Have you ever visited a guachinche in North Tenerife? Not sure what a guachinche is? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! A guachinche is somewhat like a restaurant, very traditional in Tenerife, specifically in the northern part of the island. It’s a fantastic option to discover Canarian cuisine in a typical, relaxed, and unpretentious setting. If you’re looking for places to enjoy good food at great prices, seek out a guachinche and savour the experience. Here, we’ll tell you about the 4 best guachinches in North Tenerife and what you can expect from these almost mythical places.
What are Guachinches?
A guachinche is a traditional establishment in Tenerife that offers homemade Canarian food and local wine in a rustic and cosy atmosphere.
The culture of guachinches
Guachinches originated in the 17th century when winemakers started selling their surplus wine from their homes, both to locals and English merchants. Today, they are small, simple restaurants, often located in traditional houses, where you can enjoy typical dishes and the property’s wine at low prices. It’s a bit like dining in someone’s home, making the experience quite interesting and personal.
In guachinches, there is sometimes no menu, and the dishes depend somewhat on the chef’s inspiration or the availability of ingredients, so be sure to ask for the daily special. What you will certainly find are some of the island’s most famous delights, such as mojo sauce, papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), Canarian cheeses, and some type of gofio (a traditional flour). If you want to try seafood or fish, look for a guachinche in North Tenerife near the coast. We’ll talk more about the wine below.
The most authentic Guachinches in North Tenerife
To know if a guachinche is authentic, you need to look for the “V”. Yes, there is a regulation in Tenerife that grants the official designation of guachinche to those who produce their own wine. If they don’t produce it, they are not a true guachinche, although many bars and restaurants try to call themselves one. Another characteristic of authentic guachinches is that they are open as long as there’s wine available. When the year’s harvest is finished, they usually close.
To help you plan your trip, we will share the 4 best guachinches in North Tenerife (in our opinion, of course). The official guachinches (the ones with the “V”) are few and far between. So, our list includes some that don’t have it but are guaranteed to be of high quality:
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.
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.
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).
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.
We don’t want you to be limited by our list. So, explore the island for yourself and discover the fantastic restaurants and guachinches it offers, many of which do not advertise or appear on social media.
Local gastronomy at guachinches
We’ve already established that it’s impossible to choose the best guachinche in northern Tenerife, but we’re sure you’ll find places where you can eat superbly. Some of the most typical dishes you must try are:
- Escaldón de gofio: Gofio is one of the staple ingredients of the Canary Islands, used to make a broth with rock fish that is simply wonderful.
- Puchero canario: This is the Canarian version of a stew, so prepare yourself for a hearty meal.
- Grilled meats: Many guachinches have a grill where they prepare various types of meat.
- Ropa vieja: This is the best way to use up leftovers from puchero canario, and it’s delicious!
- Huevos al estampido: Fried eggs with potatoes and chorizo. Need we say more?
- Papas arrugadas: These are wrinkled potatoes due to their special cooking method. Perfect to accompany with mojo sauce!
- Queso asado: In the Canary Islands, there are various types of cheese that can be grilled and served with mojo sauce or honey, making a perfect starter.
And there are many more dishes! Don’t forget to try the wine, because each guachinche has its own!
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.
