Walk into a traditional restaurant, bar or guachinche in Tenerife and ask what they have for vegetarians or vegans and you’ll be handed a bowl of papas arrugadas (boiled new potatoes) and mojo sauce with a side of bread.
Meat and fish are at the center of the Canary diet. They find their way into everything, even the seemingly meat-free dishes like chickpea and lentil stews.
As a vegetarian and vegan visiting Tenerife, you’re going to have to scratch beneath the surface to find a restaurant where you can order anything off the menu.
Luckily, there has been an increase in excellent vegetarian restaurants in Tenerife in recent years. I have made it my mission to try every one of them – any excuse!
These are my absolute favourite vegetarian restaurants in Tenerife. ¡Buen provecho!
Samelo Veg in Abades
¡Este es el número uno de mi lista porque es simplemente divino! Todo en este restaurante rezuma amor y felicidad.
This is number one on my list because it's just divine! Everything about this restaurant oozes love and happiness.
First off, it’s totally vegan and absolutely everything is lovingly homemade.
The service is second to none and you can tell that it is an owner-run restaurant.
The drinks menu is pretty special too, with organic artisan IPAs, organic and biodynamic wine, smoothies, homemade kefir water, and flavoured kombucha.
Not to be missed during your stay on Tenerife. Booking essential.
Samelo Veg in Abades, Av. Cantera del Sol, 38588 Abades.
Tasca La Tata
This charming little tasca hidden away in El Toscal, a residential area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, isn’t officially a vegetarian or vegan restaurant but it will knock your socks off.
It’s all about the salads here and I’m not just talking about a bit of lettuce and a few cherry tomatoes. Abundant fresh salads with added protein (nuts or Seiten), crunchy toppings and delicious homemade dressings.
The cuteness of this place is adorable with its brightly painted shutter doors and hanging plants that invite you into the homely dining room with lovely music, and warm and friendly service.
Every time I have eaten there I have left smiling and very full thanks to the generous service and portion sizes.
Tasca la Tata, Calle Arquitecto Marrero Regalado, 638001 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Burger Mel
It’s fair to call this place a Tenerife vegan institution. Burger Mel has been flipping the best vegan burgers in Tenerife since the 1980s.
More of a vegan fast food place than a restaurant, you can’t go wrong with a Burger Mel if you’re in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and need a quick fix to keep you going.
The burgers are served with homemade vegan mayonnaise and shredded white cabbage as standard and you choose your combination. They offer some interesting ones, like the Canaria with watercress and avocado or the Cubana with fried banana. I always ask for extra Sriracha hot sauce.
If you’re trying to eat fewer soy products go for the lentil burger, it’s delicious.
Wash it down with a freshly pressed juice or a cold bottle of beer. Mmm.
Burger Mel I, Calle La Marina nº 71, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Burger Mel II, Calle Horacio Nelson nº 31, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Burger Mel III, Calle Benavides nº 32, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
La Verdulería
This kitsch and kooky restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds with a fresh and vibrant design that brings a smile to my face.
This kitsch and kooky restaurant is a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds with a fresh and vibrant design that brings a smile to my face.
Their website states that they’re an ovo-lacto-vegetarian restaurant, meaning they use milk-based products and eggs. However, there are options for vegans, celiacs, and lactose intolerant on the clearly labeled menu of seasonal and km zero dishes.
The sound of the mushroom ceviche on their menu has got me grabbing the phone to make a reservation for tomorrow night.
It’s a pet-friendly restaurant, so you can coo at the cute furry tailed dogs snuggling up to their owner’s feet under the tables.
La Verdulería, Calle de Santiago, 4, 38002 Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Veggie Penguin
Veggie Penguin offers healthy, seasonal vegan food in a lovely easy-going restaurant in La Laguna old town.
Enjoy European, Spanish and Canary classic with a vegan twist, always fresh and always delicious.
They also run cooking classes for adults and children where you can learn to make the dishes they serve.
Veggie PenguinCalle Quintín Benito, 25, 38206 San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Share your favourite vegetarian and vegan restaurant in Tenerife with us in the comment section below!