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Enjoying the gastronomic experience should be part of your dream trip to the Canary Islands. And the best part is that you will find restaurants offering the best local flavours at reasonable prices. Today, we invite you to discover where to eat cheap and typical food in Lanzarote, with a budget that suits every pocket.
Discover Lanzarote’s Local Gastronomy
Lanzarote’s culinary culture is just as admirable as the island’s other attractions. Due to the nature of this destination, it is expected that seafood plays a major role in its gastronomy, but the flavours go far beyond that, and you will discover them upon arrival.
Traditional Dishes You Can’t Miss
As mentioned, fresh fish is one of the undisputed stars of Lanzarote’s gastronomy. Among the local species are sargo and pargo, which are usually grilled, cooked in broths, stews, casseroles, or served with sauces.
One of the island’s emblematic dishes is gofio, a toasted cereal flour that serves as the base for many local recipes.
Wrinkled potatoes (papas arrugadas) and mojo sauce (green or red) are also among the foods you shouldn’t overlook.
And when it comes to desserts, bienmesabe is one of the most outstanding. It is a sweet made from almonds, honey, and egg yolk, perfect for finishing any meal.
Typical Ingredients and Flavours of the Island
In your encounter with Lanzarote’s food, you will enjoy fresh and local ingredients that the locals take pride in. What are the most emblematic ones? Here’s the answer:
- Potatoes, which are the base of many preparations and side of almost all traditional dishes.
- A wide variety of fresh seafood and fish, which are fundamental in the local diet.
- Vegetables grown in volcanic soil, giving them intense and unique flavours.
- Goat cheese, both fresh and aged, is also part of the tradition.
Best Budget-Friendly Traditional Restaurants in Lanzarote
When planning your budget for travelling to Lanzarote, you should include food expenses. The good news is that there are affordable options available. Here are some:
Coentro
Located in Plaza del Arte, in Puerto Calero, this restaurant blends traditional cuisine with contemporary techniques. The chef at Coentro is João Faraco, originally from Brazil, who was named the Best Chef of the Canary Islands in 2018.
The menu includes a variety of tapas and dishes made with the best local ingredients. Some options include black tempura, Tinajo tomatoes, and Canarian black pig.
Dunas de Famara
The location, along with a unique menu, are the main attractions of this restaurant. It is situated on the Risco de Famara and has a terrace overlooking the beach.
Their menu features the best local land and sea products to create dishes such as coastal noodles, black rice, clay-roasted goat, as well as a variety of fresh fish and seafood of the day.
La Casa de La Playa
One of the restaurants highly recommended by locals is La Casa de La Playa in Arrieta. It is located right on the beach, allowing you to enjoy an amazing meal with stunning views. It combines excellent service with reasonable prices. Try the octopus and local fish.
La Puerta Verde
At La Puerta Verde, you will enjoy dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, made with local ingredients. It is located in Haría, near Cueva de los Verdes and Jameos del Agua, making it easy to include in your itinerary when visiting these attractions.
Some standout dishes on their menu include mushroom and ham risotto, garlic prawns, and confit pork.
Local Bars and Taverns with Affordable Tapas
El Sótano
Although the real name of this bar is El Barquillo, it is commonly known as El Sótano. It is hidden in the basement of a building in La Santa, Tinajo, where you will find fresh dishes at great prices. Some of the best options include La Santa prawns, fried moray eel, and octopus.
El Chupadero
El Chupadero is a winery in La Geria that also features a cosy bar. The bar has been around for more than 30 years, and its history and location make it worth a stop to try the tapas they offer.
Tips for Enjoying Local Cuisine Without Spending Too Much
Finding restaurants in Lanzarote with reasonably priced menus is possible. The main recommendation is to listen to local advice. However, there are other ways to eat well on the island at reasonable prices, and here they are.
Local Markets and Food Stalls
Don’t limit yourself to restaurants—there are other places where you can eat well and enjoy local food. We’re talking about Lanzarote’s markets and food stalls. These places often offer local products at affordable prices, so don’t miss the chance to visit them.
Participate in Gastronomic Festivals
If you come across a food festival during your visit, try the local cuisine. Participants will want to showcase their best dishes to visitors, making it the perfect occasion to taste the island’s unique flavours.
Teleclubs
Teleclubs are organizations that originally served as community gathering spots where locals met to socialize and watch TV. Although they existed throughout Spain, nowadays, they are mostly found only in the Canary Islands.
Currently, their function is as restaurants or bars serving homemade Canarian food. They offer traditional dishes, such as stewed goat meat, fried cheese, fish churros, and various types of fresh fish and seafood.
Prices are affordable, usually below the average restaurant price, making them a great option to eat well without spending too much.
Daily Specials and Offers
Keep in mind that daily menu options are often cheaper than the regular menu. Additionally, they change frequently, allowing you to try different dishes.
When you arrive at a restaurant, ask for recommendations before ordering. This way, you can find out which dishes are the most popular and affordable. Ask if they have any daily specials or reasonably priced options.
When you go on an excursion in Lanzarote, remember to discover the island’s gastronomic offerings. Don’t limit yourself to just one restaurant. Find out where to eat cheap and typical food in Lanzarote with the help of locals.
This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)