Puerto del Carmen is the main tourist area in the southeast of Lanzarote, offering 6 km of coastline with beautiful beaches and golden sand, and an impressive gastronomic offer with a selection of restaurants we will explore below. Here are some good restaurants in Puerto del Carmen you could visit.
Why Puerto del Carmen is a great destination for food lovers
The answer lies in the authenticity of its gastronomic offer. Having evolved from a small fishing village, with a vast cultural mix from the rest of Europe and also India, its food has been influenced by the flavours and spices they brought with them, while still championing and carefully sourcing local produce — and the unique volcanic soil that adds an extra layer of flavour to the vegetables and even the wines of the island.
Canarian cuisine you shouldn’t miss
If you are looking for an authentic and traditional experience, there are some dishes in Puerto del Carmen you simply cannot miss: papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes) served with mojo sauce, the local goat cheese paired with fig jam, fresh grilled fish, or grilled octopus served over Lanzarote sweet potato mash — all of them outstanding.
Best restaurants in Puerto del Carmen for Canarian food
These are some of the best Canarian restaurants that you must visit on your trip to Puerto del Carmen:
La Carmencita del Puerto – tapas and local flavours
Traditional Canarian home-style cooking and classic tapas, this restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine and top-notch cocktails. An enjoyable and vibrant place to eat amazing fresh food, matched only by its genuinely friendly service. Note that the restaurant has relocated to Matagorda (Centro Comercial Matagorda, Calle Chabusquillo 47), so make sure to update your maps before visiting.
Mardeleva – fresh seafood by the port
This place might fool you from its looks — it is a simple, modest venue, but as soon as you taste the seafood and tapas, it will soon become one of your favourites. Add to that the beautiful coastal views and you have an absolute must-visit when in Puerto del Carmen.
Arenas Lounge – local produce, fine dining
A high-end, oasis-inspired setting that invites you to relax and enjoy, this restaurant and lounge is the perfect place to unwind, surrounded by pools. Following the philosophy of slow food and using fresh, regional produce supplied directly by local farmers, it invites you to explore innovative dishes that celebrate Canarian cuisine in a creative way.
Best seafood restaurants in Puerto del Carmen
If you are looking for fresh fish and seafood, the old town harbour is the place to go, where the concept of catch of the day truly comes to life — traditional and classic preparations done with precision and care.
What to order: fresh fish and Canarian classics
Canarian cuisine favours simple cooking methods such as grilling or frying the freshest fish and seafood, often accompanied by sauces with North African and Middle Eastern influences. Some key dishes are:
Sancocho Canario (Canarian stew): made with salted fish, potatoes, sweet potatoes, gofio (toasted flour), and mojo — a traditional sauce made primarily with coriander, parsley, or cayenne pepper.
Seafood Paella: a flavoursome rice full of fresh seafood — recommended in the old town harbour area.
Grilled octopus: grilled and as tender as it gets, with olive oil and smoked paprika.
Top spots along the seafront and old harbour
Cofradía La Tiñosa (Fishermen’s Guild): if you are looking for a real harbour experience, this is it — lively and refreshingly no-frills. Ask for the pesca del día (catch of the day) or the arroz caldoso, a flavoursome soupy rice with seafood. You will not regret it.
The Good Old Days: a 1970s-themed bar with an amazing atmosphere and live performances.
The Little Elm Restaurant: a cosy and modern bistro with creative fusion cuisine and fine dining quality, found at the quieter end of the strip.
Fine dining and special occasion restaurants
If you are looking for a special place to celebrate, here are the recommendations:
Kentia Gourmet Club – tasting menus and cocktails
A sophisticated restaurant showcasing the natural resources of the island, Kentia Gourmet Club offers a truly gourmet experience where fresh and local seafood blends with the volcanic character of the soil. It reflects the rich cultural exchanges the Canary Islands have experienced over the centuries. It also operates as a cocktail bar and occasional live music venue, situated in the old town area with sea views.
Lani’s Restaurant – ocean views and gourmet cuisine
Located in the Hotel Lani’s Suites Deluxe, it will take your breath away with its panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The building was originally designed as an apartment complex in the 1980s with the collaboration of Canarian architect and artist César Manrique, and has operated as a hotel since 2015. The restaurant combines Mediterranean and international styles using seasonal ingredients, served in a classy and luxurious environment, complemented by an excellent selection of wines and champagnes.
Best restaurants on The Strip (Avenida de las Playas)
The Avenida de las Playas, or the Strip, is located on the southeast coast of Lanzarote, integrating tourist appeal with the preservation of the island’s unique natural landscape. As with most of César Manrique’s designs, it celebrates both architecture and natural beauty.
La Cascada and La Bodega – for meat lovers
An upscale restaurant and a more rustic and casual bodega, both recommended for meat lovers. High-quality cuts cooked on an open grill, surrounded by stone walls — rustic yet authentic. Both are part of the Grupo Cascada.
International options: Italian, Asian, Mediterranean
If you are looking for restaurants also offering international menus, you should try:
La Lanterna: one of the best Italian restaurants on the strip, famous for its intimate atmosphere. Locals recommend the crab tagliatelle and diavolo pizza.
Enjoy Asian Restaurant: if you are looking for a stylish place with high-quality teppanyaki and sushi, this is the best Asian option.
La Ola Restaurant: with magnificent sea views and sunset panoramas, offering traditional and international cuisine paired with a wide variety of Spanish wines.
Origen Restaurant: a family restaurant with a twist, full of style and flavour, combining modern and traditional Canarian dishes while championing local ingredients — a cosy, relaxed, and enjoyable experience.
Tips for eating on The Strip without overpaying
As one of the main tourist spots in Puerto del Carmen, there are many tourist traps and overpriced menus are common. Our recommendations to avoid them:
- Take advantage of the menú del día, served between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm — a set menu that often includes a starter, main course, a drink, and coffee or dessert, typically priced between €12 and €16.
- Avoid sharing platters; opt for full portions or individual dishes, and stick to Canarian classics.
- Visit old town gems like La Carmencita del Puerto, which offer even higher quality food and excellent service.
- Avoid restaurants with staff outside trying to lure you in — good restaurants do not need to tout for business.
Best restaurants in Puerto del Carmen old town
Sal y Pimienta – harbour views and seafood
Located above the harbour in the old town, this restaurant has stunning views of Puerto del Carmen and offers high-quality food and a wide-ranging menu.
The charm of eating in the original fishing village
Puerto del Carmen, originally known as La Tiñosa, is a tourist centre that evolved from a small fishing village and retains the traditional charm of its fishermen and sailors, and their love of fresh fish. Today it also boasts beautiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife. Here, history, traditions, and culture blend in celebrations like Las Fiestas del Carmen, where the whole town participates — there is food, vendors, cocktails, music, and lots of fun.
Budget-friendly restaurants in Puerto del Carmen
Where to eat well without spending a fortune
The restaurants most often recommended for value for money are:
Taberna de Nino in the old town: a well-known tapas bar — authentic and highly regarded, with an excellent quality-to-price ratio. Note that it is not the cheapest option on the island, but widely considered one of the best value-for-quality spots.
Mardeleva: located in the old town harbour, a must-go if you are looking for fresh fish and seafood.
Antonio Restaurant: family-friendly, with flavoursome Mediterranean dishes — like the lamb shoulder — that locals love and recommend.
Best value lunch spots near Playa Grande
These are our recommendations:
Delhi Delicious: well known as an affordable and reliable lunch spot, specialising in curries and Indian food, with generous portions and a helpful and friendly team.
La Carmencita del Puerto: traditional food and tapas. Ordering three or four tapas makes for a satisfying meal and it is rated as one of the best value-for-quality spots near Playa Grande. Remember it has moved to Matagorda.
El Bodégón de Luan: classic and traditional, located just a few minutes’ walk from the beach and popular with locals. The tapas wheel is the standout dish — a selection of five to six tapas at excellent value.
Practical tips before you eat out in Puerto del Carmen
When to book in advance
- If you want a front-row seat to watch the sunset in popular spots in the old town harbour or lounges on the strip, book two or three days ahead.
- If you are travelling in July, August, or over Christmas, and there is a restaurant you absolutely cannot miss, book as soon as you arrive on the island.
- Avoid peak dinner hours, typically between 8:00 pm and 9:30 pm.
Best areas depending on what you’re looking for
The Old Town and Harbour: the best place if you are looking for the traditional Canarian experience, with some of the finest restaurants on the island. The nightlife is relaxed — ideal for those who enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail by the beach.
The Strip: the perfect place for tourists who want a vibrant nightlife, shopping, or who are visiting Lanzarote for the first time.
Matagorda and Los Pocillos: more residential in feel, family-friendly, and quiet — a must if you enjoy walking or cycling.
Getting to and from restaurants – transfer options from the airport
Getting from Lanzarote Airport to Puerto del Carmen is straightforward — they are just 10 km apart and there are plenty of transport options:
- Private shuttle: around €25 to €45 — a private driver who meets you at the arrivals hall. If you like this option book private transfer here.
- Shared shuttle: expect to pay around €6 to €10 per person. The downside is waiting for other passengers and possible multiple stops.
- Taxi: the easiest and quickest option, costing between €15 and €20. The best option for small groups.
- Public bus: the most affordable choice, costing just €1.40 per person, running every 30 minutes or once an hour depending on the time of day.
If you are moving around town for dinner or a drink in one of the good restaurants in Puerto del Carmen, you can use a taxi, even a water taxi. And if you are centrally located, you can always walk the strip (Avenida de las Playas) — it is flat, scenic, and very easy on foot.
References:
- TripAdvisor tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurants-g662290158,000
- Lanzarote.com lanzarote.com/en/travel-guide/where-eating/restaurants/puerto-del-carmen
- Canarias Lovers canariaslovers.com/en/best-restaurants-puerto-del-carmen-lanzarote-where-eat
Specialist in the tourism sector of the Canary Islands with a proven track record in experience management in Lanzarote. My work has always focused on promoting iconic destinations and optimizing transfer and excursion services on the volcanic island.
