Finding a proper three-course-style menu for €6.50 these days feels like you’ve travelled back in time.
But that’s exactly what you’ll find at Bodegón El Petudo in Los Realejos, where the focus is on traditional food, generous portions and prices that haven’t completely lost the plot.
The bodegón has been highlighted by the creators behind @guachinchesmodernos, who visited and were particularly impressed by the daily menu. They even described it as one of the cheapest menus in Tenerife.
What do you get for €6.50?
The daily menu includes a first course, second course, bread and a drink for €6.50.
During their visit, the first course was a traditional vegetable stew, with the option of adding gofio.
The main course was meat in adobo with boiled potatoes, the sort of straightforward homemade food that doesn’t need much explaining.
They also tried a generous portion of carne mechada, with the verdict being fairly simple: it’s not just cheap, it’s actually good.
Before the menu arrived, they also shared half a portion of white cheese and some pumpkin and cheese croquettes.
The sort of extras that make you realise you probably should have skipped breakfast.
Proper homemade cooking
The appeal here isn’t just the price.
The food is based around traditional Canarian home cooking, with simple dishes prepared in the sort of way you’d expect from someone who’s been cooking the same recipes for years.
The restaurant says there’s a set pattern to some of the menu dishes too. Mondays are always vegetables, Tuesdays are lentils and Fridays are watercress.
And then there’s dessert.
On their visit, they finished with a homemade pineapple cake, made with sponge cake and described as having that old-fashioned flavour that brings back memories of childhood.
Where is Bodegón El Petudo?
You’ll find Bodegón El Petudo at Calle El Jardín, 124, in Los Realejos, up in the mountain area.
It currently has a 4.5-star rating on Google, with the generous portions, homemade food and low prices clearly doing their bit.
It’s open Monday to Friday from 6:30am to 4pm, covering breakfast and lunch.
It’s closed on Saturdays and Sundays for staff rest.
So if you’re looking for somewhere fancy, this probably isn’t it.
If you’re looking for a big plate of traditional food without handing over half your wallet, it’s a rather different story.