With young children, a good restaurant is not just one that cooks well. It is one where the high chair arrives without asking twice, there is a menu designed for them and, with luck, a playground or garden where they can move around while the grown-ups finish their coffee. We have looked through our selection for the restaurants that make it easiest.
Mapi says
Trying a new dish is exploring too. One small spoonful of something you have never eaten might be your best discovery of the trip.
With a playground or play area
In La Gomera, Laguna Grande, in Garajonay National Park, has a playground next to the restaurant. In Gran Canaria, El Capitán, right on San Agustín beach, adds a sea-view terrace and a playground. In Fuerteventura, Don Pepe, in Parque Holandés, serves home-style Canarian food with a play area and terrace. And in the hills of northern Tenerife, Guachinche Uva Negra has a play area and, as well as the island’s dishes, pizzas and burgers for children.
With a kids’ menu
In Tenerife, Tasquita del Puerto, in Los Abrigos, has a children’s menu of smaller portions, and Masía del Mar, in La Caleta, a kids’ menu, a seafront terrace and a garden. In Lanzarote, El Diablo has high chairs and a kids’ menu, Castillo de San José a children’s section on the menu and the Casa-Museo del Campesino restaurant a kids’ menu. In Gran Canaria, the Maspalomas Golf restaurant has children’s dishes on the menu and open spaces.
With a garden or room to move
In La Palma, Chipi-Chipi, on the outskirts of Santa Cruz, has served traditional Canarian food since 1960 in a shady garden, and El Canal, in Los Sauces, has dishes that are easy to adapt for children. In Tenerife, Mesón El Monasterio has gardens with birds and views over the Orotava valley. And in Arucas, El Dorado del Norte has a seafront terrace and a promenade to stretch your legs after lunch.
Tips for eating out with little ones
Go a little before the busiest time, when it is quieter and food comes out sooner. Bring a small game or a book for the wait, and ask whether the children’s dish can come first. In high season, book ahead. For more ideas, see our charming restaurants in the Canary Islands.