You know those places that look like a fairly ordinary neighbourhood bar from the outside, then you sit down and realise there’s actually a lot more going on?
Bar La Ta’Berna in San Matías is one of those places.
The local bar has been getting attention for its generous portions, traditional Canarian cooking and prices that are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Food creators @guachinchesmodernos recently visited and shared some of the dishes on offer.
A proper neighbourhood bar
The first thing that stands out is the straightforward approach.
The service is described as quick and friendly, while the menu is surprisingly extensive, with plenty of familiar dishes from traditional Canarian cooking.
There’s almogrote, cheese boards, sweet potato salad, croquettes, huevos rotos, papas gomeras, grilled mushrooms and churros de pescado, along with more substantial dishes such as the daily stew, escaldón and garbanzas.
Basically, the sort of food that doesn’t need much explaining.
Some of the house favourites
There are plenty of choices on the menu, but a few dishes stand out.
The whole octopus, served with a spicy vinegar, costs €21.
The almogrote omelette is one of the bar’s best-selling dishes, while the Solomillo La Ta’Berna comes with a creamy cheese and mushroom sauce, tomato jam and mango coulis.
For the meat lovers, there’s carne fiesta, bichillo and steak, while the seafood options include potas, calamares, gambas al ajillo and cazón en adobo.
Homemade desserts and wine
The traditional theme continues with the drinks.
La Ta’Berna serves red and fruity white wine from a recognised Tenerife winery, sold by the glass and in bulk, much like the old-style guachinches.
Then there are homemade desserts including tarta de la abuela and cheesecake.
The bar also offers reasonably priced menus for celebrations and has already put together its Christmas menu for the coming festive season.
So if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate without spending a small fortune, it’s another option to keep in mind.
Where is Bar La Ta’Berna?
Bar La Ta’Berna is at Calle San Olegario, 1, in San Matías, in the municipality of La Laguna.
The average spend is around €20 per person, making it a fairly affordable option for a proper meal.
It opens from 12:30pm to 5:00pm and from 8:00pm to 11:00pm, Monday to Thursday.
On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the kitchen stays open continuously from 12:30pm until 11:00pm.
Not fancy. Not trying too hard. Just a neighbourhood bar serving generous portions of familiar Canarian food at prices that still make sense.
And these days, that’s worth knowing about.