I thought it might be timely for those planning their Tenerife holiday this year, to give some more up to date recommendations. As always, these are completely subjective choices so feel free to add your own.
El Rincón de Juan Carlos, Los Gigantes. It was top of my list in 2012 and it still is now. In my opinion, simply the best restaurant on the island and in 2015 received its first (long overdue) Michelin star. Top notch dining, not cheap but amazing value for money.
Favourite dish: pork cheek with French truffle (papada de cochino negro).
Lucas Maes, La Orotava. Another carry-over from my 2012 list and still as fabulous as ever. Gourmet cuisine in a lovely mansion overlooking the ocean. Pricey, so one for a special occasion. Favourite dish: pan seared scallops.
Otelo, Adeje. The last of my 2012 list to make it through to 2016. Unlike the Barranco del Infierno over which it resides, Otelo’s doors remain open and it’s just as finger licking good as ever. Cheap and filling treat. Favourite dish: garlic chicken of course.
Mirador de Garachico, Garachico. Creative cuisine, local produce and service with a warm smile every time. Mid-range prices and huge portions. Good value for money. Favourite dish: sea bass and prawns with asparagus.
Los Roques, Los Abrigos. Lovely setting, lovely people, lovely food. What more do you want? Fine dining without the fuss and a perennial favourite with people who return year on year. Mid-range prices. Favourite dish: avocado and lime sorbet.
Tito’s Bodeguita, Puerto de la Cruz. Gorgeous garden patio setting and an ideal lunch venue. The menu doesn’t tend to change but luckily, it’s got lots of great choices. Not cheap. Favourite dish:Capricho de Pollo (crispy chicken goujons).
Empire, Playa de Las Américas. Gastro pub grub done exceptionally well in stylish surroundings in the Safari Centre. One of several restaurants in the Venture stable, every one of them raising the restaurant bar in the south. Good value. Favourite dish: Fish´n´chips.
Habibi, Los Cristianos. If you like Middle Eastern food, you’ll love Habibi. More an institution than merely a restaurant, Habibi’s Arabian Nights décor sets the scene for fabulous spices, curries and couscous. Big portions, good value. Favourite dish: mixed mezze with Lebanese bread.
Terrazas del Sauzal, El Sauzal. A new addition to my favourites list and one that will take some toppling. Sensational food in an uber stylish setting with panoramic views across the north west coast. Definitely one for a special occasion lunch. Not cheap. Favourite dish:Milhojas de bacalau (cod in puff pastry with chestnut sauce).
Mesón Los Gemelos, Puerto de la Cruz. More leafy patios and great service from this cracking restaurant in my home town. You can’t book and you can expect to queue because everyone loves it. Traditional Canarian food done well. Big portions and cheap. Favourite dish: steak, pure and simple.
