You could be forgiven for thinking fine gastronomy in Tenerife amounted to the scenic local harbour side fish or tapas restaurant. These are the most prominently situated dining establishments on some of the best real estate. But if it’s true fine dining you are after, you are going to have to dig a little bit deeper. Just as the finest wines of Tenerife are not available in supermarkets or even in many of the more specialist wine shops, the best restaurants are hidden away and are well kept secrets.

So I was thrilled to receive an inspired recommendation from Roberto Santana Envinate for the top restaurant on the island, and a booking at short notice with his assistance. 

I am not a restaurant critic but certainly get to eat at most of the fine dining establishments in London in the name of work, and I can attest that El Rincon de Juan Carlos Restaurante is worth every bit of its 1 star Michelin rating. 

If you ever make it to Tenerife, be sure to ring well ahead and make a booking at this fabulous, innovative restaurant whose dishes are all solidly 1 star in quality, with some even moving closer to the 2 star level. 

As I was driving, I decided to take several wine by the glass recommendations from the restaurant staff to match the courses, with my only request being that they all come from Tenerife producers (as opposed to some of the other Canary Islands) other than the aperitif bubbles.

El Rincon de Juan Carlos – Short Tasting Menu: 

(6 courses and 3 complimentary amuse bouches and we added an extra 10th main course)

1 Oxtail with Miso Mayonnaise, Sesame and Filo Pastry.

2 Canarian Black Pudding with Caramel, Prune Extract and Gold Leaf.

3 Oyster Gillardeau no.3 with Coconut and Galangal (no picture)

4 Celery Noodles, Cream of Comte Cheese, Truffle and Pine Nuts

Extra Course:

5 Fresh Pasta Ravioli with Cheese in a Lentil and Chorizo Reduction

6 Cherne (local Canarian White Fish) with Gazpachuelo Sauce and Spinach

7 Pigeon in Juice with Pumkin Purée and Cous cous

8 Guava and Roses Ice, Mandarin, Prunes, and Cardamom

9 Corn, Yogurt, Icecream and Tamarind

10 Candyfloss Tree with Petit Fours

Coffee.

Wines to Accompany the Courses:

Raventos i Blanc De La Finca 2013, Conca de Riu Anoia, Penedes (Cava style)

Wonderful palate cleanser, fresh, crisp yet rich and complex with dusty lemon brioche autolysis, chalky minerality and a beautifully sophisticated creamy mousse. Very characterful, and oh so fine. One of Spain’s best.

(Wine Safari Score: 92+/100 Greg Sherwood MW) 

Los Loros Blanco 2016, Valle de Giumar, 12 Abv. (Listan Blanco based blend)

Beautifully fresh exotic expressive nose of white peach, tangerine, dusty gravel minerality, and green apple zest. Palate is lush, crisp, vibrant, slightly pithy with subtle muscaty perfumed fruit, linearity, and hints of yellow peach and nectarine on the finish. Lovely food wine. 

(Wine Safari Score: 91+/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

Bodegas Vinatigo Negramoll Tinto 2014, Islas Canarias, 13.5 Abv.

Opulent, bright nose of molasses tinged red and black berry fruits, salted caramel, vanilla spice and sweet black cherry. The palate is rich, liquor like but simultaneously fresh and sweet fruited, with exotic nutty tawny port nuances and a fleshy depth. The finish is sleek and textured with blood orange hints, vermouth spice and sweet cherry and tangerine length. A well made wine, this red tastes riper than the 13.5 Abv suggests. Matched the food well.

(Wine Safari Score: 88/100 Greg Sherwood MW)

To book:

El Rincon de Juan Carlos, Pasaje de Jacaranda 2, Los Gigantes, Tenerife.

Tel: 922 86 80 40

http://www.elrincondejuancarlos.com

The street life resonates with a feel of Cape Town and the scenery with a feel of Camps Bay’s 12 Apostles mountains. A beautiful area on the west coast of the island.