Eating My Way Through Las Palmas: 3 Must-Try Restaurants for Solo Travelers

One of the best parts of traveling solo? Discovering incredible places to eat without having to compromise on where to go! Las Palmas de Gran Canaria offered me not just sunny skies and gorgeous views, but also a food scene worth writing home about. Let me take you through my top three dining experiences—and maybe you’ll be adding these to your travel list too.

1. El Deseo: Steak Night Done Right

Let’s start with El Deseo, a place I stumbled upon while wandering around the old town of Vegueta. Their promise of authentic Canarian cuisine instantly drew me in. Who could resist?

This spot delivered a charming mix of cozy interiors and an inviting outdoor setup where diners enjoyed their meals under the evening breeze. I decided to try their Entrecote in mushroom sauce and a frying steak with garlic, oil, and pepper. The Entrecote? Definitely the winner—tender, flavorful, and satisfying. The prices are friendly too, with mains around €16.50, making it a great value for the quality.

While I didn’t go for starters (I had already overindulged earlier), I couldn’t help but eye the tapas on nearby tables. Everything looked incredible, and honestly, I’m kind of kicking myself for not trying them. Maybe next time! The staff were attentive and made the meal even more enjoyable. Was it the best steak of my life? No, but the warm atmosphere and tasty food definitely made it worth the visit.

2. Tapas Thursday: A Food Crawl Adventure

Now, if you’re in Las Palmas on a Thursday, you simply can’t miss the weekly tapas crawl in Vegueta. Picture this: cobbled streets, buzzing crowds, and bars showcasing their best dishes for just a few euros each. It’s a food lover’s dream.

First stop for me? Restaurante El Monje de Santa Ana. This place nailed the traditional Canarian vibe, serving up Papas arrugadas with red mojo—those iconic Canarian potatoes paired with a tangy sauce. The setting was a bonus, with views of the stunning Cathedral of Las Palmas.

Next up, I followed my nose (and a little curiosity) to La Terraza Mahou. Their Pimientos de Padrón—small green peppers fried in olive oil—had been on my “must-try” list for ages. Sweet and addictive, these little gems didn’t disappoint. The grilled king prawns here also hit the spot so much that I actually returned another day just to have them again! While not every tapas dish was a revelation, the atmosphere made the whole crawl an unforgettable experience. Have you ever explored a city through its food like this? It’s so much fun.

3. Triciclo Bar: Fancy, Fun, and Flavorful

For a slightly fancier meal, Triciclo Bar was a standout. Tucked away in a quiet side street in Vegueta, this spot has a reputation for creative twists on Mediterranean and Spanish classics. The vibe here was both stylish and welcoming—a great pick whether you’re dining solo (like me) or with friends.

The menu is exciting, but I decided to skip the tapas starters this time (I know, shocking!) and go straight for the mains. My picks? An Indian Curry with prawns and fresh fish, and a Balinese-style Iberian pork dish with puffed wheat fried rice (Nasi Goreng). Both were packed with flavor, making each bite an adventure in itself.

And then came dessert. Oh, the desserts! I tried a Valrhona Caramel Tart paired with passion fruit crème brûlée and red berry sorbet. Absolute heaven. The second dessert, a Chocolate and Hazelnut Band served with mandarin ice cream, was equally indulgent. Let’s just say I left that meal very, very happy.

If you’re after something a bit more upscale but still want great value, Triciclo Bar is where you need to go. Everything about this place—the service, the setting, and most importantly, the food—was spot on.

Exploring Las Palmas through its restaurants was such a treat. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors, enjoy tapas-hopping with a crowd, or are looking for a fancy dinner with a twist, this city has something for everyone. Have you been to Las Palmas or tried any of these spots? I’d love to hear about your favorite food experiences! Drop me a comment or let’s swap foodie stories—I’m always hungry for more inspiration.