Gran Canaria, the third-largest of the Canary Islands, has always been up there with Tenerife (the largest) as one of the most popular islands among tourists.
Like all the Canary Islands, it’s blessed with glorious weather, golden beaches, beautiful volcanic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and superb resorts and tourist infrastructure. But, as Fuerteventura carved itself out a niche as a surfer’s paradise and Lanzarote a cycling mecca, Gran Can has also found itself a name.
For foodies, Gran Canaria is emerging as the island to visit and this isn’t just because of its fantastic, ever-growing choice of great restaurants.
For centuries, the Port of Las Palmas has been a stop-off point for ships transporting produce across the Atlantic. The result is that it’s always had access to a wealth of produce that makes the menus and markets of the island shine. But what makes Gran Canaria – or anywhere – a real foodie destination is its commitment not only to cooking ingredients exceptionally well but to growing and making its own produce, too.
So, from the Michelin stars of the show to the family-run fincas (farms), the traditional dishes to the epic dining locations, here are eight great reasons for any foodie to add delicious Gran Canaria to their bucket list.
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1. You can reach for the Michelin stars

As of 2025, there are five Michelin-starred restaurants in Gran Canaria – and whether you’re the type to do a Michelin tour or prefer to enjoy one or two special meals during your holiday, you’ll be delighted with the choice here.
There are three-starred establishments in Las Palmas: Tabaiba, Poemas By Hermanos Padrón, and Muxgo. Tabaiba is described as ‘evolutionary’ Canary cooking, traditional island favourites elevated to fine dining levels with ingenuity, innovation, and a little nostalgia. Poemas serves up a more classic European Mediterranean cuisine but, of course, utilises the best of the island’s ingredients.
Muxgo offers contemporary European cuisine but prides itself on only using ingredients that are fully rooted in Gran Canaria – more specifically, from the farm of chef Borja Marrero himself. You can expect beef or dairy from his own cattle, millet, pine bark, prickly pear, and homegrown herbs… Each offers the customary tasting menu, and with wine pairings, you’ll get a superb sample of Canarian wine, too.
Moving to the Island’s south, Los Guayres and La Aquarela are within a 20-minute drive of each other on the southwest coast. La Aquarela has a slightly unassuming location in an apartment complex, but the right table at sunset is about as romantic as it gets. Expect highly technical food with just a hint of Scandinavia, where chef Germán Ortega spent years previously. Los Guayres is the baby of chef Alexis Álvarez, a Gran Canarian native. Here, you’ll find Canarian cuisine with contemporary flair, and some of the best seafood you’ve ever tasted.
You won’t go too far wrong, no matter which of these phenomenal restaurants you decide to visit – just make sure to get your reservations locked in well in advance.
2. You can get a cup of coffee, right at the source

Producing coffee beans in Gran Canaria – in Europe, actually – is no mean feat. The plants are thirsty and typically need more rainfall than the island experiences to thrive. But in the Agaete region of the northwest of the island, there are some 40 farmers running fincas. These farmers have persevered, working with the island to cultivate and produce some wonderful arabica coffees.
You can visit one of the fincas to discover more about the history and process of Gran Canarian coffee production – from the berry to the bean and on to the barista. You’ll learn lots, enjoy incredible views, and try a beautiful brew on the land where it was produced.
Finca Los Costanos, Finca La Laja and Cafe Platinium are three great plantations to visit, or you can join a day tour of the multiple plantations spread throughout this stunning valley. Just make sure not to overdo it on the caffeine!
3. You can take part in Tapas Thursdays

Known locally as Ruta de Tapas, this is one of Las Palmas’ liveliest and most delicious social traditions. Every Thursday, restaurants and tavernas across Triana and Vegueta lay out their finest tapas and wait for the throngs to arrive. Thousands of foodies stroll the cobbled streets for tiny eats, usually paired with the perfect local wine or beer.
You’ll find plenty of classic Spanish tapas and pintxos like pimientos de Padron (Padron pepper) and patatas bravas (crispy potatoes served in a spicy sauce), though there’ll be a distinct Canarian twist to the tapas here, too. Papas arrugadas with delicious mojo (a flavoursome green sauce) are the patatas bravas of the Canaries – and don’t miss the unusual and very Canarian gofio amasado if you see it. This is a doughy mix of flour, honey, nuts, almonds, and often cheese that’s unique to the islands.
You’ll also find lots of delicious seafood snacks here that are the perfect accompaniment for some crispy local white wine. Or if you’re a lager drinker, just stick to the island’s famous Tropical beers.
What’s best about Tapas Thursday, however, is the people-watching and friend-making opportunities offered by the crowds of foodies who descend on the city. You’ll find yourself sitting at tables and bars with lots of locals, as well as people from all over the world, all eager to taste the best of Gran Canaria. And what better way to enjoy its vibrant capital?
4. You can tour the island’s wine country

Wine so good it’s referenced in several of the works of William Shakespeare himself… Canarian wine has been produced and loved for hundreds of years, and the Malvasia wine that was adored by royalty and bards alike in Shakepeare’s day has made way for a selection of beautiful grapes and blends that can hold their own beside any of Europe’s finest.
A few years ago, the island developed and introduced the Ruta del Vino de Gran Canaria, a self-guided wine trail that journeys through the vineyards, wineries, and local bars and restaurants that showcase the best of the island’s wines. It’s currently the only wine route in the Canary Islands and will lead you to lots of small, family-run wineries that love to welcome visitors and provide tours and tasting sessions.
5. You can stroll the stalls of the Port Market

At the heart of Gran Canaria’s culinary credentials is the Mercado del Puerto. The market first opened in the late 1800s, as the many ships that passed through the port brought all manner of exotic and unusual produce to the island.
Even non-foodies will appreciate the market, a modernist structure that was designed and built by none other than the Eiffel company (yes, that Eiffel company) and retains much of its art nouveau charm in the elaborate wrought iron framing.
A trip around the market is a trip around the world; you’ll find flavours from every continent, reflecting the importance of the port as a mid-Atlantic hub for trade ships travelling to and from the Americas. This is a place to taste and sample, to wander from stall to stall and try the delicious morsels that jump out at you – some grilled octopus here, some tostadas there, a glass of local wine while you sample a local cheese board.
It’s a fantastic place to find Gran Canarian gifts for your foodie friends back home, too – from confectionery to honey or jamon, there are plenty of luggage-friendly treats to be found.
6. You can visit the island’s rum distillery

Arehucas rum distillery, just a short drive outside Las Palmas, is one of Europe’s oldest rum cellars and distilleries. Five centuries of sugar cane farming in Gran Canaria has led to, not just a huge selection of Gran Canarian desserts and confectioneries but also the island’s beloved honey rum.
You can visit the distillery to learn about the history of sugar cane cultivation on the island and, in turn, the development of the island’s delicious nectar, as well as its production and importance to the island and its culinary culture.
The distillery tour, of course, includes a rum-tasting experience so that you can sample some of the different rums created here, from the ubiquitous honey rum to the more refined 18-year-old aged rums. Again, this is a fantastic place to grab gifts for any rum appreciators back home – just make sure you save space in your checked luggage!
7. You can learn the art of cheesemaking

The Canary Islands are known for their slightly unusual cheeses and Gran Canaria produces some fantastic goat and sheep cheese, in particular.
You can visit a finca about a 30-minute drive from Las Palmas in Agüimes – La Jaira de Ana – to learn about the life of dairy goats on the island. You can also find out about the process of making distinctive artisanal goat cheese, from farming and milking to the final flavours and touches. Better yet, you can meet the farm’s funny, gregarious little goats and have a go at making some goat cheese. You can even try milking a goat if it’s a bucket list experience for you.
The cheesemaking workshop at La Jaira de Ana is a fun and fascinating experience, taking you through the various steps of creating the delectable finished product, from milk collection to coagulation and moulding, through to adding a flavour like herb, garlic or olive.
Cheesemaking can be an intimidating process for even the most passionate foodie. But the cheesemakers at La Jaira De Ana take the mystery out and are hands-on in helping you make a delicious wheel of your own. Just make sure to get it back to the fridge in your accommodation ASAP, so you can enjoy it on the balcony with a crisp glass of white wine at sunset.
8. You can relax at some local tavernas

For a cosy and relaxed – but always delicious – dining experience in Gran Canaria, make your way to some of the quiet local tavernas away from the main tourist strips. Depending on where you’re staying, you should easily find a few charming and inexpensive family-run spots within an easy drive – our recommendation is to ask a local to direct you to their favourite.
You can expect to find simple but unbeatable local seafood dishes like vieja (parrot fish), pulpo (octopus) and calamares, and local specialities like ropa vieja (a flavorful chickpea and meat stew) and the previously mentioned, papas arrugadas. The atmosphere in these tavernas is possibly their biggest draw; slow dining in a welcoming, chilled-out space.
Final thoughts…
The Canaries’ culinary clout is evolving by the year, with local farmers, foodies, entrepreneurs and global chefs alike, transforming the island’s gastronomical landscape into something truly special.
Whether you prefer fine dining and wine pairings or a more down-to-earth tour of local tavernas and cafes, the food in Gran Canaria is sure to leave you satisfied. Fresh fish and shellfish, local sweets and cheeses, game and goat’s meat – you’ll find exceptional and sustainably produced local ingredients that are put together with care and exceptional skill.
If you’re someone who likes to combine sunshine with superb dining and any of our above suggestions have made your mouth water, why not consider Gran Canaria for your next foodie adventure? And for more reading, check out our article: 7 of the best things to see and do in the Canary Islands.
Are you a foodie? Have you tasted some of what Gran Canaria has to offer? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Dee Murray is a freelance journalist and copywriter, and a lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from DIT Dublin with a degree in Scriptwriting and the University of Sussex with an MA in Creative Writing, Dee began writing for experience and adventure companies. She then founded Ryanair’s first travel blog, which she managed and wrote for for five years. She writes about a range of topics but most often about travel and adventure or women’s interests. She also has a keen interest in behavioural psychology, mental health, and nutrition and wellness. When she’s not writing, you can find her in the woods with her dog Boudicca, playing piano (poorly), or tending to her plants and vegetables.
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