El Bejeque Expands Its Culinary Horizons With Seafood Offerings
El Bejeque in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has reinvented itself by introducing seafood to its famous meat-centric menu. Located in the vibrant Playa de Las Canteras on Calle Portugal, opposite the Michelin-starred Tabaiba, El Bejeque is now embracing the ocean without sacrificing its beloved meat dishes.
Chefs Ayoze Valido and Kiara León have added marine delicacies as co-stars in the dining experience. Diners need not worry; El Bejeque will continue to serve its renowned meat cuts alongside these new ocean offerings, showcasing a harmonious blend of land and sea.
The new seafood menu primarily features coastal ingredients, starting with grilled scallops accompanied by a superb homemade sauce. This is followed by “papas arrieras” topped with octopus and prawns, enhanced by a delectable black garlic aioli that deserves to be sold commercially, adding a standout twist to the dish.
A highlight from this new menu includes majestic carabineros prawns, perfectly grilled to enhance their natural flavours. The restaurant’s meticulous approach to seafood, which has grown in popularity since 2018, reflects a masterful understanding of cooking techniques.
Another standout was the beautifully prepared “chopa,” a type of rockfish, grilled to perfection without a trace left on the plate.
The meal continued with a rich black rice dish with squid, which I confidently declare to be among the best I have tasted in recent years. This dish features impeccable rice, a deep seafood broth, and a remarkable integration of flavours, topped again by the delightful black garlic aioli.
Dessert was a traditional Canarian delight—”huevos moles” served with gofio from Molino de Telde, providing a comforting end to an exquisite meal.
Service at El Bejeque deserves special mention. Despite the challenge of managing multiple tables alone, Kiara delivered an exceptional experience with in-depth knowledge of the menu and attentive timing. Her warm smile and familiarity made each guest feel at home.
Though the seafood menu is still in its early days, it promises to make El Bejeque a must-visit destination for food lovers who appreciate the union of fire, quality produce, and culinary tradition. The future looks bright for this evolving restaurant.
