurante Playa Quemada on the sea front. I've eaten there many times and have only been disappointed once. It's fresh fish and meat mainly, local cuisine and they show you the catch of the day and that's what's on offer as well as the menu. A real Canarian feel.
La Lonja - Old Town, Puerto del Carmen
I love this place, great tapas and lovely setting. If you get to the old town and find the harbour turn your back to the sea and look up, right in front of you ( I think there's a taxi rank there too ) is La Lonja with a fish outlet to the right as you look. Any tapas is great so take you pick. Also worth noting is that there's live traditional music every Friday night and they are fantastic. I actually think they play for free so tip well!!!
McSorley's - Puerto Calero
Puerto Calero is situated between Puerto del Carmen and Playa Quemada. It's a fabulous marina full of beautiful yachts, restaurants and bars, McSorleys is just one of them. It's an Irish style bar ( Irish Owned by the way:) ) and the food is pub style with a touch of class. It's great just to chill out on the front there and drift away...
Bo Deccos - Puerto del Carmen
It's a little hard to find but every time I've been to Bo Deccos I haven't been disappointed. The owners are Irish & Polish and the cuisine reflects that. It's a great place to go if you're a vegetarian as a huge menu is provided. Lovely decor and friendly service. It's situated in the Old Town, just up the road from the harbor ( top of the road and turn left ). Highly recommended. 0034928511463
La Tegala - Macher
This one's in the Michelin guide ( one of three on the island - what are the other two? ) so it has to be good and we weren't disappointed, especially since we went a little bit early and watched the sunset. It's definitely one for the Lanzagrotty brigade. On how many other islands can you eat so far inland and still have an amazing view? La Tegala, if your coming from Playa Blanca, is just on the left past the Macher petrol station. It's not cheap but it's not expensive either. The portions are a little on the light side but my fish was superb and Rachel had lamb which she thoroughly enjoyed. I spoke to the owner afterwards, a little worse for wear after two bottles of wine!, and he was more than happy to be recommended here. Again, highly recommended.
Coming Soon...
Montmartre, Las Brenas,
Fuerteventura
La Higuera
We were leaving El Cotillo, just outside really, within a couple of km heading towards Correlejo when I spotted this rustic looking place on the left behind a bus stop. We turned around and called in. What a surprise!!! I was expecting the usual, fish, potatoes and salad but what we got was exquisite tapas. We had a bottle of wine although I only had a glass as I was driving, fish in batter, vegetable enchiladas, ham and cheese croquets amongst other delights. To top it all off we had Tuna and it has to be the best tuna I’ve ever tasted, cooked to perfection with a beautiful sauce that the chef told us was made from balsamic vinegar and sugar. It was sensational!
English is spoken, excellently from what I heard but we mainly conversed in Spanish. I had a good chat with the owner about tourism, the island and islands in general, wished her the best of luck and I asked her if I could do her a write up. I hope you find it and I hope you have the same experience as we did. Enjoy!
[email protected] or contact 0034 928538770
Restaurante Apartamentos Coronados - Jandia
The restaurant is situated on the hill just off the roundabout at the top of the hill leaving Jandia heading south. It’s probably best if you catch a cab. We were also told about a place called ‘Maribu’??? although I couldn’t be 100% sure of the name. For those of you staying more than one night I’d give that a try. As a rule, always talk to the locals, where they eat is where I’ll eat!
