The recent revelation that King Felipe VI requested Casa Tomás’ famous costillas con papas y piña during his latest visit to Tenerife has once again highlighted the Royal Family’s connection with Canarian gastronomy.
Over the years, the King, Queen Letizia and Princess Leonor have all enjoyed meals in some of the islands’ best-known restaurants, from traditional family-run establishments to Michelin-starred dining rooms.
Casa Tomás, Tenerife
The most recent addition to the list came during the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Tenerife.
Following a technical delay affecting the papal delegation’s aircraft, Felipe VI offered the Pope the use of the Spanish Royal Falcon aircraft. The unexpected change of plans delayed the royal party’s return to Madrid and led to an order from Casa Tomás, one of Tenerife’s most famous traditional restaurants.
The menu reportedly included:
🍽️ Garbanzas compuestas
🍽️ Costillas con papas y piña de millo
🍽️ Quesillo canario for dessert
Founded in 1977 by Tomás Galván and Verísima García, Casa Tomás built its reputation on simple Canarian recipes, particularly its iconic pork ribs with potatoes and corn on the cob, a dish that has become legendary across the island.
El Rincón de Juan Carlos
In 2020, during the Covid pandemic, Felipe VI dined at Poemas by Hermanos Padrón, the Las Palmas restaurant run by Tenerife-born brothers Jonathan and Juan Carlos Padrón.
The chefs behind the two Michelin-starred El Rincón de Juan Carlos prepared a menu for the King, who reportedly chose an eel Benedictine dish.
According to those present, Queen Letizia jokingly remarked that eel was not normally one of the King’s favourite foods, although Felipe reportedly described the dish as “exquisite”.
Bahía Los Abrigos
During a visit to the Canary Islands in June 2023, linked to military exercises near El Hierro, Felipe VI stopped for lunch at Bahía Los Abrigos in south Tenerife.
Unlike the Casa Tomás meal, this time the King visited the restaurant in person, surprising diners and happily posing for photographs.
Located beside the harbour in Los Abrigos, the family-run restaurant is known for:
🐟 Fresh local fish
🦐 Seafood
🥘 Rice dishes
🍷 Canarian wines
According to the owners, the King enjoyed fresh fish accompanied by local Tenerife wine.
Don Jamón, Gran Canaria
One of the more spontaneous royal food stops occurred in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 2024.
While walking through the city, Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were invited by staff at Don Jamón to sample some of their cured ham.
The informal moment quickly made national headlines, with the King happily accepting the offer while Queen Letizia encouraged him to enjoy the experience “like anyone else”.
Tasca La Montería and Princess Leonor
The younger generation of the Royal Family has also shown an appreciation for Canarian cuisine.
During her visit to Tenerife aboard the training ship Juan Sebastián de Elcano in January 2025, Princess Leonor chose to dine at Tasca La Montería in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The restaurant later thanked the Princess publicly for her visit, describing it as a privilege to welcome her.
Known for its traditional cuisine and quality local produce, La Montería has become one of Santa Cruz’s most respected dining spots.
A Taste of the Canary Islands
From humble Canarian comfort food and fresh seafood to Michelin-starred creations and simple slices of jamón, the restaurants chosen by Spain’s Royal Family reflect the diversity of the islands’ culinary scene.
Whether enjoying ribs in a traditional Tenerife restaurant or dining at one of Spain’s leading gastronomic destinations, one thing appears consistent: when visiting the Canary Islands, the Royal Family rarely misses the chance to sample the local food.
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