Lanzarote Cuisine

Discover the Culinary Delights of Lanzarote
An In-Depth Guide to Dining and Cuisine

Lanzarote, one of the beautiful Canary Islands, is renowned not only for its stunning volcanic landscapes and pristine beaches but also for its rich culinary heritage. We will try to help you get an understanding of some of the best traditional Spanish Dishes.

I love the island's cuisine is a vibrant fusion of traditional Canarian dishes, fresh seafood, and a variety of international influences. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the most popular dishes, top types of restaurants, and some of the best dining spots on the island.

Traditional Dishes of Lanzarote - Top 9

Lanzarote's cuisine is deeply rooted in its geographical and cultural history. The island offers an array of traditional dishes that reflect the simplicity and richness of Canarian cooking.

Here’s a ranked list of the 9 most popular traditional dishes on Lanzarote:

1. Papas Arrugadas:

This is the most popular. It has wrinkled potatoes served with mojo sauce.

2. Mojo Sauce:

Second place dish of a traditional sauce in red (mojo rojo) and green (mojo verde) varieties.

3. Sancocho:

A traditional Canarian fish stew.

4. Conejo en Salmorejo:

Rabbit marinated in a traditional sauce.

5. Ropa Vieja:

A dish made from leftover meat, chickpeas, and vegetables.

6. Rancho Canario:

A hearty stew with meat, noodles, and chickpeas.

7. Bienmesabe:

A sweet almond dessert

8. Queso de Cabra:

Local goat cheese

9. Carne de Cabra:

Goat meat stew.

Types of Restaurants in Lanzarote

Lanzarote offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here’s a detailed look at the most popular types of restaurants on the island, from the most popular to the least:

Seafood Restaurants

Given the island’s coastal location, seafood restaurants are immensely popular. They serve fresh fish, paella, and other seafood dishes.

Example: El Amanecer in Arrieta offers a traditional decor and serves seafood along with typical Canarian dishes. It's a popular spot with a beautiful terrace overlooking Playa de la Garita

Traditional Canarian Restaurants

These restaurants serve local specialities like Papas Arrugadas, Mojo Sauce, and Sancocho, attracting tourists eager to try authentic Canarian cuisine.

Example: Restaurante al Monumento al Campesino in San Bartolomé is famous for its traditional Canarian cuisine served in a unique setting within a volcanic jameo (La Voz de Lanzarote).

Tapas Bars

Tapas bars are popular for their casual dining style, allowing visitors to sample a variety of small dishes.

Example: La Taberna De Nino in Puerto del Carmen is known for its innovative tapas and traditional Canarian dishes.

Italian Restaurants

Italian cuisine is widely enjoyed, offering familiar and comforting dishes like pizza and pasta.

Example: Antica Trattoria di Verona in Costa Teguise.

International Cuisine Restaurants

These restaurants offer a variety of international dishes, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.

Example: Emma's Mexican Cantina in Puerto del Carmen offers authentic Mexican food prepared by a Mexican chef (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

Steakhouses and Grills

Popular for their hearty meals and grilled meats, often featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Example: La Bohemia in Costa Teguise (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

Fine Dining Restaurants

High-end establishments offering gourmet cuisine and an upscale dining experience are popular among tourists seeking a special meal.

Example: La Cabana in Macher is renowned for its gourmet cuisine and romantic setting (Capture the Atlas) (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants

Growing in popularity as more visitors seek out plant-based dining options.

Example: Blooming Cactus in Puerto del Carmen.

Family-Friendly Restaurants

These restaurants cater to families, offering kid-friendly menus and a welcoming atmosphere.

Example: Pizzeria Napoletana in Playa Blanca.

Fast Food and Casual Dining

Fast food chains and casual dining spots are less popular but still cater to tourists looking for quick and convenient meal options.

Example: Various fast food outlets in major tourist areas like Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise.

Notable Restaurants in Lanzarote

Here are some specific restaurants in Lanzarote where you can enjoy traditional Canarian dishes and other culinary delights:

Restaurante al Monumento al Campesino

Location: San Bartolomé
Description: Known for its traditional Canarian dishes, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience within a volcanic Jameo.
Highlights: Papas arrugadas, gofio, Canarian stews (La Voz de Lanzarote).

Los Valles Teleclub

Location: Los Valles
Description: A socio-cultural centre offering a range of traditional dishes. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Highlights: Carne fiesta, millet broth, wrinkled potatoes (La Voz de Lanzarote).

Bar Stop in Yaiza

Location: Yaiza
Description: An informal bar known for its affordable and traditional Canarian dishes.
Highlights: Chickpeas, sancocho, ropa vieja, tollos (La Voz de Lanzarote).

Casa de la Playa

Location: Arrieta (Haría)
Description: Ideal for enjoying seafood and other Canarian specialities with views of La Garita Beach.
Highlights: Gofio escaldado, limpets with mojo, seafood stew (Capture the Atlas).

El Amanecer

Location: Arrieta
Description: A traditional seafood restaurant with a beautiful terrace overlooking Playa de la Garita.
Highlights: Fresh fish, paella

La Cantina

Location: Teguise
Description: Focuses on local produce and Lanzarote wines, offering sharing boards of local specialities.
Highlights: Variety of local dishes, live music sessions

La Bohemia

Location: Costa Teguise
Description: Known for its grilled meats and lively atmosphere.
Highlights: Grilled meats, local wines, cocktails

El Navarro

Location: Costa Teguise
Description: Renowned for its excellent service and traditional Canarian dishes.
Highlights: High-quality local dishes, recommended for adults (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

La Taberna De Nino

Location: Puerto del Carmen
Description: Known for innovative tapas and traditional Canarian food, set on a lovely terrace overlooking the harbour.
Highlights: Variety of tapas, and traditional dishes (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

Casa Tino

Location: Playa Quemada
Description: A rustic fish restaurant directly on the beach in a small Canarian fishing village.
Highlights: Fresh fish, traditional Canarian dishes (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

Churros de Pescado, traditional Canarian fried fish sticks, served on a rustic wooden table

Pricing and Value

When comparing the overall prices of restaurants on Lanzarote with those in the Balearic Islands (such as Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca), Lanzarote generally offers more affordable dining options. Here are some key points of comparison:

Cost of Living and Tourism Impact: Lanzarote has a lower overall cost of living, which translates to more affordable dining options. The Balearic Islands, particularly Ibiza and Mallorca, attract high-end tourists and celebrities, leading to higher restaurant prices to cater to this market (Capture the Atlas).

Dining Out Costs: In Lanzarote, a typical meal at an average restaurant might cost between €10-€20 per person, while in the Balearic Islands, the prices can be significantly higher, with similar meals costing between €15-€30 per person (La Voz de Lanzarote) (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

Value for Money: Lanzarote offers good value for money, with many restaurants providing generous portions and high-quality local ingredients without the premium pricing seen in the Balearic Islands (La Voz de Lanzarote) (Lanzarote Connoisseur Villas).

Enjoy and I hope this guide has helped you maybe choose one of the local's favourite dishes, they really are fabulous and so so tasty!