Nestled in a traditional Canarian manor house in Tegueste, El Mesón El Drago celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2026, continuing a legacy that changed the course of Canarian gastronomy.
Founded in 1986 by Carlos Gamonal Jiménez, the restaurant became a landmark in the islands’ culinary scene after Gamonal became the first Canarian chef to be awarded a Michelin Star.
A Pioneer of Canarian Cuisine
Born in Bordeaux in 1946, Carlos Gamonal learned the foundations of cooking from his mother, Asunción Jiménez, whose passion for traditional recipes helped shape his culinary career.
Dedicated to preserving and elevating Canarian cuisine, Gamonal combined respect for local traditions with innovation, earning national and international recognition. Among his many honours was the Premio Taburiente, presented by the Diario de Avisos Foundation in 2019.
His Michelin Star placed both the restaurant and Tenerife firmly on Spain’s gastronomic map at a time when the Canary Islands were rarely recognised by the prestigious guide.
A Family Legacy Continues
Today, El Mesón El Drago remains a family-run restaurant under the direction of Carlos and Priscila Gamonal, who continue the work started by their father.
The siblings have built on their family heritage by training alongside some of Spain’s leading chefs while remaining committed to showcasing authentic Canarian flavours.
Their menu continues to celebrate the island’s culinary traditions with dishes including:
- Watercress stew (potaje de berros)
- Marinated roast kid goat (cabrito embarrado)
- Wreckfish casserole (cazuela de cherne)
- Rabbit in salmorejo
- Traditional tocino de cielo for dessert
Award-Winning Restaurant
Carlos and Priscila’s dedication has also earned recognition of its own. The pair received the Manuel Iglesias Award at the 41st Diario de Avisos National Gastronomy Awards, recognising their work in preserving and promoting Canarian cuisine while maintaining one of Tenerife’s most respected family restaurants.
Four decades after opening its doors, El Mesón El Drago remains one of Tenerife’s most significant culinary landmarks, continuing a tradition that has welcomed generations of diners and helped shape the island’s gastronomic identity.