Restaurante Jorgen Rivera — Restaurant in Puerto de la Cruz

Five stars are not enough. As a retired chef and former owner of two tapas restaurants, with over 50 years in hospitality and extensive experience in Spanish cuisine, I'm rarely impressed when dining out—especially when it comes to paella, which is so often disappointing. But this meal was a standout.

We opted for the set menu (an incredible value at €55 for two starters, two mains, two desserts, and half a litre of wine). The rosé was surprisingly good, and the service throughout was exceptional—warm, attentive, and thoughtful. We sat on the upper balustrade overlooking the courtyard, which added to the charm.

What really elevated the experience was the kitchen’s willingness to split the mains so my partner could enjoy the full paella while I was served a perfectly cooked steak—an unusual and much-appreciated gesture. The aubergine stuffed with goat’s cheese and drizzled with honey was a particular highlight among the starters.

But the paella—truly one of the best I’ve had in years. Perfectly seasoned, generously filled with fresh seafood (clams, prawns, mussels, and fish), and deeply flavourful. I found myself full… yet still going back for "just one more spoon."

I even asked the waitress (who I believe was the owner) to pass my compliments to the chef—Hugo, if I caught the name correctly—which I very rarely do.

An authentic, well-executed dining experience with a kitchen that cares. We'll...

This unprepossessing restaurant sits on the Plaza del Charco. We went in February carnival week and the evening was cool but the restaurant has outdoor heaters.

We had the special menu at Euro 12.90 and, at this price it was a steal. Three courses which, if ordered a la carte, would cost three times as much. There was no skimping on portions either. The food was beautifully presented and tasted delicious. The Caribean seafood soup, as a starter, was perfectly spiced with a tasty variety of ingredients. The Lemon Chicken main was perfectly cooked and the sauce was wonderfully subtle. Dessert was restricted to a Chocolate Torte or a Creme Caramel served with a pineapple sauce but both were great.

We drank house wine by the glass which was very reasonably priced and could not be faulted.

Service was a little slow but no worse than anywhere else and we were happy to watch the world of carnival pass us by.

The staff, and particularly the lady proprietor(?), were polite, attentive and could not do enough for us.

We went back a second time but get in quick. We were told that the restaurant had only been open for a month and this is definitely going to be one of the best places to eat in...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Jorgen Rivera, located in the heart of Puerto de la Cruz, and it was an experience that left a lasting impression on me. The restaurant itself is a hidden gem, boasting an exquisite Italian Terrazza that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining atmosphere. With an average price of €16, it offers an exceptional value for the quality and variety of dishes served. The menu, a delightful fusion of seafood, international, and Spanish cuisines, showcases the freshest ingredients and bold flavors, each dish more enticing than the last.The ambiance at Jorgen Rivera adds to its charm, with a welcoming atmosphere that invites diners to relax and enjoy their meal in comfort. The service is noteworthy as well, with the staff going out of their way to ensure guests have everything they need for a perfect dining experience. A special mention must be made for Carolina, whose attentive service exemplifies the restaurant's commitment to customer...