Restaurante Lena Tenerife — Restaurant in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

We visited this restaurant twice.

The first time, we ordered octopus, pumpkin soup, and the fish of the day. The octopus was overcooked, and the fish was dry on the outside but raw in the middle. We also ordered a salad with falafel – it was nice, but lacked juiciness to make it more flavorful. Overall, we weren’t satisfied with our first dinner.

Given the high rating (4.8) on Google, we decided to give the restaurant a second chance, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet our expectations again. This time, we ordered steak, a tomato and avocado salad, eggplant, the fish of the day, and mini potatoes. The steak was disappointing – the meat was rubbery and hard to chew. The fish was dry again. The potatoes were tasty but a bit greasy. We enjoyed the eggplant, and the tomato salad was good, though quite plain – it only consisted of tomatoes, olive oil, and half an avocado. However, the desserts were very good: yogurt pistachio ice cream and crushed nuts with ice cream.

As for the ambiance, it’s quite interesting, but the outdoor lighting unfortunately spoils the atmosphere. The bright white lights don’t suit the place, shining directly in your eyes and making it feel less cozy. Warm, softer lighting would fit much better. Some gentle jazz music would also create a more pleasant vibe.

Our server was very friendly...

Absolutely love Restaurante Leña! I discovered this hidden gem about three years ago during a beach day, and it’s been a must-visit spot ever since. Every time I have friends or family visiting the island, I make it a point to bring them here. This time, I even booked an Airbnb in San Andrés just so my mom could try their food multiple times during her stay—and it did not disappoint!

Their food is incredible, made with seasonal, locally farmed ingredients, and it’s clear how much care goes into every dish. The artichoke in parmesan wine sauce is absolutely phenomenal, the aubergine is perfectly tender and flavorful, and their signature papas Leña are addictive. Don’t sleep on the beets in gorgonzola sauce either—they’re a treat! These dishes are perfect for lunch or as sides to share at dinner.

What really makes this place special is the service. It’s a family-run restaurant, and the host is so kind and attentive, always going the extra mile to make you feel welcome. You can tell they care about every guest, and it’s such a personal and inviting atmosphere.

If you’re on the island, do yourself a favor and visit Leña. Whether it’s for a relaxed lunch or dinner, this place is a true culinary gem....

The food, ambiance and wine was amazing! The salads and vegetables are local and organic. I highly recommend the gazpacho and eggplant in purgatory (berenjena en purgatorio).The carpaccio was the best I've had on the island--and I order it A LOT. We also loved the pata in a vitel toné sauce and the caesar salad. All were superbly well done chef-inspired variations of classic Spanish tapas. So good.

For meat, we ordered a combination of all three (we had two big tables of adults and kids)-- entrecote (NY strip), entraña (skirt steak), and picanha (Brazilian cut). They were wood-grilled to smoky juicy perfection and the fries were worthy of a French bistro-- crispy and light made from local, organic potatoes. Lastly, you can't order wrong with the wine list. My favorites were the Loculto crianza and the garnacha.

In short, it's a magnificent place with a great terraza (ocean view!) for couples and families with excellent service and fresh and...