Finding good vegan food on a sun and sea holiday used to require a degree of planning and a willingness to accept disappointment. South Tenerife has changed considerably on this front in recent years. The area around Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos now has a genuine selection of plant-based and vegan-friendly restaurants that are worth seeking out in their own right, not just as a fallback option when the rest of the table wants fish.
The caveat is that the scene moves quickly. Several places that appear in older articles and online guides have closed in the past couple of years, and a guide that sends you to a restaurant that no longer exists is worse than no guide at all. This article covers only places that are confirmed as open and trading in 2026, and it includes a clear note on what has closed so you can update your research accordingly.
Contents
- BuenaVida 100% Vegan, Costa Adeje
- K-Vegan, Los Cristianos
- Pistacho Coffee Brunch, Los Cristianos
- Madre Tierra, Costa Adeje
- Samelo Veg, Los Abrigos (Worth the Trip)
- Vegan-Friendly Non-Vegan Restaurants Worth Knowing About
- What Has Closed: Places to Remove from Your List
- Practical Tips for Vegan Eating in South Tenerife
- Frequently Asked Questions
BuenaVida 100% Vegan, Costa Adeje
BuenaVida is the standout dedicated vegan restaurant in south Tenerife and has been since it opened in 2015. It sits inside the Centro Comercial Fañabé Plaza shopping centre on the first floor in Costa Adeje, which sounds like an unpromising location until you arrive and find a warm, colourful terrace restaurant that bears absolutely no resemblance to the surrounding retail environment.
The menu is Italian and Mediterranean in inspiration, entirely plant-based, and changes seasonally. The homemade cashew mozzarella is made in-house from fermented cashews and is one of the more impressive things you will find on any menu in the south, vegan or otherwise. The lasagne is rich and properly constructed. The risotto is well-seasoned. The watermelon tartare is a recent addition that has earned rave reviews for creativity. The tiramisu is the dessert that most regulars come back for specifically.
BuenaVida changed ownership and 2026 reviews confirm it has maintained its quality through the transition. The TripAdvisor rating holds at 4.8 from 446 reviews, which is as consistent a signal of quality as exists for any restaurant in the south.
Lasagne, mushroom risotto, watermelon tartare, Nonna’s No Meatball, and the tiramisu. Ask about the daily specials as the changing menu often has the most interesting dishes. The Tropical and Pink Lady smoothies are consistently praised.
Portions on some dishes, particularly the paella, have been described in reviews as on the smaller side for the price. The food quality justifies the cost, but this is worth knowing if you are particularly hungry. Budget approximately €30 to €40 per person for a full meal with drinks.
BuenaVida 100% Vegan
| Address | CC Fañabé Plaza, Avenida de Bruselas 20, 1ª planta, Costa Adeje. On the first floor of the Fañabé Plaza shopping centre, directly across from Fañabé beach |
| Opening Hours | Tuesday to Thursday 12pm to 5:30pm (lunch only). Friday to Sunday 12pm to 9:30pm. Closed Mondays |
| Price Range | Approximately €30 to €40 per person for a full meal |
| Booking | Phone booking recommended for evenings and weekends. Walk-ins possible for weekday lunches |
| Getting There | Walkable from most Costa Adeje hotels in 5 to 15 minutes. The shopping centre is on the main resort strip opposite Fañabé beach |
| Phone | +34 922 715 752 |
| @buenavidavegan | |
| facebook.com/BuenavidaVegan |
K-Vegan, Los Cristianos
K-Vegan is the best vegan option in Los Cristianos and one of the most genuinely satisfying restaurants in the town regardless of dietary preference. It sits on Avenida Juan Carlos I away from the main tourist promenade, which is both the reason it is slightly harder to find and the reason the atmosphere inside is so noticeably more relaxed than the restaurants competing for passing footfall nearby.
The menu is built around Spanish and Canarian-inspired tapas and small plates, all plant-based, all made with obvious care. The vegan Spanish omelette is a kitchen achievement that sceptics should order first and argue with afterwards. The pea protein balls, the red pepper croquettes with a molten interior, and the patatas bravas are all consistently praised. The homemade kombucha is worth ordering.
Multiple TripAdvisor reviews from visitors staying in Costa Adeje note that they made a specific trip to Los Cristianos to eat here and considered it entirely worth the journey. That kind of cross-resort recommendation is about as reliable an endorsement as you can find.
Spanish omelette, pea protein balls, red pepper croquettes, patatas bravas, and hummus make an excellent shared spread. Order the cheesecake for dessert. Portions are generous. Do not over-order on the first round.
K-Vegan, Los Cristianos
| Address | Avenida Juan Carlos I, Local 9B, 38650 Los Cristianos. Away from the harbour promenade heading slightly inland |
| Opening Hours | Wednesday to Sunday approximately 1pm to 8:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday |
| Price Range | Affordable. €25 to €40 for two depending on how much you order |
| Booking | Book ahead for evening visits, particularly weekends. Walk-ins work for early weekday lunch |
| Getting There | Short taxi from Costa Adeje approximately €10 to €15. Entirely worth the trip |
| Search K Vegan Los Cristianos on Instagram for their current page and menu photos |
Pistacho Coffee Brunch, Los Cristianos
Pistacho is located inside the CC Apolo Center in Los Cristianos and has established itself as the best breakfast and brunch option in the town for anyone eating plant-based or simply trying to start the day with something fresh and properly made. It is bright, cheerful, and the menu is built around colourful, health-conscious breakfast and brunch dishes: acai bowls with fresh fruit and muesli, diverse toast options, freshly made juices, and a coffee that is good enough to come back for specifically.
Pistacho is not exclusively vegan but handles plant-based eating very well across the whole menu, with clear labelling and staff who know the ingredients. It gets busy between 10am and 12:30pm. Arriving before 10am or after the main rush is the practical approach if you want a table without waiting.
Open daily 8am to 4:30pm. Free parking at CC Apolo. Free WiFi. Outdoor terrace. Walk-in only for individuals and small groups. QR code ordering at the table.
Pistacho Coffee Brunch
| Address | CC Apolo Center, Local 7, 38650 Los Cristianos. Free parking in CC Apolo car park |
| Opening Hours | 8am to 4:30pm daily |
| Price Range | Good value. Brunch for two typically €20 to €30 |
| Booking | Walk-in only. Groups of 15+ call ahead. No reservation needed for standard brunch |
| Best Time to Visit | Before 10am or after 12:30pm to avoid the main brunch rush |
| Website | pistachocoffeebrunch.com |
| facebook.com/pistacho.coffee.brunch |
Madre Tierra, Costa Adeje
Madre Tierra is a plant-based and health-focused restaurant in Costa Adeje that takes a slightly different approach from BuenaVida’s Italian-leaning menu. The focus is on bowl food, wraps, salads, and nutrient-dense dishes with Middle Eastern, Asian, and Mediterranean influences. The bowls are well-constructed and filling. The smoothies are made with fresh ingredients. The overall atmosphere is calm and suits a long lunch rather than a quick meal.
It works well as an alternative to BuenaVida for visitors who want variety across a longer stay. The two restaurants are different enough in style that visiting both is entirely worthwhile.
Madre Tierra, Costa Adeje
| Address | Avenida Rafael Puig Lluvina 19, Local 20, Costa Adeje. Close to the Vivo Mini Golf complex, walkable from the main promenade. Search Madre Tierra Costa Adeje on Google Maps |
| Opening Hours | Check Google or social media before visiting as hours vary seasonally |
| Price Range | Mid-range. Good value for the quality and freshness |
| Booking | Walk-in or contact directly |
| Best For | Bowl food, wraps, smoothies. Good alternative to BuenaVida for variety |
Samelo Veg, Los Abrigos (Worth the Trip)
Samelo Veg deserves an honest location note before anything else: it is not in Costa Adeje or Los Cristianos. It is in Los Abrigos, a fishing village on the southeastern coast of Tenerife approximately 16 kilometres east of Los Cristianos. Getting there requires either a hire car or a taxi. It is not walkable from any of the main resort areas.
That said, it is worth the trip. The restaurant sits inside the CC La Tejita shopping centre in Los Abrigos, near the stunning La Tejita beach and Montaña Roja natural area. Combining lunch at Samelo with an afternoon at La Tejita beach makes for an excellent day away from the resort corridor.
Samelo was opened in 2015 by an Italian couple and runs as a fully vegan, entirely gluten-free restaurant. The menu changes weekly based on what is seasonal. The kitchen makes its own bread, muffins, cakes, juices, and shakes. The pasta is homemade. The raspberry cheesecake has an enthusiastic following. Child and dog-friendly.
Samelo Veg is in Los Abrigos, 16km east of Los Cristianos. A taxi from Los Cristianos or Costa Adeje takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes each way. It is NOT in Costa Adeje. Several older travel guides incorrectly list it there.
Samelo Veg, Los Abrigos
| Address | Calle Hernán Cortés 2, Local 2, CC La Tejita, 38618 Los Abrigos. Approximately 16km east of Los Cristianos |
| Opening Hours | Wednesday to Sunday 1pm to 6pm. Kitchen closes 4:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday |
| Price Range | Above average, reflecting quality ingredients and homemade preparation throughout |
| Booking | Reservation recommended at weekends. Contact via Facebook |
| Getting There | Taxi from Los Cristianos approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Combine with La Tejita beach and Montaña Roja for a full day out |
| facebook.com/sameloveg |
Vegan-Friendly Non-Vegan Restaurants Worth Knowing About
South Tenerife’s dedicated vegan restaurant scene is good but small. For visitors staying a week or more it is helpful to know which non-vegan restaurants handle plant-based eating well enough to be worth visiting.
| Restaurant Type | Why It Works for Vegans | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Indian restaurants | Deep tradition of vegetarian and vegan cooking: dal, chana masala, vegetable curries. Reliably reliable across the south | Torviscas Spice Village in Costa Adeje has a dedicated vegan menu section. Search on Google Maps |
| Japanese and Asian restaurants | Edamame, vegetable sushi, miso soup, tofu dishes available at most | Mrs Miyagi’s in Costa Adeje. Search on Google Maps for current address and hours |
| Traditional Canarian restaurants | Papas arrugadas with mojo verde, gofio preparations, vegetable stews are naturally plant-based | Ask specifically about mojo verde. It is typically vegan and one of the outstanding flavours of the island |
The broader restaurant scene has improved noticeably in how it handles plant-based requests. The key is to ask specifically rather than assuming that a vegetable-based dish is automatically vegan. Some kitchens cook plant-based dishes in the same oil as fish or meat.
What Has Closed: Places to Remove from Your List
A popular brunch spot that appears in many older guides and travel blogs. It no longer exists. Do not attempt to find it.
Had a restaurant in Adeje that has since closed. The La Laguna branch also closed. Several vegan travel blogs still reference Tierra Cafe as a south Tenerife option. It is no longer operating in the area.
Check the current Google listing and look specifically at reviews from 2025 or 2026 to confirm the place is still operating as a vegan or vegan-friendly option. The vegan dining scene in south Tenerife moves quickly. New places open and established ones close more quickly than in the mainstream restaurant market.
Practical Tips for Vegan Eating in South Tenerife
“Soy vegano” (male) or “soy vegana” (female) means I am vegan. “Sin productos animales” means without animal products. “Sin carne, sin pescado, sin lácteos, sin huevos” covers the main bases. Most restaurant staff in the south speak enough English, but knowing these removes any ambiguity.
BuenaVida is closed Mondays. K-Vegan and Samelo are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Pistacho is open daily. Arriving at a closed restaurant is easily avoided by checking Google before you leave.
Mercadona has a good range of plant-based products: vegan yoghurts, plant milks, tofu, tempeh, protein bars, and a broad selection of fresh produce. The health food aisle has expanded noticeably in recent years. Good for self-catering or supplementing restaurant eating.
If you are staying in Los Cristianos specifically, our guide to the best restaurants in Los Cristianos covers the wider dining scene including non-vegan options for groups with mixed dietary preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is south Tenerife good for vegans?
Better than most people expect, and improving year on year. The area around Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos has several dedicated vegan restaurants as well as an increasing number of mainstream restaurants with serious plant-based options. Some planning ahead makes the experience considerably easier.
What is the best vegan restaurant in Costa Adeje?
BuenaVida 100% Vegan is the standout option, with a 4.8 TripAdvisor rating from 446 reviews, a well-established reputation since 2015, and a genuinely impressive Italian-inspired plant-based menu. CC Fañabé Plaza, Avenida de Bruselas 20, first floor. Book by phone on +34 922 715 752 for weekend visits.
What is the best vegan restaurant in Los Cristianos?
K-Vegan on Avenida Juan Carlos I, Local 9B is the clear choice. Consistently excellent reviews for its Spanish tapas-style plant-based menu, generous portions, and warm atmosphere. Multiple visitors from Costa Adeje make a specific trip there and rate it among the best eating they do in the south.
Are there vegan brunch options in south Tenerife?
Yes. Pistacho Coffee Brunch inside CC Apolo Center in Los Cristianos is the best dedicated option. Open daily from 8am to 4:30pm with free parking available. Visit before 10am or after 12:30pm to avoid the brunch rush.
Has Eco Eco Brunch in Los Cristianos closed?
Yes. Eco Eco Brunch permanently closed in 2025. It appears in many older travel guides and vegan food blogs but is no longer operating. Do not attempt to visit it.
Can you eat vegan at non-vegan restaurants in south Tenerife?
Increasingly yes. Indian restaurants in the south are particularly reliable for plant-based eating. Several Asian restaurants, including Mrs Miyagi’s in Costa Adeje, have good vegan options. Always ask specifically about ingredients and preparation rather than assuming.
Is Canarian food vegan-friendly?
Parts of it are naturally plant-based: papas arrugadas with mojo verde, vegetable stews, gofio preparations, and fresh salads. Mojo verde is typically vegan and one of the outstanding flavours of the island. Ask specifically in traditional Canarian restaurants.
Is Samelo Veg near Costa Adeje?
No. Samelo Veg is in Los Abrigos, approximately 16km east of Los Cristianos near La Tejita beach. It requires a hire car or a 20 to 25 minute taxi ride. Worth the trip for a dedicated outing, best combined with La Tejita beach and Montaña Roja natural area.
Restaurant details, opening hours, and menus are subject to change. Verify current information on Google or by contacting the restaurant directly before visiting. The vegan dining scene in south Tenerife evolves quickly and checking recent reviews from 2025 or 2026 specifically is the most reliable way to confirm a restaurant is still operating as described.