Lanzarote Restaurants

One of the real pleasures of life here on Lanzarote is the food. Beyond the main resort areas, you will find a wonderful mix of traditional Canarian dishes, the freshest Atlantic seafood, and an ever-growing selection of modern restaurants run by passionate local chefs. 

For many of us who call the island home, eating out is not just a treat but a way to truly experience the flavours and hospitality that make Lanzarote so special.

No stay on Lanzarote ever feels quite right without a plate of papas arrugadas. These little wrinkled potatoes, cooked in salty water and served with the island’s famous mojo rojo and mojo verde, are a true taste of local life. The mojos, one a lively red and the other a fresh green, are as much a part of Lanzarote as the sunshine and the Atlantic breeze. Fresh fish is always a pleasure here, especially when you come across vieja, cherne or sama, simply grilled and full of flavour. 

You’ll often find gofio on the table too, a roasted grain flour that adds a special touch to soups and desserts, just as it has for generations. I always enjoy starting a meal with queso asado, grilled goat’s cheese drizzled with mojo, and sometimes a little local honey for that perfect balance of sweet and savoury. Sancocho canario, a traditional salted fish stew, is another favourite, especially when shared with family on a Sunday afternoon. 

For the most authentic experience, I always suggest heading to the family-run restaurants in villages like Yaiza, Teguise or Haria. Here, you can enjoy these dishes in a relaxed, friendly setting, far from the busy resort areas. The pace is gentle, the portions are generous, and the welcome is always genuine. Meals like these linger in the memory long after the last bite.

Avenida de las Playas is the heart of Puerto del Carmen’s social scene, with a long stretch of restaurants, cafés and bars, each offering its own atmosphere. You can enjoy anything from a relaxed tapas bar to a simple pizzeria or a steakhouse with a view of the ocean, just right for watching the sun go down. There’s a cheerful, welcoming feel along the promenade, and it’s easy to settle in and soak up the holiday spirit as you wander.

If you’re after a taste of the real Lanzarote, I always suggest heading down to the old town harbour, El Varadero. This is where you can still feel the fishing heritage of Puerto del Carmen, and the pace of life slows right down. The small restaurants along the quay serve some of the freshest fish you’ll find anywhere, often caught that very morning. There’s nothing quite like sitting with a plate of grilled sama or vieja, a wedge of local lemon, and listening to the gentle clink of boats in the harbour as the evening settles in.

La Lonja by the harbour has been a favourite among seafood lovers for years, thanks to its hearty portions and genuinely friendly welcome. If you wander up one of the quieter old town streets, you might find El Asador, a great spot for grilled meats and a glass of local wine. I always encourage visitors to explore the little side streets around the harbour as well, where you’ll come across family-run places and cosy tapas bars that make you feel right at home. No matter where you choose, the warmth of Lanzarote’s hospitality and the pleasure of dining by the sea always make the meal memorable.

Playa Blanca is a wonderful place for anyone who enjoys good food. As you wander along the seafront promenade, you’ll come across a mix of new restaurants and long-standing favourites, each offering views across the Atlantic and, when the weather is clear, the outline of Fuerteventura on the horizon.

Marina Rubicón has grown into a favourite spot for both locals and visitors, with its waterside terraces offering everything from Mediterranean plates to sushi and tapas. Casa Carlos is a place we return to often, thanks to its focus on fresh local ingredients. If you have the chance, the grilled octopus and slow-cooked lamb shoulder are both excellent. Lani’s Snack Bar & Restaurant is a hit with families for its easy-going atmosphere and wide menu, while La Chalanita is a lovely choice for a romantic meal, especially if you can catch the sunset over the marina.

In the centre of the original town, you can still sense the old fishing village atmosphere. The restaurants along Calle Limones and the seafront are places we and many locals return to again and again. Brisa Marina is a classic for fresh fish, papas arrugadas, and the kind of warm service that keeps people coming back. If you’re in the mood for something different, Sebastyan’s serves Greek-Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed setting. For a special evening, El Mirador is worth booking ahead, with its terrace overlooking the sea and a menu that makes the most of Lanzarote’s local produce.

One of the best things about Playa Blanca is that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy a good meal. Family-run tapas bars still line the quieter streets, serving up freshly fried calamari, sizzling garlic prawns, and a glass of local Malvasía wine for much less than you’d pay elsewhere on the island. Vegetarians and vegans are also well looked after these days, with places like Green & Grill offering tasty, healthy options full of flavour.

No visit to Playa Blanca feels complete without at least one sunset meal along the promenade. Whether you choose a candlelit dinner at La Cocina de Colacho or prefer to share plates at Vino Blanco, the views, the food, and the relaxed Lanzarote welcome always come together to make it a memorable evening.

In Playa Blanca, the real challenge isn’t finding a good restaurant, but deciding where to start. My advice is to take your time, wander at your own pace, and chat with the staff along the way. They’re always happy to suggest the day’s special or point you towards a hidden local favourite. That’s what makes dining here feel like coming home, even if it’s your first time.

Costa Teguise has gradually grown into one of Lanzarote’s most appealing places to eat, offering something for every taste and every pocket. The relaxed atmosphere that we love about the resort is easy to spot in its restaurants, whether you’re drawn to a breezy café by the sea or a family-run spot tucked away behind the palm trees.

Pueblo Marinero square remains the heart of Costa Teguise’s food scene. During the day, the terraces are just right for a leisurely brunch or a sunny lunch, while in the evenings, the square fills with the gentle buzz of people sharing tapas and music beneath twinkling lights. Long-standing favourites like El Patio have been welcoming regulars for years, serving up classic Canarian dishes such as ropa vieja and freshly grilled fish. There are also newer places, like Taberna El Bocadito, where you can try creative takes on local ingredients, such as octopus carpaccio or papas arrugadas with a modern twist.

Strolling along the seafront promenade, you’ll find a wonderful mix of international flavours to tempt you. In recent years, there’s been a real buzz around Asian and fusion spots, with places like Sushi Time and Wok Lanzarote attracting both locals and visitors for their fresh, flavourful dishes. Families are well looked after too, with restaurants such as La Chimenea and Restaurante El Maestro offering welcoming service, generous menus, and plenty of space for children to unwind after a day by the sea.

For a special meal, many of us head to Restaurante Villa Toledo, perched just above Playa Bastián. It’s been a favourite for celebrations for as long as I can remember, with its elegant setting, sea views, and a menu that really showcases the best of Lanzarote’s produce: local fish, goat cheese, and wines from La Geria. If you’re in the mood for something more relaxed, the food trucks and street food markets that now appear regularly in Costa Teguise are a fun way to sample everything from gourmet burgers to vegan paella.

What I love most about dining in Costa Teguise is the genuine welcome you receive wherever you choose to eat. Don’t hesitate to ask for the day’s recommendations; the chefs and staff are proud of what they serve, and there’s often a story behind the daily special. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a family get-together, or simply want to enjoy a cold beer and a tapa as the sun goes down, you’ll find that Costa Teguise’s restaurants make you feel right at home.

If you get the opportunity, I always recommend trying a glass of Lanzarote wine. Here, our vineyards are unlike any others I’ve seen, with each vine nestled by hand into its own hollow, sheltered from the wind by curved stone walls and set against the dramatic black volcanic soil. This traditional method helps the vines collect the morning dew and gives our wines their unmistakable character.drg

Malvasía is the grape that truly stands out on the island, thriving in Lanzarote’s unique conditions to create crisp, aromatic white wines with a gentle mineral note. You’ll also find some wonderful rosés and reds, each carrying a touch of that volcanic influence. Most of our bodegas are small and family-run, so tastings here are always relaxed and welcoming. It’s not unusual for the people pouring your wine to share stories about the land and the winemaking process, which makes every visit feel personal and memorable.

Two of the best-known bodegas are El Grifo, the oldest winery in the Canary Islands, with its interesting museum and peaceful gardens, and Bodega La Geria, right in the heart of our remarkable, vine-covered landscape. There are many other small bodegas dotted around the La Geria region, where you can sit beneath a fig tree with a glass of Malvasía seco or take home a bottle to enjoy as the sun goes down. Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or simply curious, tasting Lanzarote wine is part of daily life here. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand why we are so proud of our volcanic vineyards.