Food and Wine You Can’t Miss in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is renowned not only for its dramatic volcanic landscapes but also for its influence on what ends up on your plate and in your glass. Ocean-fresh seafood and wine from grapes grown in black ash are among the staples that make the island a favorite among foodies.
For those seeking flavour as well as sunshine, Lanzarote holidays are the perfect choice for food and wine lovers, offering an idyllic setting for relaxed dining on distinctive local produce.
Fresh Seafood & Coastal Dining
Surrounded by the Atlantic, Lanzarote naturally excels when it comes to seafood. Menu across the island feature simply prepared fish that allows freshness to shine, often grilled and served with seasonal vegetables and olive oil. Popular choices include vieja (parrotfish), sea bream and octopus, while hearty seafood stews reflect traditional Canarian cooking.
Coastal towns are the best places to experience this side of Lanzarote’s cuisine. Seafront restaurants in Puerto del Carmen offer relaxed holiday dining and excellent seafood dishes, ideal for long lunches or sunset dinners.
Arrecife (the island’s capital) feels more local and authentic, with family-run eateries where recipes have been passed down through generations. Dining by the water, with the sound of waves nearby, is very much part of the Lanzarote experience.
A Taste of Lanzarote’s Unique Terroir
Few wine regions in the world are as visually striking as La Geria. Vines here are planted directly into volcanic ash, each one protected by a semi-circular stone wall that shields it from strong winds and captures precious moisture. The result is a landscape unlike anywhere else, and wines that are just as distinctive.
Lanzarote is best known for Malvasía Volcánica, a white wine that balances freshness with subtle mineral notes shaped by the island’s volcanic soil. Pairing a crisp Malvasía with local fish or cheese is a real treat for any wine connoisseur.
Top Wineries to Visit on the Island
Several bodegas welcome visitors keen to explore Lanzarote’s winemaking heritage. Bodega Stratvs offers guided tours through its modern facilities, along with tastings, and a restaurant overlooking the vineyards. El Grifo (Bodega Rubicón), one of the oldest wineries in the Canary Islands, combines history with elegant wines and a small museum.
Los Bermejos, set against a dramatic volcanic backdrop, is known for organic practices and expressive wines that genuinely reflect the island’s terrain.
Papas Arrugadas & Mojo, Lanzarote’s Iconic Duo
No culinary exploration of Lanzarote would be complete without papas arrugadas. These small potatoes are boiled in heavily salted water until their skins wrinkle and crystallise, then served with vibrant mojo sauces. Mojo rojo brings gentle heat from red peppers and paprika, while mojo verde offers a fresher blend of herbs and garlic.
Simple yet deeply satisfying, this dish captures the essence of Canarian cooking, bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Whether enjoyed as a starter or shared alongside fish or meat, papas arrugadas are a must-try taste of the island.