Where are the best vegetarian restaurants in Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria surprised me on food. Coming from a week in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, where I’d found some of the best vegetarian and pescatarian restaurants of any trip, I expected the most commercial of the Canary Islands to be the hardest. It wasn’t.
The south of the island, where most visitors stay, has enough genuinely good non-meat options that a week without eating badly is completely realistic. You just need to know where to go, because the obvious beachfront restaurants aren’t usually the answer.
These are the four places we actually ate at in December 2024. All personally visited, all worth your time.
Tapalavaca
Located in the village Patalavaca, only half an hour from the airport, this place blew our mind away.
It’s a place run by a son and mother.
As the name suggests, their specialty is TAPAS. Boy, are they just doing it well!
While their location (directly at the roundabout of the main street) would suggest it is a busy, commercially focused establishment, the opposite is the truth.
The owners make you feel welcome and as if you were at their home, from the first moment you walk in. Despite not perfect English.
Furthermore, you sense they both do this because they love what they do. The son wears gloves while he deals with the food. He takes his time explaining the dishes, makes them visually appealing and assures you ate well. While the mum cooks the magic.
As for the food, it is pure enjoyment. We ordered tapas for two, including local cheeses, vegetarian croquettes, padron peppers and patatas bravas.
Accompanied with some fish like prawns and grilled veggies, it was delicious.
Definitely worth returning. So if you love tapas and great service, you have to visit it.
Recent update: In 2026, Google says the place is temporarily closed. I Believe it is because of low summer season, but to be completely sure, maybe give them a call before to be sure, the are open.
Vista Mar
First things first. The location. Its a bit hidden, hence not many people know about it, and that’s always sounds promising.
Located on a little beach, called Playa de Tauro, only 10 minutes by car from Amadores beach. This beach became my favourite and the restaurant offers the best fish in the south.
Vista Mar, is another gem, we found directly at the spot and didn’t research it prior our journey. Love when this happens.
In fact, we were recommended to go there by a regular visitor, Zdenek, from Czechia.
I hope I will get a chance to tell him how thankful we are for his tip.
I know I am writing mainly about vegetarian places, and this isn’t fully vegetarian options, but pescatarian so I want to be transparent about it.
It is again family run, with not many staff, but those who work there are dedicated and love their place, you can feel it from the way how they operate it, how they approach clients and the general treatment.
We had fish soup, fish paella and both were delicious. The amazing sunset helped to enhance our experience.
Unfortunately, the picture of the food got buried in my dysfunctional phone, hence only the beer, but the sunset gives you an idea about the ambience at least.
(I know, they also offer paella without fish or meat, so it’s worth it for the strict vegetarians among you. )
If you love eating while enjoying sunset at the beach, and fish is something you don’t say no to, go here.
L’Alternativa Ristorante e Pizzeria Italiana
When talking about vegetarian restaurants in Gran Canaria, I have to mention this place. Simply, because it is the best Italian place we ate, outside of Italy.
Here is the thing, anytime you mention someone who knows Italian food this statement, they have their doubts.
I get it.
Italian food is so unique in taste and tastes best in Italy, as being regular in Italy, but here you can trust me. Best Italian food outside of Italy.
Run by an Italian couple, located directly at Amadores beach, L’Alternativa is slightly more expensive than the other ones on the list, but I understand why.
The owners bring their ingredients from the ship arriving twice a week from Italy, which guarantees the authenticity and freshness.
We ate pasta, vegetarian lasagna and both were like in Italy.
So if you love Italian food, and want to have it while in Canaries, and you prefer sea as your companion, this is your place.
Comidas Preparadas Y Asadero El Surtidor
This is the surprise on the list I was referring to.
When it comes to the best vegetarian restaurants in Gran Canaria, you don’t directly think of takeaway places.
I know.
After visiting Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, I learned that often, the best food places are the hidden ones or unexpected ones. This eatery proved it once again.
Originally meant as a take away restaurant for local workers, who have no time to cook, but want to save money. It offers daily cooked, super fresh and authentic food at amazingly affordable price.
We had rice, with local fish, potato salad, and veggie salad and paid less than 15 € for two. While you might be hesitant, thinking it’s cheap, there must be a catch.
Trust me, there is none.
Even though the dish might not look very tempting(probably because of the plastic box, it tasted delicious).
Located in Arguineguin, visit it if you want to taste something local, fresh and super affordable. There is beach only 2 minutes from the place, so perfect lunch for a beach day.
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Gran Canaria: Where to go?
We were quite lucky and haven’t eaten in many disappointing places. Also, thanks to recommendations from fellow travellers, or locals.
Generally, Gran Canaria isn’t my favourite island among the Canaries, you can read here why.
I have to admit, and to my surprise, food wise, it has been very good.
Even the places we ate and we weren’t fully satisfied, I can’t say they were not good. They only missed something, that we would go a second time.
So, if you want local fish, head to Vista on PLaya Tauro.
If you want to try local tapas, you must go to Tapalavaca.
If you crave an Italian taste while in Canaries, then L’Alternativa at Amadores beach is your choice.
Finally, if you want a super affordable, yet very tasty food ,locals eat, try Comidas Preparadas in Arguineguin.