The Best Restaurants in Maspalomas: 9 Places We’d Happily Return To

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Looking for the best restaurants in Maspalomas?

With hundreds of restaurants spread across Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, finding genuinely good food can feel overwhelming. The good news? After multiple visits to Gran Canaria, we’ve discovered some fantastic places to eat.

From traditional Canarian cuisine and Spanish tapas to fresh Italian pasta and one of the best steaks we’ve eaten in Spain, Maspalomas surprised us with the quality and variety of its food scene.

Over several trips, we’ve eaten our way around the resort, returning to some restaurants more than once and discovering a few standout favourites along the way. One restaurant impressed us so much that we visited twice in the same week.

In this guide, I’ll share the best restaurants in Maspalomas based on our own experiences, including where to find great tapas, the best steak, authentic Canarian dishes, and the restaurant that became our clear overall winner.

¡Vamos!

The Best Restaurants in Maspalomas

Now let’s dive into the detailed reviews of each restaurant. These restaurants represent our favourite places to eat in Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, based on multiple visits to Gran Canaria and plenty of memorable meals along the way.

Each review includes what made the restaurant special, our must-try dish recommendations, pricing insights, and practical tips to help you decide whether it’s right for your trip.

From traditional Spanish tapas and Canarian cuisine to authentic Italian food, Mexican favourites, and one of the best steaks we’ve eaten in Spain, there’s something here for every type of traveller.

So if you’re wondering where to eat in Maspalomas, these are the restaurants we’d happily return to again and again

Restaurant 1: Wapa Tapa – The Best Restaurant in Maspalomas

If I could only recommend one restaurant in Maspalomas, it would be Wapa Tapa.

Located on the second floor of the Yumbo Centre, this was the standout restaurant from our most recent trip to Gran Canaria. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we ate there twice, despite having plenty of other restaurants still on our list.

Wapa Tapa specialises in Spanish tapas and Canarian cuisine, with a menu packed full of traditional favourites alongside a few modern twists. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, a group of friends, or travelling solo, there’s plenty of variety to keep everyone happy.

The Best Tapas Restaurant in Maspalomas

Across our two visits, we managed to sample a wide selection of dishes. We ordered Padrón peppers, Spanish tortilla, chorizo, gambas pil pil, lamb cutlets, chicken skewers, patatas bravas, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, and pork belly.

What impressed us most was the consistency. Every dish arrived beautifully presented, packed with flavour, and cooked perfectly.

The standout dish for me was the pork belly. It was tender, rich, and full of flavour, easily one of my favourite dishes from the entire holiday. The gambas pil pil were another highlight, arriving sizzling hot with plenty of garlic and just the right amount of spice.

We also loved the Canarian potatoes, which came served with both red and green mojo sauces. If you’re trying local cuisine for the first time, this is an absolute must-order.

Don’t Skip Dessert

After all the tapas, we probably didn’t need dessert, but I’m very glad we ordered it.

We shared the Basque cheesecake and a chocolate pot, and both were exceptional. The cheesecake was wonderfully creamy with the signature caramelised exterior, whilst the chocolate pot was rich without being overly heavy.

It was the perfect way to finish what was already one of our favourite meals of the trip.

Atmosphere and Practical Information

One of the things that makes Wapa Tapa so popular is its atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Yumbo Centre, it has a lively but relaxed feel that perfectly captures the holiday spirit of Maspalomas.

We reserved a table on one visit but managed to walk in without a booking on another evening. That said, it was busy both times, which tells you everything you need to know about its popularity. If you’re visiting during peak season or have a specific evening in mind, I’d recommend making a reservation.

For us, Wapa Tapa wasn’t just the best tapas restaurant in Maspalomas, it was the best restaurant full stop.

Must-try dishes: Pork belly, gambas pil pil, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, and the Basque cheesecake.

Pro Tip – If possible, book an evening table and take your time ordering several dishes to share. That’s the best way to experience everything Wapa Tapa does well.

Restaurant 2: Restaurant Las Brasas – Traditional Spanish/International Steakhouse

On our final night, I was craving a steak. Maspalomas has a ton of steakhouses and trying to find the best restaurant can be really difficult. After researching the best steakhouses in Maspalomas, we decided to go to Restaurant Las Brasas. It was close to our hotel, and we couldn’t have made a better choice.

The steak was one of the best we have ever had, and at a reasonable price sends Restaurant Las Brasas right to the top of my list for where to eat in Maspalomas. The mouthwatering steak is what makes this restaurant a must-visit in Playa del Inglés.

The Best Steak Experience in Maspalomas

I ordered the high loin steak complete with peppercorn sauce and chips and my partner enjoyed a sirloin steak, also with chips. The steaks were cooked to perfection – perfectly juicy and full of flavour. We asked for them medium and they were bang on. Both steaks are absolute must-tries for any steak lover visiting Maspalomas restaurants.

Going for steak always ends up being a costly dining experience. However, a trip to Restaurant Las Brasas didn’t bankrupt us, especially given the quality. We paid around €60 for two steaks and two alcoholic drinks, which was great value for money for what you get in this Maspalomas dining scene.

Atmosphere & Setting

Stepping into Restaurant Las Brasas, you are greeted with a traditional Spanish interior. You could be in the heart of the mainland and not a tourist area. There are options to sit both inside and outside and we chose to sit inside. We dined earlier (around 8pm) than traditional Spanish dinner time so had no problem getting a table.

Restaurant Las Brasas was perfect for a couples dining experience. We had it as our final night romantic meal before heading out and couldn’t have chosen better. Upon leaving there was a big family group coming in suggesting the restaurant is also suitable for families.

Location & Practical Information

Restaurant Las Brasas is located a stone’s throw away from the Yumbo Centre on the corner of Avenida de Tirajana and Avenida 8 de marzo. It is not immediately visible from the road as it is at a lower level, meaning more privacy and less noise from the street. The restaurant opens from 13:30 every day to midnight. We managed to get a table easily on a Friday night but for busier times you may want to book.

Pro Tip – The lower street level location means you get a quieter, more intimate atmosphere than many restaurants in Playa del Inglés – perfect for that special meal.

Restaurant 3: Vi-Va La Italia – Authentic Italian Cuisine

When you’re on holiday in Gran Canaria, it’s easy to focus entirely on Spanish and Canarian food. However, if you’re craving Italian cuisine, Vi-Va La Italia is well worth a visit.

This was one of our favourite new discoveries during our most recent trip to Maspalomas and quickly became one of the standout meals of the holiday.

With so many restaurants competing for attention in Playa del Inglés, it takes something special to stand out. Thankfully, Vi-Va La Italia delivers exactly that.

Fresh Pasta and Fantastic Flavours

For my main course, I ordered the truffle mushroom pasta, whilst my partner chose the lasagne.

Both dishes were excellent.

The first thing we noticed was the quality of the pasta itself. It tasted wonderfully fresh and provided the perfect base for two rich and flavourful sauces.

My truffle mushroom pasta was packed with earthy flavours without becoming overpowering. The sauce coated the pasta beautifully and every bite felt indulgent without being too heavy.

Meanwhile, my partner thoroughly enjoyed the lasagne, which had that comforting homemade quality that great Italian food does so well.

Sometimes Italian restaurants in tourist resorts can feel a little generic, but that certainly wasn’t the case here.

A Welcome Change of Pace

One of the things we enjoyed most about Vi-Va La Italia was that it offered something different from the tapas and grilled meats we’d been eating throughout the week.

The atmosphere was relaxed, the service was friendly, and the food arrived promptly despite the restaurant being busy.

It felt like a restaurant that takes pride in doing simple dishes well rather than trying to do too much.

Atmosphere and Practical Information

Vi-Va La Italia is a great option if you’re looking for a relaxed evening meal in Maspalomas. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with family, or as part of a group, the menu has enough variety to appeal to most tastes.

For us, it was one of the biggest surprises of the trip and a restaurant we’d happily return to on our next visit to Gran Canaria.

Must-try dishes: Truffle mushroom pasta and lasagne.

Pro Tip – If you’ve spent several days enjoying tapas and Canarian cuisine, Vi-Va La Italia makes a perfect change of pace whilst still delivering excellent quality food.

Restaurant 4: Mana 264 – Canarian Cuisine

If you’re looking to try some authentic Canarian cuisine during your stay, Maná 264 remains one of the best places to do so.

We first visited Maná on an earlier trip to Maspalomas and enjoyed it enough to include it amongst our favourite restaurants in the resort. Whilst the Yumbo Centre location has since closed, the restaurant still operates elsewhere in Maspalomas and remains a solid option for anyone wanting to sample traditional Spanish and Canarian flavours.

The Spanish Tapas Experience

We opted to share some smaller tapas dishes, Spanish style and every one was a delight. We ordered a couple of raciones of meat and followed it up with some Spanish tortilla. I am not exaggerating when I say it was the best tortilla I have ever had. It was absolutely incredible – I’m still dreaming about it now.

We also ordered the croquettes, perfectly crispy on the outside and delicately smooth on the inside; my partner’s favourite Padrón peppers (which were highly rated by him!) and the famous Canarian potatoes. These delicious little potatoes served with mojo sauce made me question how we cook new potatoes at home. Life-changing!

Atmosphere & Practical Details

The atmosphere in the restaurant helped make this a special first meal. Located in the Yumbo Centre, we sat outdoors watching the world go by as we drank our sangria and nibbled on the phenomenal tapas – pure Spanish relaxation. The vibe was sophisticated and the service attentive.

Pricewise we spent around €70 for 6 dishes and two drinks which considering the quality of the food and ambience was very reasonable. The restaurant was perfect for a romantic first night meal in Gran Canaria.

Mana 264 is located on the ground floor of the Yumbo Centre. If entering from the famous dinosaur, head towards the area with the trampolines and head to the right. Mana 264 is located in the right-hand corner.

Must-try dishes: Spanish tortilla (absolutely incredible), Canarian papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, and the perfectly crispy croquettes.

Pro Tip – Arrive early to snag one of the outdoor tables for the best people-watching experience while you enjoy your tapas.

Restaurant 5: Olive Tapas & Wine – Traditional Spanish Tapas

If you’re looking for another good option for Spanish tapas in Maspalomas, Olive Tapas & Wine is well worth considering.

We visited Olive during our most recent trip to Gran Canaria and enjoyed a relaxed evening sampling some classic Spanish and Canarian dishes. Whilst it didn’t quite reach the heights of Wapa Tapa for us personally, the food was consistently good and we’d happily return on a future visit.

Classic Tapas Done Well

One of the best things about tapas is the opportunity to try a variety of dishes, and that’s exactly what we did at Olive.

We ordered Padrón peppers, Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, croquetas, and Spanish tortilla, giving us a great mix of local and traditional Spanish flavours.

The Padrón peppers were cooked well and lightly seasoned, whilst the papas arrugadas came served with a tasty mojo sauce that complemented the potatoes perfectly.

The croquetas had a crisp exterior and creamy filling, and the tortilla was comforting and packed with flavour. None of the dishes tried to reinvent the classics, but sometimes that’s exactly what you want from a tapas restaurant.

A Relaxed Dining Experience

Olive has a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place to spend an evening. The menu focuses on familiar Spanish favourites and provides plenty of choice for visitors wanting to experience traditional tapas without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s the sort of restaurant where you can settle in, order several plates to share, and enjoy a relaxed meal with friends, family, or your partner.

Atmosphere and Practical Information

The service during our visit was friendly and efficient, and the overall experience was very enjoyable.

Whilst other restaurants on this list ultimately became bigger favourites for us, Olive still delivered a good meal and is a solid choice for anyone searching for restaurants in Maspalomas serving traditional Spanish tapas.

Must-try dishes: Canarian potatoes with mojo sauce, croquetas, Padrón peppers, and Spanish tortilla.

Pro Tip – Visit with a group and order a selection of dishes to share. Tapas are always best when you can sample a little bit of everything.

Restaurant 6: El Chacho – Mexican Cuisine

When planning our trip to Gran Canaria, we didn’t expect to find some great Mexican food, but that’s exactly what happened at El Chacho in the Yumbo Centre. This turned out to be the best Mexican restaurant in Maspalomas we discovered during our stay. Located on the second floor in a quieter part of the centre, the flavours at this authentic Mexican restaurant blew us away.

El Chacho had a relaxed vibe with plenty of tables both outdoors and inside. We didn’t struggle to get a table, and service was quick and friendly. The menu had a variety of Mexican dishes on – I actually struggled to choose what I wanted as it all sounded so good.

In the end, I settled on a quesadilla which came as an open tortilla with various toppings – like a Mexican pizza. The flavours were great, and I demolished it (I even forgot to take a picture before I started eating). My partner had enchiladas and said they were great too.

Best Family Restaurant in Maspalomas

El Chacho is definitely one of the best restaurants in Maspalomas for families. With a bright kids menu offering lots of choice, there is something for everyone. There was a young family sat on the table next to us on our night at El Chacho and the waiters were fantastic with the children.

As well as my quesadilla, I had a great margarita that started the night off well. Overall, we spent around €50 for two meals, a cocktail and a beer making this excellent Mexican food in Playa del Inglés very affordable compared to other restaurants in Playa del Inglés.

The restaurant is perfect for families and friends looking for a casual dining experience with no fuss but good food. Being located away from the main area of the Yumbo Centre, it felt a lot calmer. We didn’t need a reservation, but we dined early throughout the trip. The restaurant is open from 3 pm to 11 pm every day except Sunday.

Must-try dishes: Quesadilla (like a Mexican pizza with amazing toppings) and enchiladas – both packed with authentic flavours.

Pro Tip – Head to the second floor for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere away from the bustling main Yumbo Centre crowds.

Restaurant 7: Martel House – Mediterranean/International Steak House

One of the nights in Gran Canaria, we couldn’t decide what food we wanted. Do you know that feeling when nothing jumps out at you and you go round and round in circles (and usually end up back at the first place you looked at)? Well, it felt just like one of those nights when deciding where to eat in Maspalomas. Then we came across Martel House in the Yumbo Centre.

With its extensive menu, Martel House caters to so many types of cuisine. Do you want a steak? They have you covered. Paella? Sorted. Pasta? No problem. But can a Mediterranean restaurant in Maspalomas offering such diverse international cuisine be any good? I am always sceptical.

Thankfully, Martel House proved me wrong. Both me and my partner had pasta and were surprised by how good it was. My partner had a lasagne, and I had a creamy ham tortellini which hit the spot. Both dishes were delicious. We also saw a family having a paella, and whilst it might not have been as authentic as the one, I had in Valencia, it looked pretty good.

Best Value Restaurant in Maspalomas

Martel House had plenty of seating and once again we did not need a reservation. It is always a bit surreal being sat in an open air shopping centre, but the atmosphere was good and the waiters attentive, making this one of the best restaurants in Maspalomas for hassle-free dining.

One of Martel House’s biggest selling points was its price point. We paid around €30 for two mains and two beers, making this our cheapest meal of the trip, and one of the best value restaurants in Playa del Inglés.

With such an extensive menu, Martel House is perfect for large groups, families, and those on a budget. We are planning to return to Maspalomas next year for longer and will be dining at Martel House a couple of times to save our budget for other restaurants in Playa del Inglés.

Must-try dishes: Creamy ham tortellini and lasagne – both surprisingly excellent for such a diverse menu.

Pro Tip – Perfect for indecisive groups as the extensive menu means everyone will find something they love.

Restaurant 8: Restaurante Greek Village – Greek Cuisine

One of the nights we felt like a lighter meal and so headed to Restaurante Greek Village. We had high hopes for this Greek restaurant in Maspalomas, and it didn’t disappoint. We had initially tried another Greek restaurant, but it was closed for the holidays but I’m so glad they were as Restaurante Greek Village turned out to be one of the best restaurants in Maspalomas for authentic Greek cuisine.

Located on Avenida Arquitecto Manuel de le Peña Suarez, about a five minute walk from the Yumbo Centre, Restaurante Greek Village offers a romantic setting with excellent food. There is indoor and outdoor dining on a small terrace. We hadn’t reserved and sadly couldn’t sit outside but still had a great experience at this restaurant in Playa del Inglés.

The menu had all your Greek favourites, and I struggled to narrow it down to one choice. In the end, we went for a grilled halloumi and tirokafteri to start and two lots of chicken souvlaki for our mains. The food was absolutely delicious – perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The portions were plentiful, and we left happy.

Best Romantic Restaurant in Maspalomas

The restaurant is perfect for a romantic meal in Maspalomas; indeed we weren’t the only couple in there enjoying a meal. With its less hectic setting, it feels a million miles away from the crazy Yumbo Centre. If you’re wondering where to eat Greek food in Maspalomas, this is definitely the answer. Overall, our meal cost €61 for two starters, two mains and two drinks so it was great value among restaurants in Maspalomas.

Restaurante Greek Village is open from 5 pm to midnight during the week and from 1 pm to midnight during the weekend. This is the one restaurant I wished we’d have booked as the terrace was lovely.

Must-try dishes: Grilled halloumi and tirokafteri for starters, chicken souvlaki for mains – all perfectly seasoned and authentic.

Pro Tip – Book ahead to secure a table on the romantic outdoor terrace, especially for weekend dining.

Restaurant 9: Good Vibes – Street-Food Fusion & Cocktail Bar

Good Vibes delivers exactly what it says on the tin – good vibes. We had initially seen this restaurant in Maspalomas on Google Maps prior to the trip and then stumbled upon it on our way to see the sunset at the Maspalomas dunes. This turned out to be one of the best value restaurants in Maspalomas with an open beach bar kind of vibe, making you feel completely relaxed.

We started with a couple of drinks, with the mango piña colada I had being a great twist on a classic. Good Vibes specialises in burgers in Playa del Inglés so we couldn’t go for anything else (although we did order a set of Padrón peppers for my partner). I had the Mexican burger, and my partner had the Good Vibes burger. Both were phenomenal with my partner saying it was one of the best burgers he’d ever eaten.

Best Street Food in Maspalomas

The relaxed atmosphere makes Good Vibes perfect for casual dining when you want to escape the busier restaurants in Maspalomas. The street food fusion concept works brilliantly, offering something different from traditional restaurants in Playa del Inglés.

We spent €52 on two burgers with fries, some Padrón peppers and two drinks including a cocktail, making this excellent value for money. The staff were friendly and spoke both Spanish and English. It wasn’t too busy when we got in but again, we were very early as we were wanting to see the sunset at the dunes. Good Vibes proves that some of the best restaurants in Maspalomas don’t need to be fancy to deliver exceptional food.

Must-try dishes: Good Vibes burger and Mexican burger – both phenomenal with perfectly cooked fries.

Pro Tip – Visit before sunset to enjoy drinks and food, then head straight to the nearby Maspalomas dunes for golden hour.

Essential Dining Tips for Maspalomas

Booking & Timing Tips

When dining in Maspalomas, most restaurants in Playa del Inglés don’t require advance booking, especially if you eat early around 8pm. However, popular spots like Wapa Tapa in the Yumbo Centre and upscale venues may need reservations during peak season, so book ahead for weekend dining or special occasions.

Spanish dining culture means restaurants in Maspalomas get busy after 9pm, so eating at 8pm ensures quicker service and easier table availability. For beachfront restaurants, sunset dining around 7-8pm offers the best atmosphere and stunning sea views.

Payment & Cultural Tips

Most restaurants in Maspalomas accept cards, but smaller establishments may prefer cash, so carry some euros for tips and local venues. The Yumbo Centre restaurants accept all major cards without issues.

While basic Spanish helps – “Una mesa para dos” (table for two) or “La cuenta, por favor” (the bill, please) – most tourist-area staff speak English. Locals always appreciate the effort though! Tipping isn’t mandatory in Spain, but 5-10% is appreciated for good service, or simply round up the bill for casual dining.

Must-Try Local Dishes & Dietary Options

Don’t miss trying papas arrugadas with mojo sauce, the signature Canarian dish that’s absolutely essential. Fresh local fish, Canarian cheese, and gofio desserts offer authentic island flavours you won’t find elsewhere.

For dietary restrictions, Good Vibes excels at vegan options whilst most restaurants in Playa del Inglés accommodate vegetarians easily. Martel House offers diverse choices for various dietary needs but always inform staff about serious allergies.

Budget-wise, expect €15-25 per person for casual dining, €30-50 for mid-range experiences, and €60+ for upscale restaurants. Best value restaurants in Maspalomas like Martel House offer excellent meals under €20 per person, proving quality doesn’t always mean expensive.

Restaurant Location Guide

Maspalomas is a big resort but all the restaurants in Playa del Inglés on this list are easily accessible. We stayed at Mur Apartments Buenos Aires, next to the Yumbo Centre and walked to every single restaurant in Maspalomas on this list.

The Yumbo Centre has a plethora of restaurants all serving different cuisines to suit every budget. You could stay for a month and not try everywhere! The nearby Playa del Inglés restaurant scene is also excellent. We walked about 10 minutes to both Restaurante Greek Village and Good Vibes whilst Restaurant Las Brasas was five minutes up the street.

Getting Around Maspalomas

Getting around Maspalomas is easy on foot – most restaurants in Playa del Inglés are within walking distance of each other. If you do drive, there is street parking available close to the Yumbo Centre and throughout the area. Make sure you check the signs carefully to avoid parking fines.

The area offers plenty of entertainment options, particularly around the Yumbo Centre, which is an LGBTQ+ favourite. Many bars offer happy hour deals with drag and cabaret shows – our favourite was Sparkles Bar, where we spent 6 out of the 7 nights.

Final Thoughts: Best Restaurants in Maspalomas

After multiple visits to Gran Canaria and plenty of memorable meals, it’s safe to say that Maspalomas has one of the best dining scenes we’ve experienced in a Spanish holiday resort.

What continues to impress me is the variety. Whether you’re craving traditional Canarian cuisine, Spanish tapas, authentic Italian food, Greek specialities, Mexican favourites, or a perfectly cooked steak, you’ll find it here. Whilst there are certainly some tourist-focused restaurants around the resort, we’ve consistently been impressed by the quality of food available across Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés.

Choosing a favourite isn’t easy, but Wapa Tapa now takes the top spot for us. The food was so good that we returned for a second meal during the same trip, and every dish we ordered was excellent. Restaurant Las Brasas remains our go-to recommendation for steak lovers, whilst Vi-Va La Italia was one of our favourite new discoveries thanks to its fresh pasta and flavour-packed dishes.

Best Maspalomas Restaurant by Travel Style

If you’re travelling with family, El Chacho remains an excellent choice thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and varied menu. Couples looking for a romantic evening should consider Greek Village, whilst budget-conscious travellers will find excellent value at Good Vibes and Martel House.

My biggest piece of advice? Don’t be afraid to mix planned reservations with spontaneous discoveries. We booked some restaurants in advance, whilst others were last-minute decisions that turned into some of our favourite meals of the trip.

No matter what type of food you’re looking for, there’s a good chance you’ll find it in Maspalomas. And if you’re anything like us, you’ll already be planning where to eat on your next visit before you’ve even left Gran Canaria.