There are still places in Tenerife where you can sit down to a plate of proper Canarian food without needing to take out a small loan.
Guachinche Casa Ayo, in El Sauzal, is one of them.
The focus here is simple. Traditional home-style cooking, generous portions, local wine and prices that won’t have you wondering whether you’ve accidentally ordered something from a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Traditional Canarian dishes
The menu features plenty of familiar Canarian favourites, with dishes designed for sharing or simply getting stuck into yourself.
You’ll find classics including:
- Escaldón
- Garbanzas
- Grilled cheese
- Lapas
- Cheese fritters
- Huevos rotos
- Goat meat
- Carne fiesta
- Bacalao encebollado
It’s the sort of menu that doesn’t need much explanation. If you’re looking for traditional flavours rather than something overly complicated, you’re in the right place.
Local wine and homemade desserts
Casa Ayo also serves house wine by the litre, sourced from local producers in the area.
And because no Canarian meal is really complete without something sweet afterwards, there are homemade desserts including quesillo.
The combination of traditional food, generous portions and reasonable prices is one of the things customers seem to appreciate most.
The friendly service helps too.
Sometimes that’s all you really want from a meal. Good food, decent prices and someone making you feel welcome.
Where to find Casa Ayo
Guachinche Casa Ayo is located at 61 Calle Real Orotava, El Sauzal.
The restaurant currently has a 4.6-star rating on Google, based on reviews from people who have visited.
Opening hours are:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday: 1pm to 5pm
Friday and Saturday: 1pm to 10pm
Monday and Thursday: Closed
If you’re looking for traditional Canarian food in the north of Tenerife without the fuss or inflated prices, Casa Ayo looks like a place worth putting on the list.