Emma's Cantina Mexicana — Restaurant in Tías

Emma’s Cantina: A Once-Bold Star Fading Fast

Emma’s Cantina used to set the bar for authentic Mexican cuisine—a haven for those seeking vibrant, bold flavors and dishes crafted with passion. As someone who considered it a favorite, I’m devastated to say it has lost the magic that once made it exceptional.

My first visit under the new chef was a forewarning of its decline. Despite requesting spicy food—twice—I was served a mild, uninspired bean sauce devoid of the heat and depth I loved. The Tostada de Tinga, my long-time favorite, was a particular heartbreak. What was once a rich, smoky masterpiece of flavors is now a shell of its former self: bland, uninspired, and lacking character.

Still clinging to hope, I returned tonight, but the disappointment only deepened. A plate of nachos arrived devoid of jalapeños—a glaring omission that stripped the dish of its necessary zing. Jalapeños are more than an ingredient; they are the soul of nachos, providing heat, tang, and balance. Without them, the dish fell flat.

The service mirrored the food’s decline. Once attentive and welcoming, it now feels apathetic, compounding the sense that the heart of Emma’s Cantina has been lost.

This review comes from a place of deep disappointment, but also hope. Emma’s Cantina was once a treasure, a shining beacon of Mexican cuisine that could thrill and satisfy. It pains me to see it falter. I sincerely hope the team reclaims its former spirit, reigniting the flavors and attention to detail that made it beloved. Until then, I can only reminisce about the greatness it once achieved—and hope it finds...

I am a frequent visitor to Emma's cantina every time I go to lanzarote and never been disappointed. Sunday night however, was the first time I visited since they have moved down to the harbour and I was not impressed. Service was as usual very good with friendly and helpful staff but the food was not up to usual standards, the quesadillas for starters were not very good at all, plain frozen chicken pieces with some bland cheese between 2 tortillas, no authentic Mexican taste at all. I went for the beef enchiladas and those were equally as bad, 2 plain and soft tortilla wraps filled with beef and peppers, again no flavour or spices with same plain melted cheese on top, the enchiladas were not baked as they should have been. Beef fajitas with melted cheese on top are not enchiladas. All in all a poor showing from Emma's cantina and I don't think I will be returning again as I left disappointed. The new location doesn't have the same feel as the old place, Too big and still feels like the old night club it was last year, for me Emma's cantina has completely lost the old authentic Mexican look and taste everybody...

Came across this place after drinking at a nearby cocktail bar.

We are from Scotland and love Mexican food this was by far the best and most authentic we have ever tasted. Miles better than back home.

We ordered the tres nachos for starters and the pico de gallo was fresh and home made and very tasty, the guacamole was also fresh and tasty along with the sour cream which was proper sour cream. The staff also provided a salsa picante bottle to go with the nachos which was delicious.

I ordered a beef burrito without beans and was given a beautifully wrapped burrito cut in half with wedges and what I assume to be another salsa and avacado crema both were delicious on the burrito and the beef was soft along with the delicious rice and crispy wedges.

My girlfriend ordered chicken fajitas which came out sizzling and fresh. She described them as tender and perfectly seasoned with perfectly cooked veg and fresh tortillas alongside. She paired them with my salsas and the picante and loved every bit.

We also ordered two cocktails which were large and very delicious. Would fully recommend to anyone who loves...