Check out my best spots in Lanzarote

We’ve just landed back in Ireland after our annual winter escape to Lanzarote. Every February we swap grey skies and sideways rain for sunshine and volcanic views.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking: ‘Isn’t Lanzarote a bit touristy?’ And yes, fair point - it can be. But despite that, we’ve developed rather a soft spot for Puerto del Carmen and somehow we keep finding ourselves back there every year.

Friends often ask me where they should go when they’re in town, so I thought I’d put together a little list of my favourite spots this week. Before we begin, a quick disclaimer: this is purely based on my own taste and wandering appetite. None of the places mentioned have the faintest idea that I exist as a food writer and there are no freebies involved, just honest enthusiasm and possibly one too many glasses of local wine along the way.

And, if you’ve been to any of the places below, you might completely disagree with me. That’s perfectly fine. But for whatever reason, good food, friendly faces, or simply being in the right place at the right holiday mood, I’ve grown rather fond of them.

Best for lazy Sundays: The Rooftop Terrace at the Biosfera Shopping Centre. From 1pm-3pm, Dublin man Colm Farrell brings some jazzy tunes to a sun-flooded rooftop. Enjoy a white sangria and enjoy two hours of sweet nothing.

Best view: Sebastyan’s Atlantico Lounge is a Greek-style restaurant with the most amazing view over the sea. Perfect for a romantic dinner. The food and service are excellent. We have been a few times over the years and never had bad food or service. Did I mention the view?

Best for local wines: Room 214 at the Fariones Hotel is actually a well-curated shop where you can find art, clothing, jewellery and food to buy. They also serve local wine and cheeses to enjoy either inside the shop or just outside. The staff is utterly lovely and I always stop there a few times for a copa de vino blanco (I tried to learn a few very important phrases) and cheese. I also spent quite a few ‘pesos’ on some art pieces.

Best for music: The Firehouse just opposite the Fariones Hotel offers live music every day from 7pm. We became fans of Al Murphy and Jordan Kay who are from Cork and are excellent musicians. The pub also serves food during the day but we never tried it.

Best for sangria: Just opposite is Finnegan’s Wake. Not sure about the food as we only ever go there for the sangria. Rich and fruity, it is delicious.

Best for nachos: The Upper Deck in Puerto Calero is a popular spot especially if the market is on (Tuesday and Friday). The staff is fantastic, funny and very efficient. We tried a few things on the menu and decided that they serve the best nachos on the island. They also have an extensive offering on craft beers with focus on Belgium beers.

Best food: There are two places with Sebastyan’s being one but the other has to be Taberna de Nino. Apart from an excellent wine list, the food is beautiful. I especially love the langoustines and order them every single time.

Best for dessert: We discovered Antica Trattoria only because we were hiding from the rain (short but heavy showers). While the food itself is tasty, it was the dessert that will make us return again next time. Orange tiramisu was fantastic and utterly delicious. So much so that I am planning on recreating it at home.

Best for breakfast: Kalma Café is a popular spot for breakfast and brunch. So much so that you will always find a queue outside. Loved by locals as much as by tourists, it offers generous portions with some vegan options as well. According to Mr T, they also brew a great coffee.

These are my favourite spots and I am looking forward to next year’s visit.