Lanzarote, one of the seven Canary Islands, is the island that’s closest to the African Coast. Of volcanic origin, its incredible craggy landscapes and beautiful rock formations testify to its fiery history. With so much to see, all the exploring might make you peckish so we have prepared a list of the ten best places to stop to grab a bite to eat in Lanzarote.
An absolute favorite among Lazarote’s travelers for its wonderful food, El Navarro is ideally placed along the Costa Teguise, close to the capital Arrecife. Though it may not look like much from the outside, don’t let that fool you. The restaurant is small but elegant, the dishes are well presented and made with local ingredients, and the staff is friendly and happy to explain the menu. Being so popular, El Navarro books up fast so remember to call in advance to avoid disappointment.
Lomo Alto is warm family restaurant in Puerto del Carmen with an amazing view over the ocean. A perfect place for meat lovers, their steaks and mixed grill are succulent and the staff will make you feel right at home. Puerto del Carmen is popular with deep-sea-divers so you might be able to spot a head or two bobbing in the water from the restaurant as you relax with a cold beer or a glass of wine. Alternatively, you may wish to go there in the evening to watch the colors of the setting sun over the ocean.
Located in the north of the island, Pardelas Park Restaurante is the perfect place to stop for lunch either on the way to, or back from, the famous viewpoint Mirador del Rio. The restaurant is a little corner of heaven for kids, offering a play area and an animal park where the children can feed the typical island animals and learn more about indigenous plants. They offer a mix of international and local home-made dishes alongside some of the island’s finest wines. There is a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains from their terrace.
El Diablo is located in the center of Timanfaya Park, a massive area that was buried under the lava and ash from the huge eruptions that took place during the 18th and 19th century. The restaurant was built by the famous architect César Manrique and it offers a panoramic 360° degree view of the surrounding volcanoes and rock formations. The restaurant provides the unique experience of eating meat cooked by the rising heat of the volcano and you may even watch your meal being cooked! It can get a little warm in there but it’s definitely worth the visit.
If you are looking for an authentic local restaurant run by Spanish people this is the place for you. The restaurant is so small that many make the mistake of walking past it. Their delicious home-made food is made with fresh ingredients and they are generous with their portions. Your wallet will also be happy as the prices are ridiculously cheap. Sit on the terrace and watch the world go by as you enjoy the melody of the chattering locals around you.
As the name of the restaurant indicates, this place offers stunning views over Janubio’s salt pans (salinas) and lagoon. These were built towards the beginning of the 20th century and are still owned by the same family who built them. You can buy their salt if you wish to take a souvenir back home with you. The amazing location comes at a price but the service is excellent and the food is fresh and tasty. Among other options, they offer a number of rice-based dishes such as paella and different types of risotto.
If you’ve had enough of meaty meals or if you’re vexed by the difficulty of finding vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free dishes in other restaurants in Lanzarote, then this is the place for you. The dishes are served like tapas so you can mix and match, and the food options are international. The restaurant‘s room is pretty, with terracotta floor tiles, cheerful orange walls and light wood furniture that create a relaxed atmosphere. The staff is friendly and they will prepare dishes according to specific dietary requirements if contacted in advance.
Slightly off the beaten track, Casa Emiliano is located in the isolated village of Femés to the south of the Island. Since the restaurant is very popular with the locals, it’s best to stick to an early lunchtime hour if you don’t want to fight for a table. The food served is typical of the Canary Islands, including goat meat, stews, potatoes, fish and soups. The restaurant offers a lovely view of the surrounding Femés mountains and the Ocean, some even claim to spot Fuerteventura, and their garden is full of flowers.
Lagomar is spectacular, built into the volcanic rock; its unique architecture with maze-like corridors has made it popular with the film and fashion industry. Originally built by César Manrique and Jesús Soto, the house was bought by the famous actor Omar Sharif in the early 1970s. The building now hosts a museum dedicated to its history and rentable apartments as well as the restaurant. The restaurant’s cuisine is Mediterranean and their cocktails are delicious. Watching the surrounding rocks turn red in the evening light is a truly magical experience.
Situated opposite the beach in Puerto del Carmen, with a lovely view over the bay, this simple café/bar is relatively unknown. However, if you sit down for a chance meal at one of their tables you will be blown away by their excellent Italian food; the owners originate from Italy. Their tapas are also good, the sangria is home-made and the mojitos are divine. But shhh, it’s our secret!
