If you are looking for expertly crafted cuisine, look no further than El Rincón de Juan Carlos. Surprisingly not found in one of the many 5 star resorts on Tenerife, this unassuming restaurant is tucked around a corner just off of the main plaza in Los Gigantes. Without a terrace or any ostentatious advertising, it would be easy to walk past El Rincón without a second glance, but therein lies the beauty. Those in the know would certainly not miss the chance to eat at this place, and you shouldn’t either. Every impeccable bite surprises you with inventive flavors and references to far away lands, but is always grounded with the traditions of Spanish gastronomy. The dishes here are expertly plated, yet unlike so many restaurants that aim to be fancy, there’s not a single sauce or garnish that doesn’t help balance the taste of what you are eating.

With cooks, a chef and a fisherman making up their pedigree, it’s no wonder Jonathan and Juan Carlos ended up in the food industry, opening El Rincón de Juan Carlos in 2003. When there, the simple decor and impeccable service allow you to devote your senses to enjoying the excellent cuisine this family is serving. The meticulous artistry in each dish seems to reflect Jonathan’s expertise and background with pastries and their refined creativity echoes Juan Carlos’ experience in the kitchens of Michelin starred restaurants El Cellar de Can Roca and El Bulli.

By Canarian standards, el Rincón de Juan Carlos isn’t cheap, but considering the food is nothing short of gourmet, you’d have a difficult time finding another place offering the same level of quality for the money. El Rincón de Juan Carlos is easily the best restaurant in the South of Tenerife, and possibly in all of the Canaries.