Lanzarote: Six places to eat for your Little Black Book

Lanzarote has become a second home for me.

 

I travel there twice a year- for its great weather and cycling – and by now, I nearly know my way around it better than Dublin.

 

Over the past six years travelling back and forth, I’ve established a pretty extensive Little Black Book. Here are a few of its most thumbed entries!

 

1. Enjoy, Puerto Del Carmen

 

Firstly, don’t let the name put you off. This Asian restaurant is located on the busiest street in Lanzarote, and I assumed it was another ‘tourist trap’ – but since my first visit I make sure to go every time I’m on holidays.

 

Enjoy manages to match great food with entertainment, people-watching and a lively atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for large dinner parties and children. I would recommend siting at the Teppenyaki table – Leo the chef is extremely impressive with a pair of knives and will test your food catching skills!

 

The food is fresh, delicious and just the right serving size. The service is outstanding and almost goes unnoticed.

 

Cuisine: Chinese, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese.

Cost: main €9.50 | set menu €25-40

Roz’s Recommendation: Teppenyaki menu C for a mix of everything – leaving you perfectly satisfied. Plus, try the ice-cream crepe for dessert – delicious!

Details: enjoyasianrestaurant.com

 

 

2. Aroma, Puerto del Carmen

 

This Indian restaurant is the perfect example of how you should never judge a place based on its exterior. It’s an absolute gem, and not only my No.1 place to eat in Lanzarote, but by far the best Indian food I have ever eaten.

 

Similar to Enjoy (above), this restaurant is set on the busiest street in Puerto del Carmen. The small, unassuming restaurant has a real flair for authentic and well-made food – yet the first thing you notice is just how inexpensive it is to eat there. It’s a great pick for top dollar quality at extremely affordable prices.

 

It’s best to share starters as the main meal portions are large and you have an array of side dishes to choose from. I would recommend going early, as this place gets very busy – make a reservation if going with a large group.

 

Cuisine: Indian

Price: Starter €3-€5, Main €11- €16, Sides €3

Roz’s Recommendations: Try the Peshawar naan & Kashmir rice as sides, the Ghana masala for vegetarian, and Jalfrezzi if you fancy things hot.

Details: zaffranlanzarote.com/our-restaurants

 

 

3. Lagomar, Nazareth

 

 

You may have heard of this place before – a magical villa set in the cliffs of Nazareth. This beautiful mansion was once owned by the actor Omar Sharif, but today bundles a restaurant, museum and bar set around an oasis pool with volcanic gardens and secret caves and underground walkways. Endless exploring between courses!

 

The food in the restaurant is Mediterranean-style, the menu is complex in comparison to other Lanzarote eateries, and it’s nice for special occasions – chalk it down particularly for late- night drinks and food.

 

Try a cocktail up in the cave bar set in the cliff – this secret hideout has great mojitos, a giant disco ball and music. You could get lost in time and almost imagine the great parties they must have had during the 70s!

 

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Cost: €45 for a three-course menu; lunch €12/€15

Roz’s Recommendation: Tuna salad for lunch – or failing that, catch of the day – you can’t go wrong! They also do delicious bread for lunch.

Details: lag-o-mar.com

 

4. La Bohemia, Costa Teguise

 

This is one for meat lovers. A popular spot for locals, La Bohemia is usually bursting out the doors, and for good reason! The food is fresh, homemade and unforgettable… and they do fantastic sides and children’s menus too.

 

I like that the wait isn’t usually too long, and the quality of meat and selection of cuts is excellent (the chef cooks the meat exactly the way you request it, too). Food is served on rustic chopping boards and slate, but bear in mind that it’s popular – so book ahead or get there early if you plan on going.

 

To top off your meal, you get a complimentary shot – usually a caramel liquor, with your bill. The prices are very reasonable; great value overall.

 

Cuisine: American/Spanish

Price: Main course steaks €10-€14; sides €2.50

Roz’s Recommendations: Try the Mixed grill for two (€24); the homemade burger special is always good, and there’s a top brownie for dessert (€4).

Details: Find La Bohemia on Facebook

 

5. Jonnie Bakes, Teguise

 

While I’m in Lanzarote I always plan my cycles around Jonnie Bakes – it’s the only thing that gets me up Tabeyesco (a 10km climb!). It’s a family-run business full of character and things to satisfy both a sweet and savoury tooth – you’re sure to meet Jonnie himself, along with and his mother and father, on a visit.

 

The daily selection of homemade cakes is mouthwatering. Everything is baked fresh daily and they are always experimenting with new creations. They also serve great coffee, and Christmas visits offer some super mince pies (I usually detest mince pies, but Jonnie Bakes has completely changed my opinion of them).

 

And the best part? When you have finished, there’s a decent on the bike whatever way you exit Tequise… so you can literally roll out of there!

 

Cuisine: Bakery

Price: €1.50/ €2.50 per pastry, €3.50 bagel (sandwich)

Roz’s Recommendation: Cafe cortardo, Red Velvet cake/ bun. Gluten-free options are also available

 

 

6. Sal y Pimiento, Puerto del Carmen

 

With charismatic and charming waiters, this place is the perfect start to a night out. Set in the old town of Carmen looking out onto the harbour, ‘Salt and Pepper’ is an ideal spot for a romantic meal.

 

Although it is predominately a seafood restaurant, they also serve an excellent choice of meats (the menu never changes). I love the service – it’s clear that each member of staff and the owner appreciate the business and take the time to talk through the menu and get to know their diners.

 

My tip? If you want to ask for different things to be paired together on the menu, fire ahead – they will be very accommodating.

 

Cuisine: Spanish, international

Price: €19 for a main course

Roz’s Recommendations: Try the sea bass baked in salt (it’s also filleted at the table for a bit of entertainment), with a side of Canarian potatoes.

Details: Find Sal y Pimienta on Facebook.