Gran Canaria Restaurants

Gran Canaria’s traditional cuisine is fairly typical of the Canaries, with influences from Spain, Latin America and Africa.

Local cuisine

Fish is a prominent feature of many dishes and sees locally caught varieties such as tuna, swordfish and sea bass served with mojo verde, a delicious coriander and parsley sauce. Fish stew is also a popular dish and the well known sancocho, made from stone bass or sea bream, is certainly one to try if you’re a fish fan. Alongside many fish dishes, you’re likely to see papas arrugada, which are basically potatoes boiled until all the water evaporates and the skins become wrinkled and dry. Gran Canarians are also fond of tapas dishes, a tradition imported from mainland Spain, and it’s not uncommon for locals to indulge in a few light dishes of meat or vegetables prior to the main evening meal alongside a beer. Rabbit dishes are also popular on the island, as the meat is reared locally and is cheap. Grilled, roasted or stewed rabbit are all popular, served again with papas arrugada. Other meat dishes are available, but these tend to be expensive on account of the meat being imported.

The popular tourist areas are home to a large selection of restaurants, with some high class establishments located in Las Palmas. Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean delicious or authentic however, and if you really want a true a taste of traditional cuisine, you will need to seek out the smaller establishments where the locals hang out. Restaurants don’t get busy of an evening until about 21:00 and it’s not unusual for diners to still be eating around 23:00.