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There’s no Shortage of Dining Options on The Playa – Tenerife Food And Travel Guide

There’s certainly no lack of choice when it comes to dining out in the popular tourist resorts of Playa de las Americas and Los Cristianos in Tenerife.

In fact, you’re more likely to be overwhelmed by the variety of options and have a difficult time choosing. Here are some tried and tested favourites that’ll keep you well fed and watered during your week away.

BREAKFAST

Most hotels will have a buffet breakfast on offer and there’s no shortage of full English/Irish breakfasts around, but it can get a bit boring after morning number three. Skip the greasy fry up and opt for a refreshing lighter choice at Las Salinas Chiringuito with a morning yoga class followed by a healthy juice.

LUNCH

For the best chicken on the island, take a trip to Adeje Chicken. An informal cafe style restaurant, it’s famous with the locals. Serving only chicken, chips, salad and bread, the simplicity and freshness of the food here speaks for itself. Taking finger lickin’ good to new levels, order more than you need and keep some for lunch the next day in fresh crust bread rolls with real mayo.

DINNER

Devote at least one night of your trip to Balkonen Lebanese Restaurant. You could easily walk by the entrance and take no notice of the stairs leading up to this well-loved establishment. Let’s just say, it doesn’t look much from the outside, but let the food do the talking and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

It has plenty of options for vegetarians and a very warm service. Try the mezze style tasting menu and you won’t be disappointed. Fresh out of the oven flatbreads begin proceedings with hummus and aubergine dip, the most incredible Fattoush salad follows, then spinach and cheese pastries, falafel and chicken shawarma to name a few of the dishes. Reasonably priced too.

For some early evening browsing before dinner, I suggest Tenerife’s very own mini Vegas strip at the Safari Centre (music, lights, fountains, shows and bling). Try Embrujo for traditional tapas (in a touristy area) with other typical Spanish dishes on the menu too. Garlic prawns and Padron peppers are always a good choice, the chorizo and papas bravas are delicious too. Great live music and shows on some nights, check before you book a table, the Flamenco is excellent!

Chiringuito Atlanticus is a nice spot for fresh local seafood and chilled rosé Cava at reasonable prices and the best view on the beach for sunset. Situated at the end of Las Vistas beach, past the row of shops, bars and restaurants in San Telmo (good options here too), early evening is the best time to visit.

Ask for the catch of the day and order extra Canarian potatoes (papas arrugadas, literally wrinkly potatoes) with red and green mojo sauce. It’s very family friendly and relaxed, the perfect place to finish a beach day.

Tenerife

El Gomero is another favourite with locals and tourists alike. One of the best places to order paella in Playa del las Americas, the casual traditional Spanish restaurant is cheap and cheerful with good portions. Keep your eyes peeled for a popular Irish celebrity who likes to dine here!

Bar el Cine in Los Cristianos is the place to go if you’re looking for fresh seafood. Don’t expect silver service, this is a no frills, queue for a table kind of joint (very popular, but worth the wait). Non-fussy dishes such as pulpo (octopus) with a simple salad are order of the day, light and tasty.

For a fancier table setting with nice sunset views, try Terrezza del Mare at the end of the beach in Las Americas. Grab a gin before dinner and stick around long after for live music. The pasta dishes are excellent and the cocktail menu impressive.

DRINKS

Did you know the Canary Islands produce their own wine? Probably not what you’d expect in Tenerife. 1600 metres above sea level, you’ll find the town of Vilaflor (the highest municipality in Spain). But on your way up the mountains, Bodega Reverón is situated with its own high-altitude micro-climate perfect for producing delicious red, white, rosé and sweet desert wines.

The family run vineyard provides personal tours and explanations of the wine-making processes before sitting down to a private tasting. You’ll need a car to get here (and a designated driver), plus don’t forget to bring cash or a card because you’ll want to buy some bottles to take home.

Head back to Las Salinas for ‘the best Mojito in the world’, so they say. I don’t know if I’d quite agree, but they’re certainly worth a taste. The laid back vibe is best enjoyed at sunset, but don’t expect to find comfy seats, especially on busy nights when there’s live music on.

It’s a beachfront hut with no food kitchen or bathrooms (there are public toilets nearby), but its location keeps drawing in the crowds nevertheless. Sit on the rocks and enjoy the view and make your own mind up about those Mojitos.

Another popular spot for a sundowner is Papagayo Beach Club, at the start of Playa del Las Americas beach. It’s the antidote to the mayhem of Veronicas strip, but can get lively after dark. Order an Aperol Spritz or frozen Daquiri while the sun is still shining and their espresso martinis are perfect for an after dinner drink before you see where the night takes you.

FEATURE BY NADIA EL FERDAOUSSI

Obsessed with travel and beauty and unable to find a traditional career that satisfied both passions, I decided to forge my own path by combining the two. I have a tendency to do that, just go ahead and jump two feet in before testing the waters, but luckily it seems to have worked out for me. And more importantly, I have fun doing it.

Visit Nadia’s travel and lifestyle blog, the daily s’elf, to read more about her adventures.

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