Located near the west coast of Africa, the Spanish island of Gran Canaria's speciality and most popular dish is undoubtedly fish, not surprising given this round island of only 50 kilometers in diameter is surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean. The preparation of the fish is delicious and always fresh.

Anglers fishing in these waters catch a wide variety of fish; tuna and swordfish among others. Normally, the fish in Gran Canaria is seasoned with herbed sauces, particularly parsley. 

Visitors should also try the local fish stew, Sancocho, which it is absolutely delicious and another of the most popular local dishes. It is to be found on the menu of almost all restaurants in Gran Canaria and served with wrinkled potatoes, fries or baked potatoes and accompanied with vegetables. 

The tradition of eating potatoes or fries in Gran Canaria has been imported from the Spanish peninsula. In days gone by it was more common to see the locals eating a plate of mediterranean vegetables after the main dish, often served for free with drinks in tapas bars. 

Meat is a more expensive dish in the Canaries as this has to be imported. Much of the island is scarse of precipication hence pasture land is scarce. Locally trapped rabbit however is a popular dish; delicious, cheap and also served with potatoes and mediterranean vegetables. 

There are hundreds of restaurants on the island serving innumerable dishes. Varied, diverse and delicious, especially in tourist areas, perhaps the only problem is that it can often be rather expensive in high season and lean more to international flavors than the typical Canarian dishes. 

As is often the case in tourist destinations searching more rural areas for local restaurants one can often find better value and more traditional cooking. Though knowledge of Spanish language is clearly an advantage, typically there will be staff who can translate the menu for you. Making an effort to speak at least a little Spanish, even if simply 'hola', 'por favor' and'gracias', will please the patrons, gain you favor and perhaps amuse the locals with your accent. The local restaurants usually do not begin serving dinner until after 9 pm with the locals often eating and drinking after 11 pm.