The island of Gran Canaria is part of the archipelago of the Canary Islands, belonging to Spain. A short 4,5 hours flight from Germany, geographically located in Africa, the seven islands attract more and more tourists each year. As destinations like Tunis, Turkey and Morocco have increased in tensions, this European destination gets more popular in recent years.
Historically, the tourism here has been on the lower end but in recent years some very promising devolopments took place such as the Salobre resort, making Gran Canaria a spot for more lifestyle-savvy travelers as well. I want to share my personal best suggestions for restaurants and places to eat with you, off the beaten path.
Jet-set lunch at La Punta Yacht Club
La Punta Yacht Club is located at the outmost part of the Pasito Blanco harbour. Being a gated community, you have to pass by the friendly security guard and head righthand to go down till the end of the jetty. In August, the club is members only, but throughout the other months, you are welcome to join the restaurant for either lunch or dinner with a light seabreeze. Incredible views of the ocean and the adjacent Meloneras coastline make a special atmosphere. The kitchen offers traditional Tapas as well as eclectic seafood dishes. Be sure to try the grilled Octopus with a light white-wine! Hint: La Punta also offers a day-fare to spend the day in their beach club which never feels crowded and is one of the nicest places of the island.
La Punta – Puerto Deportivo, 35106 Pasito Blanco
Romantic dinner with a view at Casa Salobre
Casa Salobre is a new place located at the entry of the Salobre resort. I found it by “accident” but have been hooked since. The outdoor seating is fantastic and offers open views of the vast golf course, especially romantic as the sun sets for dinner. The dishes are on the upper price range but worth every cent. Fantastic cold and warm plates, ideal to share and made from freshest ingredients. They look and taste delicious, served by the lovely owner’s family. Be sure to come early to enjoy the sunset!
Casa Salobre – Urbanización Salobre golf, Calle Swing, s/n, 35100 Maspalomas
Great value at Papi’s Grill
I admit I was sceptical as A parked the car and we roamed through the beachfront promenade of Playa del Ingles. What a downturner! Papi’s Grill is located second row, adjacent to the large beachfront parking and I can tell you, don’t let the location fool you. A surprisingly modern and stylish interior is prelude to my price-value favourite on Gran Canaria. Specialized in all things meat, the menu of Papi’s Grill leaves no one starving. I can recommend the Chateaubriand for two which was perfectly grilled to the point. We did not even need the accompanying sauces and just enjoyed the fantastic beef along some grilled vegetables.
Papi’s Grill – Calle las Dunas, 4, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana
True Italian flair at Ciao Ciao
The Ciao Ciao, located at the Meloneras beach promenade gives you two compelling reasons to visit: One is the authentic Italian flair, made of food and service, the other is its prime beachfront location with direct ocean views. The whole complex is a bit tucked away from the tourist streams of Maspalomas too, which I like. The restaurant has been there forever and never disappoints. For me, it’s the best Italian on Gran Canaria. The homemade pasta dishes are delicious and huge, the Pizza is fantastic and also the starters are truly Italian – and reasonably priced. Be sure to come early and start off with an Aperol Spritz, watching the sunset.
Ciao Ciao Meloneras – Shopping Center Meloneras Playa local 128, 35100 Maspalomas
Traditional steak at Cueva Pirata
Last but not least, The Cueva Pirata is really at my heart. This place has a moving history and is probably the best steak restaurant of the whole Canary Islands. Just, it’s hard to actually eat there! Cueva Pirata is closed most of the year and only opens in specific months, so best watch their Facebook page to avoid disappointment. The owner might be running the place out of pure goodwill. The restaurant and bar is built into a true cave with seaviews, uphill the old fishing town of Arguineguin, just before Patalavacca. The views are incredible but wait for the food. All meat is grilled at the large open fire inside the cave and is just fan-tas-tic. The puntos solomillo with roquefort are my favourite. Tables fill up quickly in later hours and it makes sense to place a reservation upfront.
Cueva Pirata – Av. los Canarios, 2, 35129 Los Canarios
What are your favourite venues on the island? Let me know in the comments!
no comment