Compiled with the help of artificial intelligence, based on Spanish-language information. Source below the article.
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s culinary pulse never rests. Far from stagnating, the capital is enjoying an autumn of full-blown effervescence, in which two trends that may seem opposed coexist and complement each other perfectly: the intimacy of omakase-style gastronomic counters and a return to the origins, to the old-school bar, to honest tapas where the produce rules without artifice. Over the coming weeks I will be clearing my diary to sit at the table of each of these establishments and tell you in depth what is cooking in their kitchens. But for those who enjoy discovering novelties before anyone else, here is the roadmap of three new openings and one radical change of concept that are already well under way in the city.
Kura, the mystery of the eight-seat counter
The omakase format (placing yourself in the chef’s hands) continues to win admirers on the island, but rarely does it arrive with the aura of exclusivity and intrigue that surrounds Kura (@kuraomakase). It is the first venture of its own in Gran Canaria for chef Mary Grace Torio (@gracedaliguez), who takes charge of an intimate counter with room for just eight diners per service. What will we find at Kura? For now, it is a complete mystery waiting to be discovered. Its philosophy is built on market-driven omakase cuisine, where the menu is written day by day according to the best produce available. It promises an experience of absolute closeness between cook and diner, and looks set to become one of the capital’s best-kept secrets.
The emotional return of José Luis Espino
Some comebacks move us for what they represent, and that of José Luis Espino (@jose_luisespino) and his wife María is undoubtedly one of them. Having touched culinary heaven by achieving their dream of a Michelin Star in their recent career, the couple have decided to look back with pride and recover the spirit of that first business with which they conquered the capital: Halma. Thus La Taberna de Halma (@latabernadehalma) is born, located right in the heart of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Here the script takes a complete turn towards the family bar and everyday cooking. With José Luis at the stoves — applying all his technical background to traditional recipes and soulful stews — and María leading the front of house, this tavern looks set to become an essential meeting point for lovers of good food without constraints.
Bar Afilao and the art of the unpretentious
Sometimes a single phrase in an Instagram bio is enough to declare your intentions: “Bar/Tapas without pretension”. Under that premise, as direct as it is appetising, Bar Afilao (@afilao.bar) opens its doors, a project that champions bar culture, the straight-up bite and informal enjoyment. Although he will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the kitchen, the business is headed by a heavyweight of our restaurant scene: the renowned chef Xabier Blanco (@nakar_rest). His direction and his close ties to a region where tapas and pintxos are almost a religion — the Basque-Navarran country — lend the project an unquestionable extra guarantee. Top-quality produce, impeccable execution and that authentic bar atmosphere that is so welcome in the city.
Yanushi’s bold leap into omakase
We close this tour not with an opening from scratch, but with a brave and risky change of course. Yanushi Restaurante (@yanushi.restaurante) has decided to abandon the traditional à la carte format entirely and immerse itself in the experience of an omakase-style tasting menu. What is truly fascinating about this new stage is its guiding thread: a fusion of Japanese cuisine and the gastronomy of Armenia, the country of origin of its chef. Two apparently distant culinary cultures — Japanese technical precision and purity on one side, the richness of spices, embers and millennia-old Caucasian tradition on the other — join hands in a single journey. A total change of concept that has stirred enormous interest in discovering how both worlds converse on the plate.
A capital in a great creative moment
Four proposals with very distinct personalities that demonstrate the great creative moment Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is going through. Take note, book well in advance (especially where the seats can be counted on the fingers of one hand) and get ready to enjoy. As always, if you fancy following the trail of our next visits and the day-to-day food scene in the islands, you will also find us on X, Instagram and TikTok under the handle @JavierSGastro.
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