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What Food To Try in Las Palmas and Food Prices

How much does lunch and dinner cost

Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Las Palmas for 2024.

National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Las Palmas cafes and restaurants
$11.5 
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $9.83
$43.7 
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $32.75
$8.7 
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.59

What to Try in Las Palmas

Must-try Dishes
Churros - Churros (syrupy twist) - Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, churros are often enjoyed for breakfast, dipped in thick chocolate sauce. Locals love to grab a few from street vendors while strolling through the city in the morning.

Papas Arrugadas - Wrinkled Potatoes - These small, salty steamed potatoes served with mojo sauce are a staple in Las Palmas cuisine. They're typically eaten as a side or a snack at informal gatherings, and I’ll never forget the smoky kick of the mojo rojo.

Sancocho - Fish Stew - This hearty dish consists of salted fish, potatoes, and vegetables, cooked slowly until everything melds together in a flavorful broth. Commonly enjoyed for lunch, it’s a dish that brings families together on Sundays, often shared among multiple people.

Bienmesabe - Sweet Nut Spread - A unique mixture of ground almonds, honey, and cinnamon, it's a regional specialty that turns any simple toast into something special. You'll often find it enjoyed during the festive season, adding a sweet richness to holiday breakfasts.

Gofio Escaldado - Gofio Mash - A thick, comforting porridge made from roasted grains, usually served with a hearty stew or as a main dish itself. I discovered this dish at a local family gathering, where it was lovingly prepared and paired with my grandmother's best beef stew.

Tortilla de Papas - Potato Omelet - This Spanish-inspired dish features eggs and thinly sliced fried potatoes, resulting in a fluffy omelet that's served cold or at room temperature. Enjoyed during lunch or dinner, it's often a point of contention over who makes it best in local homes!

Tacos de Chochos - Bean Tacos - Made with chochos (lupin beans) and served in a soft tortilla, these tacos are a surprising delight. You’ll find locals grabbing them at night, especially during lively street fairs and markets.

Escudella - Canary Island Vegetable Stew - This seasonal dish is made with a mixture of root vegetables, legumes, and often includes some kind of meat like chicken. Primarily made in the colder months, it’s a warm group meal to enjoy after long hikes in the cooler weather.

Desserts & Drinks
Café con Leche - Café con Leche (milky coffee) - A rich blend of strong coffee and steaming milk, often dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Locals usually enjoy this treat in the morning or during a leisurely sobremesa, chatting with friends after a meal.

Zumos Naturales - Zumos Naturales (fresh juices) - Refreshing juices made from locally sourced fruits like tropical papaya and sweet oranges, often mixed with a splash of water. During the sweltering summer months, you'll find these vibrant drinks served at stands around the beach - perfect to cool off with.

Ron Miel - Ron Miel (honey rum) - A distinctive sweet rum infused with honey, usually enjoyed neat or on the rocks. This drink is commonly savored after dinner, often while swapping stories with family - it's a delightful local touch to any evening.

Bienmesabe - Bienmesabe (sweet almond cream) - A creamy, sweet dessert made from ground almonds, sugar, and a hint of lemon zest. This indulgent treat is often served during local celebrations or family gatherings, making it a cherished sweet that evokes nostalgia.

Helado de Turrón - Helado de Turrón (nougat ice cream) - A frozen dessert made from nougat, with a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth. It’s especially popular during summer fiestas and is a local favorite to beat the heat, often found on street corners where people enjoy it while strolling.

Food and Groceries in Las Palmas

Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
Bread $1.69
Bananas $2.18
Oranges $1.56
Potatoes $1.6
Apples $2.39
Beverages
Water 1.5L $0.94
0.5L Local Beer $1.11
Imported Beer $1.97
Wine Rating >4.0 $5.46
Milk 1L $1.05

Various Groceries
Meat (Beef or Pork) $10.92
Chicken $6.12
Cigarettes $4.23
Rice $1.89
Local Cheese $12.8

Overview of Cuisine and Specialties

Popping into a tascas (a small tapas bar) during the early evening, you'll often find tables overflowing with locals indulging in petiscos while sipping on their beers. Dinner kicks off around 9 PM here, which is much later than what you see in many other cities. It's not uncommon to feel your stomach rumble by then, but this is just how the evening unfolds in Las Palmas.

Meal prices vary widely, influenced by location and cuisine. For instance, a plate of grilled octopus can range from €12 to €25 depending on whether you're in a bustling area like Vegueta or a quieter neighborhood like Ciudad Jardín. A casual lunch can set you back about €8-€15 for a filling meal, including a drink, while a more elaborate dinner could start around €20 for a decent entree.

Dining districts show distinct characters as well. Vegueta is steeped in history and boasts upscale restaurants, while Las Canteras offers numerous beachside eateries that cater to tourists and locals alike. Always keep an eye on their menus; seasonal dishes can make a significant difference in both flavor and cost.

When it comes to payments, most places accept cards, but carrying cash is wise, particularly in smaller establishments where they might only take euros (€). Tipping is not obligatory but leaving a euro or two for good service is appreciated and quite customary.

One eating habit that sets locals apart is their enjoyment of a late-afternoon merienda, often a simple snack or pastry to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. Many tourists mistakenly arrive for dinner at 7 PM only to find most kitchens still closed—I’ve seen many thwarted by the emptiness of a popular restaurant at that hour.

A quick note on reservation habits: it's always best to book ahead if you’re targeting a specific spot for a weekend meal. Even the least busy places can fill up quickly, especially around the popular dining hours.

As the seasons shift, you’ll see the food scene adapts too—hearty stews and warm dishes dominate in winter while fresh salads and seafood are all the rage in summer. The way locals embrace these changes reflects their connection to the produce available, always favoring the freshest on their plates.

Overall, the dining culture here is vibrant, flexible, and welcoming, gracefully weaving tradition with modern-day habits.