About us
Our brand philosophy
With a history rooted in the community and a love of good food, Restaurante Don Quijote has been a landmark for locals and visitors for decades. From our modest beginnings to becoming a renowned culinary destination, we have remained committed to quality and innovation.
Our Story…
47 years ago, Elsa van Rijnsoever and Florencio Pacheco embarked on this adventure. Elsa, with no prior experience in hospitality, chose to join a shared life-and-work project that began with the opening of their first restaurant. Florencio, after working in restaurants across Spain, felt it was time to take the leap and convinced Elsa to “leave” her comfortable civil-service position at the Dutch Tax Administration for a vocation in which the only person who should always feel “comfortable” is the guest. They have been wonderful years—an entire lifetime. They have worked incredibly hard and overcome numerous challenges that, like for everyone, arose over the years.
Family is not only what Elsa and Florencio created together; with the birth of their daughters Tamara and Tara, other relatives gradually joined the business, becoming a valuable complement to the smooth running of the restaurant.
Today, Tamara leads the way. And Jose, her partner, is the perfect counterbalance, ensuring everything runs smoothly from the kitchen — the weight on the scale.
Among the people who make up the restaurant’s team and are essential for what they do, Claudio comes first; after forty years, he is regarded as part of the family. Only his courtesy surpasses his sense of responsibility and efficiency at work. A true professional with a deep affection for his role in the dining room.
Juan, Claudio’s brother. The all-rounder who, after 25 years on the team, has become a luxury sedan. The backbone of the kitchen.
Then there is “Juan Padre.” He’s called that because he is José’s father. His experience has earned him one of a restaurant’s fundamental responsibilities: the mise en place. In the kitchen, Alejandro has become an innovator and is set to become an outstanding chef in the coming years.
In the dining room, Malena provides calm and control in the area we call the Terraza Corner, a small lounge that she maintains with exceptional skill.
She is accompanied in this role by Reyes, Alejandro’s aunt. Together they make a wonderful duo, marked by kindness in their manner and deep respect for our guests.
This year, Alexia, Ángeles’s daughter, makes her debut behind the bar. By following her mother’s guidance, she’s sure to make a valuable contribution.
Ángeles has been part of the family for 35 years and, over that time, has handled just about everything. Today she looks after the table linens… and Elsa and Florencio’s grandchildren. She is the third daughter.
Ensuring that the tableware, cutlery, and the restaurant itself maintain impeccable hygiene is the responsibility of Gema, Malena’s mother. She carries it out with absolute efficiency.
Derfor er det mere end et team – det er en familie.
But one thing has been fundamental to ensuring everything has always run smoothly:
The loyalty of OUR GUESTS.
Our values
At Don Quijote, we believe that achieving excellence means caring for every aspect of our day-to-day work
From selecting fresh ingredients for our dishes to their presentation at the table, every detail is meticulously cared for to deliver an unforgettable experience.
Our team is made up of passionate professionals with deep culinary expertise.
Our service is enhanced by fluency in multiple languages, allowing us to serve guests of many nationalities with ease.
Our culinary offering
Explore our carefully crafted menu, featuring authentic flavors of Canarian and Spanish cuisine. From exquisite tapas to creative mains, every bite is a celebration of the region’s culinary richness.
At Don Quijote, we are passionate about Spanish gastronomy and proud to offer an outstanding culinary experience. Our menu blends traditional recipes with modern touches, using fresh, seasonal ingredients of the highest quality.
A tradition of hospitality
At Restaurante Don Quijote, hospitality is an integral part of our identity. We invite you to enjoy a warm, family-style experience in a picturesque seaside setting. Our goal is for you to feel at home as you savor our specialties and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Visit us!
Located in one of the most beautiful spots in southern Gran Canaria, we invite you to discover the charm and magic of Don Quijote. Book today and let us take your dining experience to new heights.
Welcome aboard our culinary journey!
Where dining and enjoyment are a tradition.
Opening hours
Monday - Saturday:
13:30 – 22:30
Sunday: Closed
Staff day off
Address
C. Juan Díaz Rodríguez, local 19, 35130 Puerto Rico de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas
Phone and email
+34 928560901 // +34 635856750
info@restdonquijote.com
