Dabeke: A Culinary Delight in La Orotava
My husband and I recently had the pleasure of dining at Dabeke, a hidden gem in the charming town of La Orotava, Tenerife. Nestled in a quiet side street, this unassuming restaurant boasts an intimate ambiance and a culinary experience that exceeded all expectations.
From the moment we stepped into Dabeke, we were greeted by warm hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. The décor, with its rustic charm and contemporary touches, set the stage for a delightful dining experience. Our attentive waiter, knowledgeable about the menu and eager to please, guided us through the culinary journey that awaited us.
The menu at Dabeke showcases a fusion of traditional Canarian flavors with innovative modern techniques. Each dish is meticulously crafted, showcasing the chef's passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and impeccable culinary artistry.
To start, we indulged with the asparagus with an incredible Truffel oil. and the Falso Calsot , ( this was very surprising). The combination of textures and flavors was a symphony of delight, awakening our palates for the culinary feast.
For our main course, we opted for the lomo alto de Ternera that was smoked with encina wood, very aromatic, a succulent fillet steak, perfectly seared to a rosy perfection, accompanied by a rich mushroom cream sauce. Each bite was a revelation, the tender meat melting in our mouths, complemented by the smoky taste.
We also had their famous Gyozas....also a good choice.
Throughout our meal, we were impressed by the impeccable service at Dabeke. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the cuisine he presented. He ensured that our every need was met, enhancing the dining experience.
Dabeke is more than just a restaurant; it's an experience that will linger long after the last bite. The culinary artistry, the impeccable service, and the warm ambiance create a dining experience that is truly exceptional. If you find yourself in La Orotava, seeking a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you with lasting memories, Dabeke is the...
Read moreIf 3.5 stars were an option, that would be my score for DaBeKe. Clearly, the hands that make the food there are skilled. We ordered the ceviche, the mushroom carpaccio, the risotto, and the gyozas. In addition, we got complimentary salmorejo bowls as starters. Remarkably, ever dish was rich, well-balanced, and rather simply but beautifully presented.
One thing, which to me speaks to the level of experience of DaBeKe's chef is the measured use of truffle (present in two of the dishes we ordered). I've found that cooks who use truffle often fail to dose it properly, and end up overpowering all other ingredients. But at DaBeKe's dishes, the truffle is sufficiently present without cancelling other flavors.
I suspect that this seasoned and measured approach to cooking at DaBeKe is also at the root of another feature of the food there, which you might consider a downside depending on what you are looking for: as well put at they may be, the creations are rather safe, lacking in boldness and surprise. The most out of the ordinary thing we got to notice is the addition of a root vegetable (yam I believe) in the ceviche mix, which didn't stand a chance to shine bedside the fish and amidst the strong citrus medium. All in all, DaBeKe isn't the kind is place where you go to seeking food adventures. It's rather a place where you go to experience the best of modern Canarian cuisine.
Beyond the food, I should say that the staff was particularly nice and welcoming. And while this is not that uncommon in Tenerife, I'll note it because I don't think it should ever be taken for granted.
The biggest disappointment of the night was the setting. DaBeKe was created in an old historical Canarian house, which one would think might have helped create a cozy atmosphere. Yet it is exactly the opposite. The room was cold, both in terms of temperature and ambience, over lit, and excessively noisy. If I have to guess, the interior design was not handled by a professional. It is a pity because it is obvious from a few decorative items here and there that the intention to create a welcoming...
Read moreOne word: perfection.
Dabeke gave us one of those dinners that we won’t ever forget. We dined at Dabeke in January 2023 during a two-week trip through the Canaries, and it was the highlight of our trip. The food was just other-worldly — everything was beyond delicious. Out of 10 stars, they get 100.
First off, the service. From the moment we stepped inside, we felt so welcomed. It was like walking into someone’s home; you could feel the warmth and energy. Our server — whose name I unfortunately forgot — went above and beyond to ensure we had a perfect night. Our interactions went beyond the food; he told us about his travel through the other Canary Islands, the history behind their wines, and cool details about the restaurant. He was so knowledgeable. When it came to the food, he could tell you every little ingredient by heart. Thank you for making our night so special.
The food itself… where do I start? We just wanted to order the whole menu. Every dish tasted better than it looked. We were thoroughly impressed. Paired with the recommended wine, it made for an immaculate dinner. The wine was so good we ended up taking a second bottle home.
If you’re in the area, just visit this place. You’ll...
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