A humble haven for octopus lovers in Santa Cruz
In Tenerife’s capital, a small, unassuming family-run establishment has built a stellar reputation on the back of its star ingredient: octopus. Almost the entire menu revolves around this versatile cephalopod, and content creators @guachinchesmodernos recently paid a visit, sharing their experience with followers. While octopus is the undisputed king of the menu, other dishes also win over diners time and again.
What’s on the menu: highlights and prices
Among the standout offerings are: sweet potato salad; wrinkly potatoes with mojo sauces; octopus croquettes; fried Palmero cheese with three mojos; breaded octopus; octopus à la gallega; and octopus vinaigrette. Diners can choose between half or full portions, depending on how many plates they wish to try and the size of their party. According to Google reviews, eating at this tasca costs between €10 and €20 per person.
The must-order tortilla and a signature dessert
To round off the meal, the team recommends the polvito toscalero – the perfect dessert for those seeking a balanced finish. However, the real draw for many customers is the octopus tortilla, which must be ordered in advance. Reservations can be made days ahead, or at least by 10:00 am if you want it for lunch, and by midday if you want it for the evening. Such is its fame that bookings for Christmas Eve dinner are taken as early as 24 December. The content creators who visited declared: “This is the kind of tortilla you’d enter in a competition and know it’d win a prize.” Juicy, packed with flavour and with a spicy kick, it has become an indispensable item on the menu.
An atmosphere that demands calm
This is a place where time seems to slow down. A sign on the bar reads: “Above all, keep calm,” so visitors are encouraged to leave their haste at the door and savour the culinary experience on offer. The tasca has a small indoor space and a terrace, where the warm, family-friendly vibe is evident throughout. The aroma of octopus wafts across the entire area.
Location, ratings and opening hours
Tasca Los Pulpitos is a small gastronomic treasure on the island of Tenerife, where octopus takes centre stage in the entire dining experience. It is located at Calle de la Rosa, 53, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and holds a 4.6-star rating on Google – a clear reflection of customer satisfaction. Opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm and again from 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm; on Sundays, service is limited to lunch only. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for staff rest.

