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When you travel to Lanzarote, this island of the Canary Islands offers a unique experience that is worth exploring, not only for its landscapes and beaches, but also for its gastronomy with Spanish, African and Latin American influences. That is why we will show you the best local dishes that you must try in Lanzarote. This is a small guide on the cuisine of the island for food lovers.
The best local dishes to try in Lanzarote
Lanzarote’s traditional dishes are closely related to the climate and what is produced on the island. Despite its desert climate, the land is fertile, and there are even local wineries. Farmers have adapted to the lack of water from rivers and lakes, mainly through rainwater, as they maintain their crops.
As for animal protein, the goat is common and grows well in this type of environment. So its milk is used to make cheese and its meat for dishes. And, we cannot leave out the shellfish and fish, which are mostly caught locally.
Papas arrugadas: Lanzarote’s most famous dish
It is the signature dish of Lanzarote, it is made with small, wrinkled potatoes with black skin, which are traditional from the Canaries. You will see them on the menus of all the restaurants on the island.
These potatoes are prepared with its skin, traditionally cooked in salt water, leaving the skin wrinkled. They are served with a red or green mojo sauce.
Gofio: A staple food of the Canary Islands
What is gofio? Basically, it is a coarse-toasted flour of corn, wheat, or barley, known as gofio milo, ground into grainy flour. Around the island, you can still see the windmills for its production.
In the houses of Lanzarote, it is common that they have this ingredient in their kitchen for multiple purposes. It can be used to thicken broths, make breakfast milk drinks, stir-fry, desserts and more.
Although it is not available in restaurants as much, you will find it in the most traditional ones, in many in its dessert version.
Sancocho: A hearty fish stew
It is a version of the fish soup, pieces of fish, shellfish and other seafood are mixed with potatoes and sweet potato. They accompany it with bread, to dip it in the broth, and thus enjoy these wonderful flavors.
EscaldĂłn de gofio: A comforting porridge-like dish
This is a typical dish from the Canary Islands. And each house and cook prepares it in a different way, with different accompaniments. Traditionally, it is a meat or fish broth, including vegetables, added to the gofio in a container and kneaded.
Grilled octopus: A local delicacy
Grilled octopus is one of the most popular tapas in Lanzarote. You can eat it as a starter or as a light lunch if you want.
Normally, they serve the whole octopus, with its tentacles, grilled and seasoned with green mojo sauce.
Caldereta de pescado: a hearty fish stew
Fish stew is a popular lunch on the island. You will find it in most local restaurants. Each one has its version, some are lighter, others are darker, some are thickened with potatoes and other vegetables.
They are usually served with accompanying bread, which is dipped in the broth to taste these delicious flavours.
Conejo en salmorejo: Rabbit stewed in spicy sauce
Along with goat, rabbit is another common meat in Lanzarote. The flat rabbit in salmorejo is typically served in local restaurants.
Goat meat: Goat meat dishes
As you may already know, goats are the main type of cattle raised in Lanzarote. Its meat is popularly cooked in stews.
The goat stew is prepared by cooking the meat over low heat with wine, onion, spices, or vegetables. The meat is very soft. In the El Campesino house-museum, you can try a good dish of goat meat.
Goat cheese: local goat cheese
As we mentioned before, the goat is an animal that adapts well to the climatic conditions of Lanzarote. There are many types of even goat cheese, such as artisanal rabbit, fresh goat cheese, matured cheese. There is a dish with cheese and a spicy red paprika crust.
A good place to try Lanzarote goat cheeses is in the local markets. Also in restaurants, they will serve it as tapas, with honey, mushrooms, jam, nuts and more.
Popular Desserts and Sweets in Lanzarote
- Bienmesabe: A traditional almond dessert, it is a preparation of almonds sweetened with sugar, eggs, and lemon. It’s a sweet dessert, usually served with fruits and ice cream.
- Frangollo: A sweet cornmeal pudding, with milo flour that has not been toasted. It is flavoured with cinnamon and lemon, sweetened with palm honey.
Other popular desserts are French toast, flan, fried plantain.
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Drinks and Beverages in Lanzarote
Taste the local wine, you can take excursions in Lanzarote through its vineyards, so you can understand more about the unique way they use to produce wines on this island. And buy the one you like the most directly with the producers.
You can also try aloe vera drinks, which are made from this plant that grows on the island.
Also, you should try the honey rum, which is a typical sweet rum from the Canary Islands. It is made by mixing rum, brandy, water, sugar and vegetable extracts, with 2% or more of honey from bees. When buying it, check that it has the Protected Geographical Indication (IGP), which is a seal that indicates its quality and that local raw materials were used. It has a high alcoholic degree, from 20 to 30%.
The rum is taken neatly, cold, it is not mixed with anything else, sometimes ice is added and a touch of lemon. So you can enjoy its flavour to the fullest.
Where to Try These Dishes
Lanzarote’s culinary scene blends fresh seafood, hearty stews, and the island’s unique flavours, inspired by its volcanic landscape and rich cultural heritage.
Recommended Restaurants by Area
- KamezĂ Deli & Bistro (Playa Blanca): A Michelin-starred gem offering a modern take on classic Canarian dishes. The restaurant uses fresh, seasonal ingredients. Booking is essential.
- Isla de Lobos (Princesa Yaiza Hotel, Av. de Papagayo, 22): An elegant dining spot specialising in refined Canarian cuisine with a focus on seafood and meats. They source ingredients from their own farm in the village of Uga.
- The Port of Call: A more relaxed, yet high-quality restaurant serving seafood and fresh fish. Perfect for a laid-back meal with sea views.
- El Nido: Located in Arrecife, this spot serves Mediterranean and Spanish food, known for its pleasant atmosphere and attentive service. It’s a small venue, make sure to book ahead.
- Casa Tomás (Teguise): A traditional Canarian restaurant where you can sample local dishes such as sardinitas de La Tiñosa and lapas de La Graciosa. Set by the sea.
- El Risco (Caleta de Famara): A well-regarded restaurant offering local seafood and fish, with stunning views of La Graciosa. It’s also adorned with paintings by César Manrique.
- El Diablo Restaurant (Timanfaya National Park): A must-visit when in Lanzarote. This unique restaurant cooks its food using geothermal heat from the island’s volcanoes.
These are just a few options — the island is full of local restaurants offering great food, lively atmospheres, and excellent service.
Teleclubs and Traditional Markets
Teleclubs are community spaces in Lanzarote. Originally designed for locals to gather, play games, and watch TV together, they have now evolved into casual restaurants serving authentic Canarian cuisine at reasonable prices, in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Ask locals for recommendations on the best teleclubs to visit for an even better experience.
Traditional markets are also an exceptional way to try to purchase local products, such as goat’s cheese, wines, and seasonal fruits. Popular markets include those in Costa Teguise and HarĂa. Visiting these markets is also a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Tips for Enjoying Local Cuisine
- Look out for dishes made with Lanzarote’s signature ingredients, such as sargo, pargo, cherne (local fish), goat’s cheese, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), and gofio. Menus may indicate items as “kilometre zero” or locally sourced.
- Ask for the catch of the day, especially in coastal areas like Arrieta or El Golfo, to enjoy the freshest fish available.
- Sample local wines directly from the vineyards of La Geria.
- Seek out products with a protected designation of origin label, particularly wines and cheeses. The Teguise market is a great place for this.
- Speak to locals — ask market vendors or restaurant staff for their recommendations on what to eat and where to go.
- Lanzarote is a popular tourist destination, so most restaurants mentioned require bookings, especially during peak season. Make a reservation to secure your table without hassle.
Conclusion
To recap, there are many interesting food options to try in Lanzarote. seafood is always a good idea, since it is an island. And don’t forget to discover the wines produced on the island.
These are just some of the best local dishes that you must try in Lanzarote. On the island there is a rich cuisine that you must know when visiting the island. Always remember to prefer dishes with local ingredients in order to support local commerce.
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This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)