Of all Tenerife attractions, its traditional cooking is one which is still little known to the visitor. There are so many good restaurants with international cuisine in the tourist areas that simple island cooking based on fresh local produce (excellent fish, meat, vegetables and fruit) becomes difficul to find.

The most apprecited fish is an island species, "la vieja", which has fine white meat like the sama and the cherne. The sardine and the chicharro are among the most popular fresh water fish. The king of the meat is undoubtedly pork, one of the most requested dished being pickled pork, here called "festival meat" and also "conejo en salmorejo" served mainly in the countryside.

The "papas arrugadas" with green or red garlic sauce stand out above the rest as a side dish. The small and buttery potatoes that the island produces, have an extraordinary flavour and by themselves are a delicious dish.

The young wines of the north of the island of Tacoronte-Acentejo origin are an excellent accompaniment to Tenerife cuisine.

A good way of tasting the traditional dishes with a glass of the local wine is to follow the island custom and visit the "Guachinches". These are typical establishments to whish the people of Tenerife flock like pilgrims at the weekend. Most of the Guachinches are found along the roads in the regions of Geneto, la Esperanza, Tacoronte and Acentejo on the outskirts of La Laguna.

Recomended Resturants:

Clarets Restaurant - Located in Chafoya, 5 minutes from Los Cristianos, this lovely old Canarian farmhouse serves fine food and provides fine entertainment, to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

La Cava - C/. El Cabezo, 22, 38650 Los Cristianos. Fine food and excellent service have made this one of the best restaurants in Los Cristianos, and provides a menu of Czech, Slovak and French cuisine.

Promanade Resturante - Located along the promenade walkway in Los Cristinos. This is the best resturant & value for money on the island, with a large selection of meals, with friendly staff. An ideal spot to watch the world walk by.

Rosie's Cantina - Urb. Oasis del Sur, Royal Palm, Los Cristianos. Come to Rosie's Cantina for real spicy Mexican food and fantastic service, and cheerful service.

La Tasca de Mi Abuelo - Edificio San Marino, Los Cristianos. Come to this great place for authentic Spanish dishes and tapas. If the locals enjoy the cuisine, as they do, then La Tasca must be doing it right. The atmosphere is particularly welcoming and pleasant.