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Casa Elena
La Matanza
Must-try dishes
Rabbit
Rancho
Goat Meat
When I step into Guachinche Casa Elena, also known as El Colgaiso, it's clear this isn't a place to be in a hurry. It's a traditional guachinche from La Matanza de Acentejo, the first one to open on the entire island, where time moves at a leisurely pace and the experience revolves around sharing and conversation, often accompanied by lively music, just as it's always been done in the guachinches of northern Tenerife. The place is simple, rustic, and small, with that informal atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy yourself without any fuss. It also has a small covered terrace where you can sit peacefully, even with your pet.
The cuisine is distinctly Canarian and homemade. People come here to eat familiar dishes, well-prepared and without unnecessary frills. On the table you'll usually find meat with potatoes, chickpeas, carne fiesta (a traditional Canarian stew), squid in sauce, and fried rabbit, one of the most popular dishes, along with rancho (a traditional Canarian stew) and octopus. For dessert, there's usually quesillo (a type of flan) or other simple, unpretentious options, designed to end the meal with something sweet.
Wine is another cornerstone of the guachinche: red, served in bulk, and from their own harvest. Here, tradition is maintained to the very end; so much so that when the wine runs out, the guachinche closes until the next harvest. That speaks volumes about the kind of place it is. The service is friendly and attentive; the owners make sure you feel comfortable and cared for, just like at home. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and the atmosphere invites you to linger after your meal. Casa Elena is a guachinche to enjoy at a leisurely pace, with good food, good wine, and an authentic Canarian experience.
🎫 No card reader
♿ Accessible to people with reduced mobility
🅿️ No on-site parking
🚻 No accessible restroom
🐶 Pets allowed on the terrace
⏰ Open daily, hours to be confirmed
🛵 No takeaway
📅 No reservations
📍 72 San Cristóbal Street, La Matanza
☎️ +34 922 57 80 98
Frequented by:
Tourists: ✅
Locals: ✅✅✅✅✅
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Where to eat
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What to see
Escalera de Agatha Christie
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Activities
Tradicional Cucaña
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Beaches
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Nightlife
Terrazas del Sauzal
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Shopping
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Sports
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Trekking
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