Taste 1973

The story

Taste 1973 – Arona, Playa de las Américas: Michelin-starred Canarian cuisine

Origin and Concept

Taste 1973 sits within the Hotel Villa Cortés in Playa de las Américas, Arona. Its name and spirit draw from the memory of what the area once was, blending a revolutionary, avant-garde approach with a deep respect for tradition. The restaurant’s tagline, “Conoce lo auténtico, conoce Canarias,” sets the tone: a focus on the authentic flavours of the Canary Islands, presented through a modern lens.

The restaurant was awarded a Michelin star in the 2026 guide, a recognition of its high-quality cooking. It also received a Repsol Sun in the same year. These accolades reflect the team’s commitment to excellence, driven by a passion for the local product.

The Kitchen

Chef Diego Schattenhofer, based in the Canary Islands for over two decades, leads the kitchen. His culinary influences include references such as Joan Coll, Mallmann, Berasategui, and Paco Pérez, but his work is firmly rooted in the territory. The cuisine is described as “cocina de autor y creativa, movida por la pasión y emoción, utilizando producto km0 y técnicas innovadoras.” This means every plate is built around locally sourced ingredients, transformed with innovative techniques to create an emotional experience.

The restaurant’s values align with the trajectory of Europe Hotels International: tradition, respect, commitment, effort, and collaboration. This philosophy is evident in the careful treatment of Canarian products, from the sea to the land.

A Commitment to Research

Beyond the dining room, Taste 1973 houses Gastrosinapsis, a dedicated I+D+i (research, development, and innovation) space co-founded by chef Schattenhofer. Here, science and gastronomy meet, with a laboratory adjacent to the restaurant where every element of a menu is analysed and fused to maximise its value. The team’s primary goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of Canarian cuisine, elevating the local product and its culture through research. This forward-looking approach, combined with a respect for tradition, makes Taste 1973 a distinctive destination for fine dining in Tenerife.