Eating Out in Puerto del Carmen

Puerto del Carmen is Lanzarote’s largest resort, and it truly stands out for its incredible variety of restaurants. Along the lively Avenida, you will find a wonderful mix of places to eat, while the Old Town harbour is the spot for the freshest fish, often brought in by local boats that very morning. If you prefer a more peaceful setting, Matagorda offers a quieter pace, and up in the hills at Tias and Macher, there are some real gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you are looking for a simple meal or something a little more special, there is something here for every taste and every budget.

With so many choices, it can sometimes feel a little daunting to decide where to begin. To make things easier, I have divided the options by area, so you can find just the right spot for the meal you have in mind.

The Avenida stretches along the entire length of Puerto del Carmen’s beautiful beach, with around seven kilometres of restaurants lining both sides. This is the heart of the resort’s dining scene, and as any local will tell you, the quality can vary quite a bit. The key is knowing where to find those special places that stand out from the crowd.

Restaurante Amura does contemporary Mediterranean food in a smart beachfront spot. Fresh pasta, quality steaks, creative seafood. It's one of the more polished options along the strip.

Lani’s Beach Bar & Bistro sits right on Playa Grande beach and is much loved by both locals and visitors. The menu leans towards Mediterranean flavours, with good cocktails and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere that’s just as inviting for a leisurely lunch as it is for sunset drinks overlooking the ocean.

The Terrace Puerto del Carmen has earned a loyal following for its steaks, burgers and modern comfort food. Portions are generous and everything is well prepared, making it a welcome step above the typical resort fare.

If you’re after a friendly spot with a true home-from-home feel, The Good Old Days Lanzarote bar and restaurant is a must-visit. Known for its hearty British classics and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s become a favourite for both locals and holidaymakers. Their Sunday dinners are legendary! Think perfectly roasted meats, crispy potatoes, and rich gravy, just like you’d find back home, but with a view of the Atlantic. The evening menu has something for everyone, from generous burgers and steak pies to lighter bites and veggie options. There’s always a buzz in the air, especially on entertainment nights when live music or quiz nights bring everyone together for a bit of fun. Whether you’re craving a comforting meal or looking for a lively evening out, The Good Old Days delivers with great food, friendly faces, and that unmistakable Lanzarote hospitality. 

A little local tip: if you see a restaurant with a photo menu outside, it’s often best to keep walking. Take a few steps off the main Avenida into the side streets, and you’ll often discover smaller places serving better food at more reasonable prices. There are so many great places to eat here you will be spoilt for choice!

The Old Town, or Pueblo Viejo as we call it, is where it all began. This is the heart of the original fishing village, clustered around a small harbour that still feels wonderfully authentic. If you wander down from the Avenida, it’s about a fifteen-minute stroll or a short taxi ride, but when you arrive, it feels as though you’ve stepped into another world. Whitewashed buildings line the waterfront, fishing boats bob gently in the harbour, and there’s a real sense of village life here. The atmosphere is always welcoming, and the fish couldn’t be fresher.

La Lonja is a real classic here, perched right on the harbour and serving up whatever the fishermen have brought in that morning. The fish is grilled simply, just as it should be, with a side of mojo and papas arrugadas. If you can, try to get a table at sunset – the view is something special. It’s a popular spot, so it’s wise to book ahead during busy times.

El Asador is another favourite in the Old Town, especially if you enjoy charcoal-grilled meats and fish. The aged steaks are a real treat, and the Canarian starters are always spot on.

Casa Roja offers something a little more special, with creative Canarian-fusion dishes and a wine list that really showcases the best of the islands. The service is always attentive, making it a lovely choice for a memorable evening out.

Restaurante El Tomate is tucked away in the winding streets of the Old Town, serving traditional Canarian and Spanish dishes in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. The fish soup and grilled vieja are favourites among locals and visitors alike.

Matagorda sits at the quieter, more residential end of Puerto del Carmen, gently stretching up towards the airport. There may be fewer restaurants here, but those you do find are real gems, and the whole area has a noticeably calmer, more relaxed pace than the busy Avenida. It is a lovely spot if you are looking for somewhere peaceful to unwind.

La Carmencita del Puerto is one of our favorites, beautiful freshly cooked Spanish tapas with attention to detail.

Restaurante Mamma Mia has been a favourite Italian here for many years, and it is easy to see why. The pasta is always good, the wood-fired pizzas are a real treat, and there is a warm, welcoming family atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. It is one of those places you can rely on for a lovely meal, time after time.

Los Roferos is a great spot for proper Canarian food, and it is the sort of place where you will often find local residents enjoying a meal. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and both the goat stew and the fresh fish come highly recommended. It is not about fancy decor here, but about honest, really good food that keeps people coming back.

Along the Matagorda beachfront, you will find a handful of chiringuito-style beach bars that are perfect for a relaxed lunch with beautiful sea views. It is a lovely way to spend an afternoon, just watching the world go by.

Macher and Tias are nestled in the hills just above Puerto del Carmen, only a short ten-minute drive away. Over the years, these peaceful villages have quietly blossomed into favourite spots for those who appreciate good food, with a handful of restaurants that truly make the journey worthwhile.

La Tegala in Tias is often spoken of as one of the island’s finest dining experiences. Housed in a beautifully restored Canarian home, it offers a modern take on local cuisine, with creative dishes and fresh island ingredients always presented with care. The tasting menu, paired with excellent wines, is a real treat and well worth booking ahead for.

Restaurante Lilium in Tias brings a fresh energy to the island’s dining scene, offering fine dining in a stylish, contemporary space. Here, local Canarian ingredients are given an international twist. Think red prawn carpaccio, local fish finished with volcanic salt, and imaginative desserts. It’s quickly become one of the most talked-about new arrivals among food lovers here.

Casa Tomas in Macher is more traditional. Family-run, set in a converted farmhouse, big servings of grilled meats, fresh fish and Canarian classics. The terrace looks right down to Puerto del Carmen and the sea.

La Cabana in Macher remains one of Lanzarote’s true culinary treasures. Tucked away in the quiet hills, this intimate restaurant combines contemporary flair with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. The menu is a real celebration of seasonal ingredients, with perfectly cooked steaks, fresh local fish, and inventive vegetarian options appearing regularly. The tasting menu, paired with a thoughtful selection of Lanzarote and Spanish wines, is always a highlight. The service is warm and attentive, and you can tell that every detail, from the presentation to the gentle lighting, has been carefully considered. Whether you’re marking a special occasion or simply looking for a memorable meal in peaceful surroundings, La Cabana is always a pleasure to visit.

Dining up in the hills is a different experience altogether. The air is a little cooler, the sunsets are often spectacular, and there’s a distinctly local feel to the atmosphere. Many regular visitors tell me that the short taxi ride is the best investment they make during their stay.

One of the things I enjoy about Puerto del Carmen is how easy it is to find excellent international food, no matter where you are in town.

If you have a taste for Indian cuisine, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of options here. Everest and Shapla Tandoori have both earned loyal followings over the years, thanks to their generous menus and reliably good food. You’ll find most of the Indian restaurants dotted along the Avenida and tucked into the local commercial centres.

For Italian food lovers, there’s more than just the usual pizza spots. Restaurante Il Nuovo Sapore is a real gem, offering handmade pasta, fresh ingredients and a warm welcome from Italian-speaking staff. La Ola Trattoria is another favourite for those seeking authentic flavours.

If you’re in the mood for Mexican, El Mexicano is a popular choice, and there are a few newer places specialising in tacos that are well worth a try. These spots are perfect for a relaxed evening out, and the margaritas are usually served with a generous hand.

For anyone craving a taste of home, you’ll find no shortage of places serving up full English breakfasts, Sunday roasts and classic pub favourites. Standards are generally good, as there’s plenty of friendly competition to keep everyone on their toes.