When people think of eating out in Lanzarote, the restaurants of Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise naturally spring to mind.

But head away from the resorts and into Lanzarote's villages and you'll discover something much more local: the teleclub.

Originally created as social and cultural meeting places for village communities, many teleclubs have evolved into popular places to eat while keeping their traditional character. You'll find locals meeting friends and family, straightforward Canarian cooking, generous portions and generally excellent value.

They aren't about polished fine dining. That's precisely the appeal.

If you want to experience a different side of Lanzarote, here are five teleclubs worth putting on your list. 

1. Tahíche

Recently refurbished and under new management, Tahíche is thriving and is a great introduction to what a modern Lanzarote teleclub can be.

It still has the relaxed, community atmosphere you'd expect, but with a fresh lease of life. Come for traditional food, good portions and the chance to eat somewhere that feels distinctly removed from the tourist resorts.

Worth knowing: Tahíche is centrally located, making this an easy one to combine with a day exploring the island.

2. Conil

Conil definitely deserves a place on the list.

This small traditional village sits in the hills above Puerto del Carmen, so you can leave the resort behind and experience a completely different atmosphere without travelling halfway across Lanzarote.

The Teleclub de Conil is exactly the kind of place that makes these establishments special: unpretentious, sociable and centred around good food.

For visitors staying in Puerto del Carmen, Conil is also a great example of just how quickly you can get away from the resort areas and discover village life.

3. Los Valles

Head beyond Teguise and into the hills and the landscape starts to change.

Los Valles offers traditional food and a proper village atmosphere in surroundings that feel a world away from the busy coastal resorts.

4. Nazaret

Close to Teguise and right in the centre of the island, Nazaret makes another excellent stop if you're exploring beyond Lanzarote's beaches.

This is what makes teleclubs so interesting. You're not necessarily travelling somewhere because it's a famous restaurant; you're discovering a village, sitting down where local people eat and getting another glimpse of everyday island life. 

5. Mala

Finally, head north to the small village of Mala.

The north of Lanzarote has a character of its own, and stopping at a village teleclub fits perfectly into a day exploring this quieter part of the island.
Expect the same things that make the best teleclubs worth seeking out: traditional dishes, relaxed surroundings, generous food and a strong sense of local community.

So, what exactly is a teleclub?

That's part of what makes them interesting.

Teleclubs were established as social and cultural centres for local communities, particularly in Lanzarote's smaller villages. They gave residents somewhere to meet, socialise and take part in community life.

Over time, many became known for their food too.

Today, visiting one can mean sitting alongside local families and friends enjoying traditional dishes such as grilled meats, fresh fish, papas arrugadas, goat, octopus, lapas and other Canarian favourites.

And don't expect every teleclub to be the same. That's the point.

Some are tiny and traditional. Others have been renovated and feel much more like modern restaurants. Menus, management and opening times can change, so it's always worth checking before making a special journey.

But when you find a good one, you get something increasingly difficult to manufacture: a genuine taste of local Lanzarote life.

Discover Lanzarote beyond the resorts

The beaches and resorts are an important part of Lanzarote, but they're only one side of the island.

Drive ten or fifteen minutes inland and you'll find whitewashed villages, volcanic landscapes, local bars, bodegas and teleclubs that many visitors pass by without ever knowing they're there.

And sometimes the best Lanzarote experiences are exactly like that — simple, local and unexpected.

So next time you're exploring the island, look beyond the usual restaurant list and try a teleclub.

You might just discover one of Lanzarote's best-kept secrets.

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