If you're visiting Tenerife, you shouldn't miss the experience of eating at a guachinche. But what exactly is a guachinche? These are traditional, family-run eateries where local wine is served alongside homemade Canarian dishes. The atmosphere is casual, authentic, and full of flavor.
A Bit of History 📜
Guachinches began as places for winemakers to sell their own wine directly to the public, usually accompanied by simple food made with local ingredients. Today, they range from rustic to modern, but they all preserve that homemade charm.
What to Expect at a Guachinche 🤔
- It's not a restaurant: the menu is usually short, and drink options are limited.
- Cash is king: many don't accept cards, so bring some cash just in case.
- Homemade food: honest, hearty, and regional — not fancy but truly delicious.
- Local expressions: Don't be surprised to hear phrases like "Ño! Qué bueno" when something tastes amazing, or "Chiquita embostada" when you're too full to eat more.
How to Order 🍴
Just ask what's available or what they recommend — there's usually no printed menu. It’s all part of the experience.
Top 5 Guachinches in Tenerife 🌟
1. La Huerta de Ana y Eva (La Matanza de Acentejo) 🌿
Traditional and family-friendly, offering classics like garbanzas, ropa vieja, and grilled meats.
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 1pm–10pm, closed Mon & Tue.
How to get there: Drive via TF-5, parking available.
Nearby: Mesas del Mar beach and the historic El Sauzal public wash basins.
2. Guachinche El Talegazo (La Orotava) 🏞️
Homemade Canarian food with great views of Mount Teide. Try escaldón, garbanzas, secreto ibérico.
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 12:30pm–10pm, closed Mon & Tue.
Nearby: Historic old town of La Orotava, botanical gardens.
3. Guachinche El Cordero (Guargacho, South) 🔥
Known for grilled meats and large portions. Don’t miss carne fiesta, garbanzas, and house desserts.
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 1pm–11pm, closed Mon & Tue.
Nearby: Take a short drive to the fishing village of Las Galletas and enjoy the beach and promenade.
4. Guachinche La Maestra (Las Chafiras) 🌊
Traditional food with a modern twist: bacalao encebollado, grilled octopus, and meats.
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 1pm–10:30pm, closed Mon & Tue.
Nearby: El Médano and La Tejita beach, great for sunbathing or enjoying an ice cream. Note: La Tejita is also a popular nudist beach.
5. Guachinche El Fogón (La Laguna) 🍇
Famous for its house wine and cozy vibe. Popular dishes include garbanzas, carne fiesta, and passionfruit yogurt.
Opening hours: Wed–Sun 1pm–10pm, closed Mon & Tue.
Nearby: La Laguna’s historic center, museums, and university area.
What You Must Try 🍽️
Papas arrugadas 🥔
Salt-boiled potatoes served with their skin — that's how they’re supposed to be! Usually served with red or green mojo sauce.
Polvito uruguayo 🍰
A creamy dessert with crushed cookies, dulce de leche, whipped cream, sugar and meringue — sweet and rich.
Bichillo 🐖
Grilled pork tenderloin — crispy outside, juicy inside. A simple but flavorful classic.
Goat Meat 🐐
Slow-cooked, well-seasoned and very traditional. Hearty and rich in flavor.
Garbanzas 🥘
Chickpeas stewed with meat or vegetables. A staple of Canarian cuisine.
Piña 🌽
Not pineapple! In the Canary Islands, "piña" means corn on the cob — often grilled or boiled.
Ropa Vieja 🍲
A hearty stew made with shredded meat, chickpeas, potatoes, and vegetables.
Almogrote 🧄
A spread made from aged goat cheese, garlic, and pepper. Can be spicy or mild. Great on bread.
Escaldón 🥣
A thick porridge made from gofio (toasted grain flour) and meat broth. Rustic and satisfying.
Huevos a la estampida 🍳
Fried potatoes topped with fried eggs — often with a bit of spreadable spicy chorizo. Simple, heavy, and delicious.
Pulpo a la canaria 🐙
Canarian-style octopus, boiled or grilled and served with green pimienta picona (local hot pepper). Not to be confused with squid!
Fried Octopus 🍤
Crunchy outside, tender inside — fried octopus served with lemon or mojo. A true favorite.
Tips for Visiting a Guachinche 💡
- Cash only: many places don’t take cards.
- Reservations: not always possible — arrive early if you can.
- Simple drinks: expect wine, water, and soft drinks — not fancy cocktails.
- Be open-minded: even if it’s unfamiliar, give the dishes a try.
- Come hungry! Portions are generous. As locals say: “Chiquita embostada” (totally stuffed!).
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