Guachinches in Tenerife: Where the locals eat
Are you in Tenerife and looking for typical Canary Island dishes served with good wine at the best price? Then eat in a guachinche!
A guachinche is a typical Canarian restaurant with a unique aesthetic. They are often located in garages, a living room or a winery. The decoration is very basic. Paper tablecloths, wooden or plastic chairs, a simple basket for cutlery and clay jars for the wine.
This is because these establishments were originally rural houses where the farmers offered and sold the wine from their harvest. Wine that used to be served with a traditional tapa or whatever food they had that day in the pot.
Although guachinches have become more sophisticated over time, they all make an effort to preserve their heritage and to continue having a menu offering home-made wine and traditional food. The desserts are also delicious: leche asada (milk pudding), bienmesabe (almond creme), flan and fresh seasonal fruit are some of the most typical.
Characteristics of guachinches
Roast cheese with mojo (hot sauce) Flickr/Francisco Javier Toledo
Most guachinches are in the north of Tenerife, especially in the municipalities of La Orotava, Santa Úrsula, La Victoria de Acentejo, La Matanza de Acentejo, Los Realejos, El Sauzal, Icod de los Vinos, Tegueste and Tacoronte. Although this type of restaurant can really be found anywhere on the island.
In case you didn’t know, there’s a law that regulates the use of these establishments. According to this text, a true guachinche can only open its doors at certain times of the year and solely for the purpose of providing an outlet for the wine harvest itself.
In fact, the current law limits the opening of guachinches to only four consecutive months a year (usually from October/November to March/April). The law also ensures that the food is made primarily with ingredients grown or produced by the owner of the property or with local products or rooted in the local culinary tradition.
6 irresistible guachinches
Guachinche Los Gómez
This is one of Tenerife’s most iconic guachinches. Located in La Orotava, it has over 20 years of experience offering quality Canarian food and excellent wine. You can see the vines in the property surrounding the restaurant.
Mi Guachinche Casa Pedro
Sweet potato salad, tartar with local avocados and homemade croquettes are some of the sophisticated dishes that await you in Mi Guachinche Casa Pedro. Located in Los Realejos, it’s a client favourite and a regular on the lists of the island’s best guachinches.
Guachinche El Miradero
True to its name, Guachinche El Miradero, located in Icod de Los Vinos, offers spectacular views of the Teide. Hence the “miradero” (overlook). This establishment is in a quaint rustic house in the middle of an estate. The setting is unbeatable, like its food.
Guachinche de David
Located in a garage in Santa Úrsula, the dishes of Guachinche de David are as traditional as can be. You can enjoy local cheese and wine and grilled meats served with a good chickpea stew.
Guachinche Pa’ Picar
Grilled cheese, Gofio porridge, fish churros, marinated pork, goat meat… The menu of Guachinche Pa’ Picar is an ode to tradition. It’s located in La Matanza de Acentejo.
Guachinche La Fuente
As we said, not all guachinches are in the north. This establishment is in the southern municipality of Arona. It offers quality wine, delicious Canarian dishes and an unbeatable climate.
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