The Best Guachinches in North Tenerife: Updated Guide

Have you heard of the guachinches in North Tenerife but aren’t quite sure what they are, or worse, fear ending up in a “tourist trap”? Don’t worry, it’s a very common doubt.

At Sansofé Stays, we know the island like the back of our hand. We know that one of the best experiences you can have here is tasting authentic Canarian gastronomy in a genuine, family-friendly atmosphere, where you can drink homegrown wine at an incredible price.

In this updated guide, we are going to tell you what a real guachinche is (and how to tell it apart from an ordinary restaurant!), which are our favorites in the north of the island, and above all, what dishes you absolutely must order.

Work up an appetite, because we’re going on a tour of the best guachinches in North Tenerife. Keep reading and discover where to eat today!

What are guachinches? (And how to know if it's authentic)

In short, a guachinche is a typical Tenerife establishment that offers homemade Canarian food and local wine in a rustic and cozy atmosphere.

Its origins date back to the 17th century, when winemakers began selling their surplus wine directly from their homes to locals and English merchants.

Today, eating in a guachinche is like going to a relative’s house for a meal: they are small, simple places, often located in traditional houses.

But beware, not just any roadside bar is a guachinche. To know if you’re at an authentic one, look for these three details:

Look for the official “V”: There is a specific regulation in Tenerife. Establishments that grow their own wine and meet the standards have an official designation with a “V” at the entrance.
Wine rules: A true guachinche is only open as long as its own wine is available. When that year’s harvest runs out, they usually close their doors.
The menu doesn’t matter: Many guachinches sometimes don’t even have a printed menu. The dishes (at very low prices) depend somewhat on the cook’s inspiration at that moment or the fresh ingredients available that day. Always ask for the house suggestion.

What to order in a guachinche: Typical dishes you can't miss

What is certain when visiting these places is that you’ll find the island’s most famous delicacies at very low prices.

As an expert tip: if you want to try good seafood or fresh fish, look for a guachinche located near the coast.

If you prefer meats and stews, the inland ones (like La Orotava or La Matanza) are your best option.

Although menus change depending on the day, these are the star dishes you absolutely must order to live the full experience:

🧀 Grilled cheese (Queso asado): In the Canary Islands, there are several delicious types of cheese. They are served grilled and accompanied by mojo sauce or honey. It’s the perfect starter.
🥔 Wrinkly potatoes with mojo (Papas arrugadas): The undisputed classic. Potatoes boiled with their skins on using a special cooking method, meant to be dipped in red or green mojo.
🍲 Gofio stew (Escaldón de gofio): Gofio (toasted cereal flour) is one of the star ingredients of the Canary Islands. It’s used to make a broth with rockfish that is simply wonderful.
🥩 Grilled meats (Carnes a la brasa): Many guachinches have their own grill to prepare various types of fresh meat.
🥘 Ropa vieja: A delicious recipe that is the best way to use whatever is left over from the Canarian stew (puchero).
🍳 Huevos al estampido: Fried eggs with potatoes and chorizo. Need we say more?
🥣 Canarian stew (Puchero canario): The hearty and flavorful Canarian version of a traditional stew.

And don’t forget to order wine to go with it, because each guachinche has its own!

The most authentic Guachinches in North Tenerife

As we mentioned, 100% official guachinches (the ones with the famous “V” on the door) are very few on the island. Also, since they close as soon as they run out of their own harvest’s wine, you might find them closed depending on the date of your trip.

To ensure your gastronomic tour is a success whenever you come, in our selection of the 4 best guachinches in North Tenerife, we have included places that, although they might not sport the official “V”, are a guarantee of quality. They keep the true Canarian essence intact: spectacular homemade food, friendly service, and unbeatable prices. Here are our favorites!

Guachinche Los Gómez

In La Orotava, the city with the most guachinches in North Tenerife, you’ll find various quality options to suit all tastes. One of the most recommended guachinches in North Tenerife is Los Gómez, known for its rustic atmosphere, friendly service, and delicious ropa vieja (shredded beef in tomato sauce). It only opens after the grape harvest, and the surrounding greenery makes you feel like you’re dining in paradise.

🍽️ The star dish: Its delicious ropa vieja.
🍷 The authentic detail: It is so traditional that it only opens its doors after the grape harvest.
💡 Why go: For its unmatched rustic atmosphere and consistently friendly service.

Guachinche El Cubano

Also in La Orotava, with views over the valley of the same name, El Cubano is one of the highest-rated guachinches in North Tenerife. Grilled meats are one of their specialities, accompanied by wine from the vineyards surrounding the restaurant. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy.

🍽️ The star dish: Grilled meats are their great specialty.
🍷 The authentic detail: You can pair your meal with wine made from the very vineyards that surround the restaurant.
💡 Why go: It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural environment.

Guachinche La Casona

Another guachinche in La Orotava, of course, is La Casona. It’s a simple restaurant with the essentials: typical dishes, its own wine, and a grill that makes your mouth water. It boasts a fantastic atmosphere and an extensive menu, which includes cochino negro (Canarian black pig).

🍽️ The star dish: The exquisite black pig, which stands out on their extensive menu.
🍷 The authentic detail: It maintains the pure essence of a guachinche, combining simplicity with local flavor.
💡 Why go: It is a safe bet if you go with people who want to try a variety of traditional dishes.

Guachinche El Pino

A restaurant with a broad but simple menu that will give you what you’re looking for in a guachinche: homemade food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a terrace that’s perfect for spending quality time with friends and family.

🍽️ The star dish: Their traditional homemade dishes.
🍷 The authentic detail: Its spectacular terrace, where you’ll spend great moments outdoors.
💡 Why go: For its completely relaxed atmosphere, ideal for families or friends.

Guachinches near you: Interactive map of North Tenerife

You have to experience a guachinche!

If you’re visiting this island, you absolutely must visit a guachinche in northern Tenerife (or several) to experience the traditional and rustic atmosphere, homemade food, and the house wine made on-site. It’s one of the most interesting experiences you can have on the island, so go ahead and discover your favourite.

For accommodation on the island, you have plenty of options, but some of the best accommodations in Tenerife can be found on this link. You’ll find apartments, houses, and villas with various features, ensuring you have the holiday you desire with all the comfort. Visit Tenerife and discover another way of life.