Eat like the locals: local delicacies of Lanzarote you must try
June 11, 2025
Lanzarote, one of the picturesque Canary Islands, is not only a paradise for sun and beach lovers, but also a true feast for the palate. The island offers a rich palette of flavors, combining traditional recipes with influences from Spanish and African cuisine. In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey through Lanzarote's best restaurants, where you can sample authentic local delicacies. From fresh seafood to aromatic tapas, you'll discover flavors that will make your Lanzarote vacation an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Get ready to discover places where locals savor traditional dishes and where every bite tells the story of this unique island. It's time to begin our adventure with the flavors of Lanzarote!
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Best places for fresh seafood
Let's start our culinary journey with places where you can taste the freshest seafood in Lanzarote. Our first stop is La Casa de La Playa, a picturesque restaurant overlooking the ocean. This place is famous for its excellent seafood dishes, especially the octopus salad, which is a must-try for any visitor. The restaurant is very popular among locals, which is the best proof of the quality of the food served. Prices are moderate, and the portions will satisfy even the most demanding gourmets. It's worth remembering that queues for tables can form after 2pm, so it's better to come early or reserve a seat.
Another place worth noting is Lani's Cafe Restaurant, which offers not only delicious food, but also spectacular sea views. The restaurant is distinguished by its elegant glamour-style decor and excellent service. The menu includes a wide selection of dishes, including fresh fish and seafood. Guests especially praise the grilled cheese with fig jam as an appetizer. What's more, the restaurant offers a complimentary glass of Cava wine to guests, adding to the charm of the whole experience.
Comparing the two places, La Casa de La Playa has a more local, authentic feel, while Lani's Cafe Restaurant offers a more refined dining experience. La Casa de La Playa is ideal for those looking for a genuine, non-touristy place with simple but delicious food. Lani's Cafe Restaurant, on the other hand, is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner or special occasion, where the atmosphere and views are important in addition to the food.
Both places have their advantages: La Casa de La Playa offers fresh, simple dishes at affordable prices, but can be crowded during peak hours. Lani's Cafe Restaurant provides a more luxurious experience, but can be a bit more expensive. The choice depends on your preferences and the occasion, but one thing is certain - a culinary feast starring seafood awaits you at both places.
Traditional tapas and local specialties
Now we'll move deeper into the island to discover places offering traditional tapas and local Lanzarote specialties. Our first stop is El Guachinche de Luis, a true gem among local restaurants. This place is famous for its authentic Canarian cuisine served by charming local owners. The menu abounds with traditional tapas, and guests especially praise the breakfasts and sandwiches. Prices are affordable and the location is ideal for those who want to avoid crowded, touristy places. El Guachinche de Luis is an excellent choice for a quick lunch or light dinner in a truly local atmosphere.
Another place worth visiting is La Carmencita del Puerto. This restaurant offers a wide selection of tapas and Spanish-inspired dishes. Guests especially praise the meatballs (albondigas) in Spanish sauce and the toast with goat cheese and caramelized onions (rulos de cabra). La Carmencita del Puerto stands out not only for the taste of its dishes, but also for their presentation - the dishes are beautifully served, which adds to the culinary value. The restaurant has a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
For those looking for a unique culinary experience combined with beautiful views, we recommend Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles. This place is famous for its excellent steaks and grilled dishes, but also offers a wide selection of traditional tapas. The restaurant's greatest asset is its location - the terrace offers a breathtaking view of the valley. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Comparing the three places, each has its own unique character. El Guachinche de Luis is the most authentic and affordable, perfect for those who want a true taste of local cuisine. La Carmencita del Puerto offers a wider selection of tapas and more refined dishes, while maintaining affordable prices. Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles, on the other hand, is the best choice for those looking for a combination of great food and exceptional views, although it may be slightly more expensive than the other options.
It's worth noting that all three restaurants enjoy high ratings among guests, a testament to the consistently good quality of the food served. El Guachinche de Luis and La Carmencita del Puerto are open most of the day, making them ideal for lunch or early dinner. Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles is best visited in the evening to fully appreciate the beauty of the sunset over the valley.
Whichever restaurant you choose, each offers the authentic flavors of Lanzarote and will make you feel like a true islander. Be sure to reserve a table, especially for Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles, which can be very popular in high season.
Desserts and local wines - a A sweet ending to your culinary journey
To conclude our culinary journey in Lanzarote, we can't forget the desserts and local wines that perfectly complement the flavors of the island. Let's go back to Lani's Cafe Restaurant, which offers exceptional desserts in addition to excellent main courses. Guests especially praise the chocolate fondant, which is the perfect end to a meal. Moreover, the restaurant serves traditional Canarian barraquito coffee, which is a must-try for all coffee lovers. This aromatic combination of espresso coffee, condensed milk, liqueur and cinnamon is sure to excite your taste buds.
At La Carmencita del Puerto you will also find a wide variety of desserts. Although the restaurant is mostly famous for its tapas, it's worth leaving room for a sweet finale. Guests often mention the excellent quality and freshness of all the ingredients, which certainly translates to the desserts as well. Keep in mind that the menu can change according to the season, ensuring that you always try something fresh and local.
When it comes to wines, Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles is the place to enjoy local spirits. Lanzarote is famous for its unique wines made from grapes grown on volcanic soil. At Mirador de Los Valles you can taste different varieties that go well with local dishes. Especially recommended is Malvasia wine, characteristic of the region.
Comparing the dessert and wine offerings at these restaurants, each has something unique to offer. Lani's Cafe Restaurant stands out for its elegant dessert presentation and unique barraquito coffee. La Carmencita del Puerto focuses on freshness and seasonality, which can mean interesting, changing dessert offerings. Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles, on the other hand, offers the widest selection of local wines, making it an ideal destination for oenology lovers.
It's worth noting that all of these restaurants care about the quality of not only the main courses, but also the desserts and wines. Lani's Cafe Restaurant and Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles may be slightly more expensive, but offer a more refined dining experience. La Carmencita del Puerto, on the other hand, strikes a balance between quality and affordability.
Finally, remember that tasting local wines and desserts is not only a pleasure for the palate, but also a way to gain a deeper understanding of Lanzarote's culture and traditions. Every sip of wine and every bite of dessert tells the story of this unique island, its climate, soil and the people who passionately create these culinary masterpieces.
Whether you choose an elegant dessert at Lani's Cafe Restaurant, a seasonal sweet at La Carmencita del Puerto, or a local wine at Restaurante Mirador de Los Valles, it's sure to be the perfect ending to your culinary adventure in Lanzarote. Enjoy your meal and cheers!
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