Best restaurants in El Hierro: Discover the island's gastronomy
El Hierro offers a varied and delicious gastronomy that reflects its rich culinary tradition. The island's restaurants stand out for their use of fresh products, especially fish and seafood. The variety of gastronomic options ranges from guachinches with typical dishes to restaurants with more sophisticated proposals. This article presents a selection of the best places to enjoy herreña food.
El Hierro also conquers through its gastronomy. In this volcanic and authentic island, you will find charming restaurants where Canarian cuisine is mixed with fresh products from kilometer zero, tradition and a creative touch.
Whether you are looking for typical herreño dishes such as cheese with denomination of origin, fresh fish or the famous fish broth, or you prefer innovative proposals with local identity, here you will discover the best restaurants in El Hierro.
1. Our guide to the best restaurants in El Hierro
2. Must-visit restaurants in El Hierro
El Hierro's gastronomy is manifested through its restaurants, where the freshness of the ingredients and local traditions combine to offer unique experiences. The following are the most outstanding places on the island.
La Restinga: Marine cuisine and fresh dishes
In this charming fishing village, marine cuisine shines brightly.
La Pasada Restaurant: meats, fresh fish and desserts
La Pasada is known for its generous portions and dishes made with fresh products. It is an ideal place to enjoy delicious grilled meats and fish, including grilled cuttlefish and cod with onions. Its desserts, such as quesillo and kinder cake, are also a great attraction.
Restaurant El Refugio: fish specialties
This place is famous for its offer focused on high quality fish. Among its outstanding dishes are tuna croquettes and grilled vieja, always prepared with fresh and authentic ingredients.
Other options in La Restinga: Mesón Jarera and Bar El Charquete
Mesón Jarera is ideal for meat lovers, offering exceptional dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Bar El Charquete stands out for its informal offerings, including stuffed omelets and scrambled eggs with local chorizo.
San Andres: tradition and local dishes
This town is known for its traditional cuisine.
Casa Goyo: chickpeas and home cooking
Famous for its garbanzada, Casa Goyo offers an authentic experience with home-style dishes, ideal for those looking for local flavors.
La Igualdad Restaurant: traditional alternative
La Igualdad is another representative option of the herreña gastronomy, where you can taste local dishes in a familiar and cozy atmosphere.
Valverde: autochthonous flavors and guachinches
The capital of El Hierro also offers rich gastronomic proposals.
Guachinche Aguadara: typical dishes and herreño cheese
Guachinche Aguadara is perfect to taste the authentic rabbit in salmorejo, accompanied by wrinkled potatoes and escaldón of gofio. Do not forget the Herreño grilled cheese.
8Aborigen: sustainability and herreña cuisine
This restaurant focuses on offering organic menus, using only products from the island, which allows you to enjoy a responsible and delicious culinary experience.
Mirador de La Peña: gastronomy with a view
Located in a viewpoint designed by César Manrique, this restaurant offers a unique experience.
Outstanding dishes: limpets with mojo and puchero canario (Canarian stew)
Diners can enjoy traditional dishes such as limpets with green mojo, and puchero canario, all while enjoying spectacular views of the island.
3. Restaurants in Frontera and other recommended areas
The town of Frontera offers a unique gastronomic variety that combines tradition and quality. Here you can find both informal options and restaurants that stand out for their regional dishes.
Options in Frontera: tradition and quality
Casa Juan and Lays Restaurant
Casa Juan has become a local classic, where you can enjoy traditional recipes and a cozy atmosphere. Its menu includes dishes prepared with fresh ingredients from the island. On the other hand, Lays Restaurant is known for its attention to detail and its offer of meat and fish, being highly appreciated by residents and visitors.
Bodeguita de Fa and Tafeña Restaurant
Bodeguita de Fa is an ideal place to taste local tapas, providing an intimate and familiar experience. Tafeña Restaurant, on the other hand, focuses on Canarian cuisine adapted to new trends, offering a modern interpretation of local flavors.
Informal proposals and cafeteria bars
Bar El Charquete and its tortilla offerings
At Bar El Charquete, the variety of tortillas is the star. They are served filled with a variety of ingredients, highlighting flavors such as avocado and local cheese. This bar is characterized by its relaxed atmosphere and for being a popular meeting point.
Fast and local dining alternatives
- Snack and tapas options in several informal establishments.
- Fast food but with a Canarian touch, ideal for those looking for something light and tasty.
4. Typical dishes and specialties of the herreña cuisine.
The gastronomy of El Hierro is characterized by its use of fresh and local ingredients. Typical dishes reflect the richness of the sea and the land, offering a unique culinary experience.
Fish and seafood from the island
Fish and seafood are fundamental elements in the Herreña cuisine, providing freshness and flavor to local dishes.
Grilled cuttlefish and grilled vieja (old woman)
Among the specialties are the cuttlefish, which are prepared grilled, offering a soft texture and an intense flavor. The vieja is another highly valued fish, also cooked on the grill, providing an authentic touch to any meal.
Lapas with green and red mojo
Limpets, cooked with green or red mojo, are a popular starter. The contrast of flavors between the sauces and the seafood creates a delicious and traditional combination.
Traditional and grilled meats
Meat is also a protagonist in many menus, presenting intense flavors and local recipes.
Goat meat and black piglet
The goat meat is a dish that highlights the local culture, slow cooked to enhance its flavor. The black suckling pig is another option that stands out for its tenderness and juiciness.
Roast with palm honey and fiesta meat
Roasting with palm honey combines the meat with a sweet touch, while fiesta meat is served in celebrations, highlighting its quality and authentic flavor.
Usual garnishes and accompaniments
The side dishes perfectly complement the main courses, offering options that are typical on the island.
Wrinkled potatoes with mojo
The papas arrugadas are the perfect accompaniment, served with mojo, they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Escaldón of gofio and quesadilla herreña
The escaldón de gofio is a classic, made with cereal flours, providing a unique texture. The quesadilla herreña, sweet and spongy, offers a special touch to the menu.
Local desserts and sweets
Desserts are an essential part of the dining experience, with flavors that evoke tradition.
Quesillo, rice pudding and gofio mousse
Quesillo is a creamy Canarian flan that cannot be missed. The rice pudding, soft and well decorated, is another favorite, while the gofio mousse offers a characteristic and innovative flavor.
Kinder cake and other classics
Kinder cake is popular among youngsters, highlighting its sweetness. Other classics, such as sponge cakes and custard, are also frequently found on local menus.