There are plenty of food choices on Gran Canaria, especially traditional Spanish cuisine. The island has many authentic eateries, ranging from upscale establishments to small tapas bars. The best meals are simple dishes made using high quality local ingredients like freshly caught fish, vegetables and exotic fruits. Most high-end restaurants provide al fresco dining areas and outdoor patios. Seafood is one of the specialties along with Spanish favorites like papas arrugadas (unpeeled boiled potatoes with sea salt), morcilla (sweet black pudding served as an appetizer), puchero (stew with potatoes, beans and chorizo), and conejo al salmorejo (rabbit in sauce). Those craving a taste of home will also find plenty of international choices. Beach bars and pubs are common in Gran Canaria.

Bars and Pubbing in Gran Canaria

The resorts in Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles are the most popular pub and clubbing hub in Gran Canaria. Kasbah Center and Yumbo Center in Playa del Ingles are the main centers of nightlife, offering a mix of family-friendly attractions and bars. In Puerto Rico, head to Centro Comercial and Plaza de España, the evening hotspot of Las Palmas. Many nightlife venues in Gran Canaria allow children to enter as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian, so it is not unusual to find a couple with a baby or a toddler in the late hours.

Eiffel Bar (Centre Yumbo, 3511 Playa del Ingles) is one of the most popular bars in Gran Canaria. Situated in the commercial heart of Playa del Ingles, it stands out with its modern French décor, warm colors and well-lit interior where visitors can relax and enjoy a drink. Another notable watering hole in Playa del Ingles is Shenanigans Irish Entertainment Bar (Prisma Shopping Center, Playa del Ingles), a family-friendly sports hub serving pizza, cheap drinks and other comfort food.

For live entertainment and music, Ricky’s Cabaret Bar (Ground Floor, Yumbo Center, 35100 Playa del Ingles) is the longest-running performance in the bustling Yumbo Center. It features a comedy show in drag and karaoke every night from 8:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. Also at the Yumbo Center is the gay-friendly Cellar Men’s Bar. Those who are staying in the capital can try Las Brujas, (La Vegueta, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) a historic Canarian Mansion-turned-cocktail spot with a romantic ambiance for couples to enjoy good food, after-dinner drinks and dancing late into the evening.

Dining and Cuisine in Gran Canaria

Most international restaurants located in the major resorts of Las Palmas and the southern part of the island. In other areas, traditional Canarian fare is easy to find. Fresh fish always finds its way to the menu and is usually served in mojo sauce (coriander or paprika dip) with salted boiled potatoes.

Most restaurants have menus in multiple languages and waiters are often able to speak English. For upscale dining, Galia Restaurant (49 Calle Luis Morote, 35007 Las Palmas) is a must-try, known for its superb French cuisine. For late-night international favorites, Restaurante La Aquarela (Apartamentos Aquamarina, Barranco de la Verga, 35120 Patalavaca, Gran Canaria) is another sophisticated and upscale dining hub with a pleasant atmosphere and an excellent food and wine selection.

For something simple but filling, head to The Tapas Bar (Centro Comercial Sotavento, Local 15/16 Muelle deportivo, 35006 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), which serves northern-style Spanish tapas that can be eaten al fresco. International dishes are available in Thai Malacca (Calle Diderot 14), Sakura 2 (Calle Olof Palme, 33) and La Pizza (Avenida del Cabildo 66, Telde).