8 Nice Cafes & Restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz (& What to Order in Each!)

Finding good restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz isn’t hard, but if you’re looking for truly memorable meals, you’ll want to know where to go, especially if you are only spending a few days in Northern Tenerife.

Whether you’re in the mood for local Canarian specialties, fresh seafood, or perfectly grilled tapas, this list highlights the best restaurants that deliver on flavor, quality, and experience!

The places you’ll find below are the spots I’ve tried, loved, and keep coming back to. Some of them are casual restaurants, others more like dining establishments even with some views or more like bars, but in all of them, every dish and atmosphere feels worth it!

NOTE: Use this post especially so if you are visiting Puerto de la Cruz for a day or a couple of days. Then you’ll know exactly where to go to dine.

Is Eating Out in Puerto de la Cruz Expensive?

In my opinion (and experience) it is not, although of course in the end everything will depend on where you go and what kind of experience you choose.

When going to dine at oceanfront restaurants near popular areas like Plaza del Charco or Lago Martianez, of course, the check will be higher. For example, a seafood platter at one of these spots will set you back €25-30 per person. Still, for the view and ambiance, it might feel worth it.

But a good thing is that Puerto de la Cruz caters to all budgets, so oceanfront restaurants are not the options where to dine.

For example, if you head to a traditional guachinche (local family-run eateries), you’ll be amazed at how affordable and authentic the food is. Mark and I many times enjoyed a full meal with a glass of house wine for under €20 for 2 of us.

But these types of places are typically tucked away from tourist hotspots (I’ll write another post soon about the best ones), but if you are in other areas of Tenerife outside Puerto de la Cruz, they’re worth seeking out to receive an authentic experience and don’t spend much.

Directly in Puerto de la Cruz, don’t miss cafeterías or local bakeries for breakfast or light lunches. Grabbing a café con leche and a fresh pastry in the morning usually costs under €5.

There is also such a thing as menu del día (a three-course meal with drinks included) which is very popular in Puerto and costs around €12-15 per person. Many restaurants place a sign outside the door saying they offer menu del dia, once you notice it, check it out and see if that’s something you’d like to eat.

Best Cafes & Restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz (From My Experience) & Here is Why

Panaderia Boutique Relieve

• What to Try: breakfast croissants, European-style bread with various toppings, pastries, coffee & ice cream
• Location: Here on C. Luis de la Cruz street which is quite nice to walk on

This is one of my favorite cafes where to eat a light breakfast in Puerto de la Cruz. But the key phrase here is ‘light breakfast’ – if you’re someone who wakes up ravenous or loves a hearty morning meal, this cafe will not fully satisfy your appetite.

They have signature croissants – well, nothing too fancy, just properly made ones that remind me of France (almost!). The fillings, though, are what make them stand out. My absolute favorite is the chicken and cheese croissant (another one is tuna or some type of fish). It’s not listed on the menu, but trust me, ask the waiter for it – it’s pretty good.

They also serve delicious yogurt with granola, or if you prefer, you can order a classic croissant with butter and a selection of jams. For something savory, they have small toasts with smoked salmon that are perfect for a quick yet satisfying start to the day.

This spot has become a go-to for us, especially when guests visit because it is a very nice place for a budget trip to Tenerife or just where to socialize with good food. We often return in the afternoons too, to enjoy a traditional cappuccino alongside one of their many pastries. There’s always a wide variety of cakes and treats, so there’s something for every sweet tooth.

And what my husband particularly loves about this place is sitting outside on the quaint old street, watching people pass by while soaking in the charm of Canarian architecture.

Restaurante Tropical

• What to Try: menu of the day, various seafood platters, canarian soup & classic flan
• Location: Here, seating is available outside and inside is more like a bar setting

Oh, this is actually a very good example of a proper menu del día in Puerto de la Cruz! The selection here is fantastic and offers incredible value for money.

The meal typically starts with a choice of soups, like hearty Canarian vegetable soup or a lighter gazpacho. For the main course, you can pick from 6 different options such as prawn cocktail (very delish!), pork chop and chips, fresh local fish served with potatoes, and a dessert like cake or ice cream.

The portions are generous, and for about €12-15, it’s hard to find a better deal in town. If you’re craving something specific, they also offer an a la carte menu featuring dishes like garlic prawns, paella, baked peppers (very good too!), various salads, chicken wings, etc. (writing this and it all makes me hungry!). But the menu del día is where they truly shine.

Make sure to come early during lunchtime to get a good spot, as it’s popular among both locals and tourists who know good food when they see it!

P.S. Although it is also a fantastic spot where to chill in the evening with beer and a meal.

OLEA PINTXOS BAR

• What to Try: grilled prawns with garlic, che-style octopus (inspired by Latin American cuisine), padron peppers, their creamy croquettes, and any type of pintxos!
• Location: Here on a busy street, but it feels quite cozy!

This is the best bar in Puerto de la Cruz where to try incredibly delish pintxos and experience a slice of Spanish culinary culture. Well, actually Olea Pintxos is more than just a tapas bar.

It is a modern twist on traditional Spanish dining. While they specialize in pintxos (small bites served on skewers or bread), the menu also features a creative variety of dishes that highlight fresh, local ingredients and Mediterranean flavors.

You’ll find here a rotating selection of pintxos, ranging from traditional options like Iberian ham and Camembert cheese to more inventive combinations like grilled prawns with honey and mustard or sweet potato with cod. Each dish is beautifully presented, and the flavors are balanced and fresh.

We tried many dishes here and everything was delicious, but I like to return specifically for tapas because they are always changing and always so good (as of now any of them costs €1.80 which I think is quite affordable).

You’ll also find here an impressive selection of Spanish wines and vermouths, so it can be a great spot where to relax and enjoy the vibrant food culture of the island. There is mainly outdoor seating which is ideal for a casual evening out even when visiting Tenerife in winter.

ARCON TAPAS

• What to Try: papas arrugadas with mojo, chorizo al vino, grilled cheese with palm honey, boquerones (small, fresh anchovies), meat stew, and barraquito
• Location: Here, a bit away from the central street

This is another restaurant in Puerto de la Cruz that serves tapas but it has a very different concept than a previous bar.

If Olea Pintxos Bar specializes specifically in pintxos (mini sandwiches that are reminiscent of tapas in northern Spain, specifically San Sebastian and Santander areas), then Arcon Tapas offers small versions of Canarian-style tapas such as grilled cheese, fried squid, fried marinated anchovies with lemon, etc. They go for about €5-€7 each.

This is a very local spot even though it is quite there in the center of the city, great for any time of the day (from lunch hours to dinner). It is cozy and informal, with both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area is particularly inviting for people-watching while enjoying your meal.

Prices for tapas go between €4-7 each, and a couple of them can be quite filling for one person. A full-size meal (like for example, cod with vegetables or local meatballs with potatoes) cost €15 per dish.

If you go, I highly recommend trying their papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, they are a true standout!

This place is perfect for any season and weather – even on windy or rainy days (yes, it happens in winter) – thanks to the wide roof that covers the tables.

CASA PACHE

• What to Try: puchero (meat stew with veggies and garbanzo beans), inhouse wine, croquettes, cod dish
• Location: Here, tucked away in a quiet corner of Puerto de la Cruz

Casa Paché is a cozy, family-run restaurant hidden on Calle de la Verdad, a historically significant street in Puerto de la Cruz which also reminds a backyard of someone’s home. It’s our go-to spot when we are craving authentic Canarian flavors served in hearty portions.

The star of their menu is the traditional puchero Canario, a rich and satisfying stew made with local vegetables, chickpeas, and a mix of meats that’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Another must-try is their grilled goat cheese with mojo sauce, a local favorite that pairs the creamy, smoky cheese with tangy red and green mojo. For seafood lovers, the bacalao (cod) dishes are a highlight, prepared with fresh, simple ingredients that let the fish shine.

But they also have chicken wings (I saw other people eating and they looked delicious), croquettes, french fries, squid, and other dishes.

The atmosphere is rustic and welcoming, with a homely charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Canarian kitchen. Casa Pache will be ideal if you are seeking a laid-back dining experience with food that truly represents Tenerife’s culinary heritage.

It’s also reasonably priced (because a neighboring restaurant La Cocina has a similar menu but a more sophisticated setting, so prices are higher), with most dishes costing between €6-11, making it a great choice for an affordable yet authentic meal.

SMASH HUB

• What to Try: burgers with cheese fries
• Location: Here, on the central street, yet a bit hidden

Smash Hub is a modern tiny burger restaurant in Puerto de la Cruz near Playa de Martianez, so you can make a quick stop here during the day when spending time around the beach or later in the evening if staying in the hotel in the area.

It is simply a perfect spot where to eat a high-quality burger and fries in Puerto de la Cruz. What I like about them is that their menu focuses on bold flavors and fresh ingredients and they definitely stand out from typical fast-food options.

My favorite is their Buffalo Honey Chicken Pop, tender chicken bites with a sweet and spicy glaze and my husband loved their Classic Smash Burger with perfectly seared beef patties, melted cheese, and a toasted bun that’s hard to beat.

And their Cheese and Bacon Fries is a completely separate meal which you can have on its own and get full.

RESTAURANTE EL CAMINO

• What to Try: small plates of various Canarian flavors and definitely barraquito!
• Location: Here, it’s situated on the stairs and is always full of people. It may be easy to miss it because this place looks quite busy (like a small bazaar haha)

Here’s another restaurant we absolutely love, though it’s not one you’d visit every day. For a special occasion or a day out with friends, it’s perfect for the experience.

While it’s known for its tapas, to me, the dishes feel more like little Moroccan-style plates — tiny, beautifully presented bowls with a variety of Canarian flavors and some influences I’ve only encountered in Morocco (when visited there). For example, their spiced lamb and cinnamon-infused chickpeas and eggplant with tomatoes remind me of Moroccan cuisine.

You can choose from one of two different platter options. When we visit with our usual group of four, we always go for the €40 mixed tapas selection, which lets us try a little bit of everything (and that’s a lot of food for all of us).

For smaller gatherings (for 2 people for instance), there’s also a €22 option. It’s a fantastic way to share and sample many flavors. You can also order separately each dish but it comes in a slightly bigger portion and higher price.

Don’t also leave without trying their barraquito (!). They make one of the best in the area – it’s velvety, aromatic, and truly unforgettable. I also like their tinto de verano which is also excellent, refreshing and well-balanced.

TIP: Try to get a table away from the stairs, in that case you’ll have a complete seclusion.

Al Amir Lebanese Food

• What to Try: mezze platter, Shish Taouk, mixed meat grill, and their flaky baklava
• Location: Here, and choose to sit on the balcony, so you can observe two busy and colorful streets of Puerto de la Cruz from above!

Al-Amir is an excellent restaurant in Puerto de la Cruz where to go if you’re craving something a little different — for example, authentic Lebanese flavors served with care.

Their mezze platter is the perfect way to start, offering classics like creamy hummus, smoky baba ganoush, fresh tabbouleh, and crispy falafel. If you’re in the mood for meat, the mixed grill is a must-try, with tender lamb and chicken kebabs served alongside fragrant rice.

For something smaller, try their batata harra, spicy roasted potatoes with garlic and coriander, when we tried them they were full of flavor and are great for sharing.

Don’t leave without finishing your meal with a piece of their sweet, sticky baklava paired with a traditional Lebanese mint tea!

The atmosphere is simple but very nice, and if you’re lucky, you can grab one of the balcony tables for a charming view of the street below. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal when you are on vacation and when you’re ready to take a break from local Canarian cuisine.

Planning to Explore Other Areas Outside of Puerto de la Cruz?

Start with these posts:

• Tenerife North or South – how to decide which one is better for you
• Scenic Tenerife Road Trips – different drives around the island
• Best Beaches in Northern Tenerife – with tips and real photos
• Unique Places to Stay for Couples – in different parts of the island
• Visiting Guimar – on the opposite side from Puerto de la Cruz
• Incredible Things to Do in Tenerife South – if you go there