Tenerife’s vibrant capital, Santa Cruz boasts an excellent culinary scene that skilfully blends tradition and modernity. From sophisticated establishments to small, friendly addresses, discover our selection of the 8 best restaurants to eat at in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Embark on a culinary journey to discover local flavours!
In this article, we share our first-hand experience, with plenty of photos and practical information.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Content
1. Restaurant Etéreo by Pedro Nel (open Sundays)
Located in a charming area of Santa Cruz, Restaurant Etéreo is one of the jewels of the local gastronomic scene. Chef Pedro Nel prepares Mediterranean cuisine with Canarian accents, a touch of creativity and meticulous presentation. On the menu, we discovered a varied selection of dishes, with a particular emphasis on quality meats, such as Black Angus or Wagyu. In the spirit of contradiction, we opted for a delicious fish typical of the Canary Islands, called Cherne, accompanied by its corn velouté and yucca and squid purée.
The setting is very elegant, with the kitchen opening onto the room and a warm bar. We couldn’t resist trying a dessert to end our meal on a sweet note. First intrigued by the name of the pastry, “Quel œuf!”, we were then won over by its trompe-l’œil visual presentation. Once the shell was pierced, we discovered a creamy mousse and an exotic fruit coulis.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Parque García Sanabria
- Restaurant type: between bistronomic and gastronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €50 and €130 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (menu)
- We advise you to book online here
2. Restaurant El Aguarde (traditional cuisine)
For total immersion in Canarian flavors, head to Restaurant El Aguarde. In a pleasant, modern setting, we thoroughly enjoyed this fine dining experience, with its emphasis on local produce and traditional recipes. On the à la carte menu, you’ll find a variety of dishes featuring eggs in all their forms (fried, poached, fried), as well as fish and seafood platters and grilled meats. The establishment also offers a wide selection of local wines to accompany your meal.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Plaza Veinticinco de Julio de Los Patos
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 922 28 91 42
WHERE TO STAY in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The old town of Santa Cruz
AC Hotel by Marriott Tenerife – Check photos and availability
North of downtown
Hotel Iberostar Heritage Grand Mencey – Check photos and availability
The Park Suites by IRES LAR – Check photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Santa Cruz.
3. Restaurant Sagrario (traditional cuisine)
With its warm, atypical decor, Restaurant Sagrario is a must for lovers of Spanish gastronomy. Authentic yet modern, the cuisine celebrates the flavors of the country through gourmet dishes. Among the most emblematic are the revisited omelette, the plate of Iberian charcuterie, or the squid salad with black potatoes from the Canary Islands and pineapple. Not being particularly hungry that day, we chose the lobster and avocado salad, which was light and refreshing. The intimate, welcoming setting lends itself perfectly to a dinner for two or a convivial family meal!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Parque García Sanabria
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €40 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 922 10 27 88
4. Restaurant Kiki (Japanese fusion cuisine)
With its uncluttered, Japanese-inspired ambience, Restaurant Kiki offers a unique dining experience in Santa Cruz. Fusion cuisine skilfully blends Japanese flavours with Canarian influences, through elaborate dishes such asuramaki obako, an inverted maki with banana from the Canary Islands, goat cheese, avocado, salmon and toasted almonds. The drinks menu offers a selection of sakes and Japanese whiskies, as well as a wide range of wines that perfectly complement the dishes. We found the atmosphere zen and relaxing. It’s an excellent address for the curious in search of new flavours!
Want to extend the experience? Spend one or more nights at Hotel Urban Anaga, home to this fine dining establishment – see photos, prices, availability.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Plaza de la Candelaria
- Restaurant type: Japanese fusion
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €60 and €100 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
OUR TIPS TO RENT A CAR IN Tenerife
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- If you’re planning to explore the mountains, don ‘t take the smallest cars. A more powerful engine will be more comfortable.
- But don’t take too big a car either, as some roads are narrow.
- There’s a lot of demand and it’s an island, so book early.
5. Restaurant Jaxana (Asian fusion cuisine)
This excellent address invites you on a culinary journey where Asia meets the Canary Islands. This chic, modern restaurant offers a tasting menu based on top-quality local produce. The map evokes exotic, faraway lands such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia. Dishes are elegantly presented and feature typical island ingredients. With its hushed ambience, subdued lighting and meticulous decor, Restaurant Jaxana is the ideal place for an elegant evening out.
Practical information:
- District: Plaza de España
- Restaurant type: Asian-Canadian fusion
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €30 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 922 89 44 52
6. Restaurant Labeche (bistronomic)
Restaurant Labeche is a very good restaurant that combines refinement and authenticity. The decor is both elegant and warm. The setting is very pleasant. In terms of cuisine, the menu features the tapas and rice dishes for which the establishment is renowned. It’s the perfect place to share a convivial meal with family and friends over fine food. Between the melt-in-your-mouth tortilla, the crispy croquettes and the chef’s amazing Russian salad, making a choice won’t be easy!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
- Restaurant type: bistronomic – traditional
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 922 27 05 96
A LITTLE MORE patience
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7. Restaurant D’Tapas 26 (cheap)
If you’re looking for creative, tasty tapas, head for Restaurant D’Tapas 26 in the heart of Santa Cruz. It’s a friendly place, with a terrace overlooking a busy street. Made with fresh, local ingredients, the dishes are generous and perfect for sharing with a glass of local wine. On the chef’s advice, we opted for the plate of black Canarian potatoes, served with cod crumbs and a slightly sweet sauce. An ideal address for a convivial evening with friends!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Plaza del Príncipe de Asturias
- Restaurant type: tapas
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €25 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations can be made by telephone on +34 637 56 42 02
8. Restaurant El Porrón – Tasca Andaluza (affordable)
Nestled in the center of Santa Cruz, this traditional tasca celebrates the flavors of Andalucia through hearty, simple dishes. The restaurant has a warm, rustic atmosphere, with attentive service that adds to the cachet of this fine dining experience. Whether you’re looking for simplicity or want to explore the culinary specialties of southern Spain, this friendly address transports you straight to Andalucia! Tapas lovers will delight in a board of Iberian hams and mature cheeses, ideal for sharing with a glass of good Spanish wine.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción
- Restaurant type: traditional mix Andalucia – Canary Islands
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 922 15 18 67
HAVE FUN IN TENERIFE: activities
Other good addresses in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
You’ll find a few more good addresses in this section:
Restaurant Origen (Peruvian-Japanese fusion)
After visiting the traditional Santa Cruz market, head for the Origen Restaurant at the back of the building. This table offers an original and daring culinary experience based on Peruvian and Japanese flavors. We tried the kimchi croquettes, a surprising mix of textures. The restaurant’s elegant, modern decor is ideal for a dinner with friends or a unique gastronomic experience for two. We advise you to call the establishment before visiting, as the opening times available online do not really coincide with reality.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: traditional market
- Restaurant type: Peruvian-Japanese fusion
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €40 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 822 97 00 97
Restaurant Mundo Iberico (Spanish cuisine)
Restaurant Mundo Iberico celebrates Iberian flavors with a menu focused on meat, charcuterie, cheese and traditional Spanish tapas. It’s the ideal place to enjoy an aperitif over a delicious platter of top-quality hams. You can accompany your meal with a glass of wine.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: next to Parque García Sanabria
- Restaurant type: traditional – Spanish
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €30 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 663 38 75 60
Restaurant San Sebastián 57 (bib gourmand)
Restaurant San Sebastián 57 offers refined seasonal cuisine with a focus on culinary creativity. Its menu features modern dishes that skilfully blend haute gastronomie techniques with quality local ingredients. Enjoy elegant dishes in a refined, intimate setting. Choose the Caminar menu, sure to please even the most discerning palates!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: traditional market
- Restaurant type: seasonal cuisine
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €30 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Canarian specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +34 822 10 43 25
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