Tapas are a traditional Spanish cuisine that originated in the southern region of Andalusia, but have become popular all over the country and beyond. They are small plates of food, often served with drinks at bars, and are meant to be shared among friends.
Tapas are also popular in the Canary Islands, and are often served at bars and restaurants across the islands. Many tourists and locals alike enjoy trying different types of tapas while exploring the islands and experiencing the local culture.
Typical Canarian tapas
But you’ll notice that the tapas in Gran Canaria are slightly different than the ones in the peninsula! We listed some typical Canarian tapas dishes here. Don’t forget to check this article about typical Canarian food.
- Papas arrugadas: small, wrinkled potatoes boiled in saltwater and served with a (spicy) red or green mojo sauce.
- Croquetas: small, fried balls filled with various ingredients such as ham, chicken, or seafood.
- Pimientos de Padrón: small green peppers fried in olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt.
- Pulpo a la gallega: octopus cooked in a spicy paprika sauce.
- Ensaladilla Russa: a mix of potatoes, carrots, peas, and mayonnaise, typically garnished with tuna and hard-boiled eggs.
- Queso asado: grilled cheese served with honey or tomato jelly.
Please note that these are answers and recommendations from community members and their personal experiences. Answers can be slightly edited for clarity.
Bodegón Pachichi
Tucked away near Playa de Las Canteras, Bodegón Pachichi is a beloved local spot renowned for its unassuming yet enticing Gran Canarian cuisine. This welcoming restaurant offers an authentic dining experience rooted in the flavors of the region, featuring must-try dishes like the “Chorizo inferno” and papas arrugadas with mojo sauce. What sets Pachichi apart is its affordability, with a hearty meal for two costing around €25 and wallet-friendly wine options. However, due to its popularity, reservations or early arrival are recommended, though be prepared for a lively, communal atmosphere and rustic seating (tree trunks). It’s important to note that Pachichi offers limited vegetarian and vegan options. Read more about restaurant Bodegón Pachichi.
Bodegón Pachichi is great and very local.
There’s nothing more authentic than Bodegón Pachichi.
I would recommend Bodegón Pachichi, on Calle los Martínez de Escobar 51. Best to go to if you are a meat eater though, for vegetarians and especially vegans the menu is very limited. Try the chorizo infierno, you won’t regret. I love their mojo and almogrote. It’s a small and very loud restaurant, so be prepared for that.
Tasca Galileo
Tasca Galileo is a true culinary gem that has won the hearts of both locals and visitors. This unassuming restaurant offers a diverse menu of authentic Canarian tapas bursting with flavor, featuring highlights like cod tortilla, prawn-stuffed mushrooms, and salmon tartar. What sets Tasca Galileo apart is its exceptional quality combined with reasonable pricing, making it accessible to all. The warm and attentive service provided by the (English speaking) staff adds to its charm. Read more about Tasca Galileo.
Tasca Galileo is excellent but is small and you can’t book, but it’s well worth queuing for.
I love the duck at Tasca Galileo.
Tasca Galileo is really great!
Tasca Galileo © 2023 Live it up, Las Palmas!. All Rights Reserved. 
Chorizo in cava at Tasca Galileo © 2023 Live it up, Las Palmas!. All Rights Reserved. 
Fried mushrooms stuffed with shrimp at Tasca Galileo © 2023 Live it up, Las Palmas!. All Rights Reserved. 
Fried cheese at Tasca Galileo © 2023 Live it up, Las Palmas!. All Rights Reserved.
Toma Pan Y Moja
Toma pan y moja is a small tapas restaurant located along the Paseo de Las Canteras in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, offering Spanish dishes that consistently win hearts with their great quality. What sets this restaurant apart is its idyllic seaside setting, where diners can enjoy their meals right on the paseo. It can get windy though, so make sure to bring a jacket in winter! Visitors rave about the attentive and friendly staff who ensure a memorable experience. Read more about Toma pan y moja.
Currently, my favourite place for tapas is Toma pan y moja. The reviews online are quite mixed, but I’ve not yet had a bad experience there!
Toma pan y moja. They have great tapas and they are by the shore.
Mercado del Puerto
Mercado del Puerto in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offers a dynamic culinary experience, transforming from a morning grocery market to an evening food and drink haven. With an eclectic mix of food stalls, visitors can savor Spanish tapas, Cuban cuisine, and more, all served by friendly and attentive staff. The addition of live music on Sunday afternoons enhances the lively atmosphere. While it can get loud (and parking can be a challenge), the market’s vibrant ambiance makes it perfect for sharing moments with family and friends.
There are also multiple restaurants inside Mercado del Puerto for tapas. It’s nice to go there on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening.
The tapas bars around Mercado del Puerto have the best navajas, scallops and prawns on the island in my opinion.
More Community Recommendations
Having explored our most recommended tapas restaurants in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, we would like to share additional suggestions from members of our community.
La Madrileña is great! It gets very busy with locals (always a good sign). Nothing fancy; just really good food, and really good prices.
On Las Canteras Restaurante La Quilla. is my favourite.
I love Bar Cafetería Ricarepa, I probably grab arepas here too often.
Today I went to Café Madrid (close to San Telmo), which was also really nice.
Ñoño El Chico. It’s on the paseo, super tasty and cheap tapas! They also have a delicious paella on Sunday.
I recommend Somos Costeros, Bodegón Pachichi, Tasca Galileo, Bodega Extremeña, Bar Bochinche Los Jamones, La Travesia de Triana and Mercado del Puerto.
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