"We were staying in Costa Teguise and wanted a special place for my husband Birthday lunch. The very efficient girl at the hotel réception recommended the Restaurant Castillo de San José in the outskirts of Arrecife. The Castillo de San José was an old fort situated at the entrance of the port to protect the town. César Manrique, the architect and artist who protected his birth island, restored it in a beautiful way. At the top part is situated the very interesting Museum of Modern Art and going down some steps beware of the volcanic stones! you get to the restaurant.Very original shape, made of boat 's wood and enormous glass bay windows. You look into the water, in front of a rock garden who runs to the sea...Magnificent. We were received by very professional waiters, given a very good table by the window I had said it was a special occasion but sometimes it does not make a difference and they took my demand for a special cake with interest and discretion. We started with some very good squid croquettes and a salad of the delicous local tomatoes sprinkled with olive oil and local sea salt. Then, my husband had a local white fish called San Pedro. The flesh was firm, cooked in the oven with peppers, onions and fresh baby tomatoes.All this seasoned with fresh sage and thyme. Very good indeed. The fish was accompanied by the famous papas arrugàs, small potatoes cooked with sea salt until the get arrugàs creased and fresh seasonal greens, with olive oil and a little garlic I opted for meat this time and had a small leg of lamb, slowly cooked with herbs and honey. It melted in your mouth. The sweet peas, new potatoes and baby carrots were also very good. The pudding was a millefeuilles very light, with one layer of fresh cream and another of custard. Delicious. This time my husband had a glass of local malvasia white and I had one glass of their Rioja Reserva red to accompany the lamb. We spent a long time after lunch, sipping our coffee as the boats came and left the port in front of us and people kept coming for coffee, tea and to enjoy the view. A wonderful experience..."
