If you’re looking for a good paella in Tenerife, the key is to choose a restaurant that uses fresh ingredients, employs good technique, and respects the proper cooking times. Here is a selection of the places most recommended by locals and tourists.
Paellas in the South of Tenerife
The south of Tenerife, with its tourist areas such as Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje, and Playa de las Américas, boasts a wide variety of restaurants that serve high-quality paellas.
Restaurante El Cine (Los Cristianos)
- Specialty: Seafood paella with prawns, squid, and fresh mussels.
- What customers say: “Authentic taste of the sea. The best paella I’ve ever had on the island.”
La Torre del Mirador (Costa Adeje)
- Specialty: Mixed paella, featuring chicken, seafood, and a touch of saffron to enhance the flavor.
- Extra: Spectacular sea view and an elegant atmosphere.
Masía del Mar (La Caleta)
- Specialty: Black paella, prepared with squid ink for an intense and unique flavor.
- Featured review: “An amazing place to enjoy paella by the ocean.”
Paellas in the North of Tenerife
If you venture to the north of the island, in places like Puerto de la Cruz, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Garachico, you’ll find paellas with a more homemade and authentic touch.
Restaurante Régulo (Puerto de la Cruz)
- Specialty: Lobster paella, with a concentrated broth that gives it an exceptional flavor.
- Atmosphere: Located in a traditional Canarian mansion.
Casa Pache (Santa Cruz de Tenerife)
- Specialty: Soupy rice paella with fresh seafood.
- Customer review: “You can really taste the authentic flavor of the sea.”
Restaurante La Casona del Vino (Los Realejos)
- Specialty: Country-style paella, with rabbit and garden vegetables.
- Extra: Great selection of local wines to accompany the meal.
Where to Eat the Best Paella in Tenerife?
Choosing the restaurant is just one part of the experience. To find the best paella in Tenerife, several factors must be taken into account:
✔️ Fresh ingredients: An exceptional paella is made with freshly caught seafood or high-quality meats.
✔️ Cooking time: The paella should be cooked slowly so that the rice absorbs all the flavors.
✔️ The socarrat (crispy bottom): The rice should slightly caramelize at the bottom of the paella pan to create a delicious toasted flavor.
✔️ The chef’s expertise: A good chef knows how to balance the ingredients and control the rice’s doneness.
Many locals agree that family-run restaurants and those located away from the most touristy areas usually offer better paellas, with traditional recipes passed down through generations.
The Best Paellas in Tenerife According to Locals and Tourists
Not all paellas are the same. Here, I explain the most popular types of paella on the island and what makes them special.
Seafood Paella: The Tourist Favorite
The star dish of coastal restaurants. It is made with shrimp, mussels, squid, and fresh fish. The key lies in the broth, prepared with fish bones and seafood to provide an intense flavor.
🔹 Review from a tourist on Tripadvisor: “I had a seafood paella at El Cine and it was spectacular, the prawns were huge and the rice was perfectly cooked.”
Mixed Paella: The Perfect Balance
If you enjoy a combination of meat and seafood, mixed paella is your best choice. It is prepared with chicken, pork, and seafood, offering a delicious contrast of flavors.
🔹 Recommendation: “La Torre del Mirador makes a mixed paella that’s among the best I’ve ever tried. Very well balanced and with a delicious touch of saffron.”
Black Paella: A Delight with Squid Ink
This variation is cooked with squid ink, giving it an intense black color and a unique flavor. It is often served with homemade aioli to balance the seafood’s salty touch.
🔹 Local’s experience: “I found the best black paella at Masía del Mar. They serve it with aioli and homemade bread—a fantastic combination.”
Tips for Enjoying an Authentic Paella in Tenerife
If you want to enjoy the best possible paella, keep these tips in mind:
🥘 Avoid restaurants that serve pre-cooked paellas. Look for places where the paella is made to order, even if you have to wait a little longer.
📍 Ask the locals. They know the best spots beyond the typical tourist restaurants.
🍷 Pair it with a good wine. A fruity white wine from Tenerife or a dry rosé pairs very well with paella.
🕒 Book in advance. In the most popular restaurants, paellas can sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
🥄 Try different types. Don’t stick only to seafood paella—experiment with black paella or rabbit paella.
An Unforgettable Gastronomic Experience
Eating a good paella in Tenerife is much more than enjoying a delicious dish: it’s a complete gastronomic experience, with sea views, fresh ingredients, and a tradition that remains alive on the island.
Whether in the south, in places like Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos, or in the north, in Puerto de la Cruz or Garachico, there’s always a corner waiting for you to discover a spectacular paella.
If you’re a food lover and visit Tenerife, you can’t leave without trying an authentic paella. Your palate will thank you!
