Palmelita - Castillo — Restaurant in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

La Palmelita – Castillo is a true gem in the heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a haven for lovers of fine pastries, sweets, and expertly crafted coffee. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an elegant display of freshly made cakes, tarts, and confections that reflect both craftsmanship and tradition.

Their selection is impressive and diverse, with something to satisfy every sweet tooth—from classic Spanish pastries to more modern creations, all made with evident attention to quality and detail. However, the standout for me was the barraquito—a layered Canarian coffee drink that they prepare with extraordinary care. The result is a rich, aromatic, and beautifully balanced cup, combining coffee, sweet condensed milk, Licor 43, frothed milk, and a hint of lemon zest. It’s not just a drink—it’s an experience.

Whether you’re stopping in for a quick coffee or taking a moment to indulge in a slice of cake, La Palmelita offers an atmosphere of quiet sophistication and genuine warmth. It's the perfect spot to take a break while exploring the city center. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for top-tier pastries and a truly...

Palmelita – Castillo is the kind of place you wander into once and find yourself returning to again and again. Tucked into one of Calle Castillo’s prettiest old buildings, right in the bustling heart of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this café has been delighting locals and lucky tourists since 1968 with its heavenly cakes, smooth coffee and the sort of bocadillos that make you stop and savour every bite.

Step inside and you’re instantly charmed by its vintage interior and a display of pastries that borders on art. Pistachio cheesecake, fruit tarts and other temptations call out from behind the glass, while the barraquito, that layered Canarian coffee laced with sweetness and spice, is a must-try. Outside, the terrace fills with chatter as people sip and snack, watching the city amble by.

It’s not just the food that keeps people coming back. Staff are friendly without fuss, prices are fair, and everything feels done with care. Whether you’re there for a morning pick-me-up, an afternoon indulgence or a lazy evening drink, Palmelita delivers something simple yet special. It’s the kind of local treasure that makes a holiday feel just a little...

The rudest waitress ever!! She doesn't understand English and instead of trying to get the order right, she gets mad. At first I came to order at the counter, but she said: you order at the table. I sit and scan the menu, but the name of the cakes and ice creams are not in the menu. When she comes to get the order at the table, she says you should go inside and check the names there!! At the end she brings wrong ice cream to the table since she doesn't know what's pistachio in English and makes noises with the cups when she is putting them on the table. Ruined our day with her behaviour. In any case, the pistachio ice cream is not very good, a bit bitter to my taste, and has some medicine aftertaste. And the chocolate cake had a good texture and appreance but was tasteless. Also, they clean the tables after each customer with a very strong detergent, smells like whitex and stays on the table which was very annoying. I might have given a 3 if the experience wasn't...