Cafe La Ola — Restaurant in Tías

Recently revamping the little restaurant. Trying to provide more entertainment and dinner experience. Cafe la ola certainly provides both in spades. During a lunch experience, we saw them trying to open up the pool area. This has previously been blocked up, and everybody that we spoke to set the exact same thing. That's a liability waiting to happen. Two nights later when we visited again. That liability happened. They had cleared the pool area and filled it with water and it looked very pretty. However one rather drunken man, in a large group of 20, got up and did the worm in front of the singers and to the delight of the crowd. Then proceeded to dive into the water. It was a rather cold night and he was soaked, but that didn't stop him. As nearly 5 minutes later he did exactly the same thing. That was a while ago, and I wonder if they filled in the pool now. Night and day this place offers some great entertainment. Dependent on the band that's provided, the night we went was Motown music. However the Sea breeze can be cold during the winter months. So it might be best to sit inside or dress warm. That night All the tables were full, and the only ones we could get were on the seafront exposed to the breeze. And it felt extra cold. They don't provide blankets, which would have been a good idea if we had known about it. During the day and the late evening, this place offers some really good food. The view of the sea view is really. Food here is good. Stopping for a late lunch. Just good wholesome finger food. The tapas dishes are actually of high quality and some little extra dishes that make you want to try them all. We tried the classics canarian potatos, padron peppers, and garlic prawns. And wifey and Hubby would recommend them all. We also added chicken cheese fries and the mini sliders. While good, this is something the kids would love more...

Where to start.... We've been coming here for over a decade and it was always one of our favourites, always great service and food. Even in March, we were greeted at the door on the way in, given a complimentary drink, red carpet treatment. This time around however, was the worst dining experience we have recieved in a long time. Firstly, there was very few in the restaurant when we arrived and were seated straight away, great. However, the service went downhill straight away. Left waiting possibly 10 to 15 mins for menus, and then no kids menus. Okay, not great. Got kids menus and left waiting Ince again. Very few wines available in stock, again no big issue. The wine we did order was presented in some type of camping cooler..... no ice bucket here! No staff pouring your wine either, just full day at the beach experience! Time went by, ordered the food. My wife asked could we order the starters and mains at same time but the waiter misinterpreted this is could we have the starters at the same time as the mains! So a large duration went by with no food or people coming to the today, and then ALL THE FOOD! Food was good, however, menu greatly reduced from recent years. Finished our food, had to ask someone for a desert menu (kids wanted some, I was happy to leave). No one came back over after about 10 to 15 mins again!!!! Asked for the bill. We had received two apologies about the whole experience from some very helpful and friendly staff, but it was a "how to" on poor service. It's worth saying the place was NOT busy through all this (which it has been over the years and we still received 5 star service).

So. Slow service Reduced menu. While there are some nice staff, a couple of rude and unhelpful staff (very cold older lady in particular) Seems like a lot less staff and inexperienced Confusion about starters Wine...

Just back from two amazing weeks in Lanzarote, and honestly, I’m not sure where some of the negative reviewers have been! We spent 7 out of our 14 nights at Café La Ola, and it was without a doubt our favourite place.

Yes, on very busy nights, the staff were clearly run off their feet but let’s be realistic. That’s happening all over the world right now. We usually came in a bit earlier and were always greeted with warm, friendly service. The staff remembered us, even down to our drinks and the fact that we loved the chicken wings (which are honestly on par with Elephant & Castle, if you know, you know!).

The entertainment was incredible every night. Live music, great atmosphere, and all of it included at no extra cost.

Are the prices slightly higher than some other places? Yes, but for good reason. You’re paying for:

A prime seafront location Top-quality entertainment A fantastic setting with unbeatable views

Let’s not forget they’re likely paying premium rent, too and it shows in the overall experience.

We also ate upstairs at the Bistro twice. The fish pie is a must-try. As for the cocktails, absolutely superb. Crafted with care, not rushed, and always spot-on.

Please remember: like many hospitality businesses worldwide, they are experiencing staffing challenges. So be patient. Take a breath. Enjoy the view. This isn’t fast food, it’s an experience.

I genuinely feel upset when I see people leaving 1-star reviews just because they didn’t get served in 5 seconds with a smile and fireworks. Behind every review is someone’s livelihood.

Café La Ola is, hands down, the best place in Lanzarote. Treat it with kindness and enjoy it for what it is..... a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming place run by hardworking people doing their best in...