Set in the picturesque Agaete Valley, amidst lush landscapes and enchanting aromas, lies Casa Romántica. This unique restaurant has forged a unique identity that is nourished by the history and beauty of Gran Canaria, and which, over time, has managed to maintain its essence of sustainability and genuine love for the local surroundings.
Its history is divided into two chapters. The first began in 1976, when a Swiss woman with a passion for gastronomy and sustainability decided to open the doors of her business here, with an emphasis on using local produce from her own farm.
The second chapter, nearly five decades on, is written under the expert direction of Víctor Lugo Jorge. Today, Casa Romántica is not only a restaurant, but also a visitor centre to showcase the products of Gran Canaria and, especially, of the Agaete Valley.
Local treasures: the heart of Casa Romántica
The decision to focus on local Canary produce, especially produce grown in Agaete, is the driving force behind the soul of Casa Romántica. The restaurant understands that the authenticity and uniqueness of a destination lies in its local products. That is why Casa Romántica is more than a restaurant. It is a visitor centre that showcases the island's products, a museum in which all 21 municipalities of the island can be savoured through their most outstanding products.
To this end, a culinary range has been put together that combines traditional and avant-garde cuisine, using innovative techniques to enhance the local products of Gran Canaria. Dishes include rabbit croquettes in salmorejo with smoked almond mojo sauce and tuna tataki with citrus emulsion dressing and Indian tuno plants. In this way, each dish offers an insight into the diversity and richness of the region's characteristic flavours.
Its range also makes room for vegetarian and vegan options. Growing awareness of environmental impact and the importance of healthy eating have led more and more people to seek alternative options in their dining experiences. For this reason, they also offer a menu specially designed to satisfy vegetarian and vegan diners, maintaining high standards of quality and flavours.
This philosophy represents part of the future of gastronomy for Casa Romántica, and they are committed to continually innovating and adapting to the changing preferences and needs of their customers. Only in this way will they be able to offer an exceptional dining experience to all diners, regardless of their culinary preferences.
An experience full of subtle details
In addition to bolstering local produce, the team's aim is to highlight everything that encompasses the gastronomy of Gran Canaria in three fundamental areas: local production in agriculture, livestock and fishing, the transformation and culinary industry that gives rise to the products, and the service and customer care they provide.
The restaurant seeks to offer a comprehensive and educational experience to its customers so that they not only enjoy the gastronomy, but that they also get to know its culinary range and immerse themselves in the experience it offers. Therefore, when they present a cheese, for example, they tell the story behind the product. This is how the narrative and emotional connection with each dish comes into play.
It is crucial for Casa Romántica that customer service is a comprehensive and positive experience, as they understand that "70% of a satisfactory experience lies in the care and attention the customer receives". It is understood that each visit to the island of Gran Canaria is also an experience in itself, and the aim is to make the client's time at the restaurant as memorable as the rest of their stay on the island.
Towards a responsible culinary experience
In its constant quest to improve and balance sustainability and profitability, the restaurant continues to implement measures that will offer a unique and sustainable culinary experience, while ensuring the economic viability of the business. Their goal is to become a benchmark of gastronomic excellence by fulfilling four non-negotiable pillars.
Firstly, Casa Romantica’s business must be profitable in order to last over time. Secondly, it is of vital importance to provide diners with a unique and unforgettable experience, because without customer satisfaction, they will not be able to keep the restaurant open.
The third pillar is the commitment to sourcing local products from Gran Canaria and ensuring a sustainable project, aspects which they consider to be of the utmost importance and on which they place special emphasis. Finally, it is also vital for the team to enjoy what they do. They believe that if they do not enjoy the process and the passion for what they do, there is no point in carrying on with the project, however profitable it may be. Valuing personal satisfaction and happiness is essential for success.
In this regard, one of the actions carried out is the search for creative ways to make the most of all the parts of the ingredients used. For example, if part of the loin of a product is used to make a tataki, the other part is used to make a tartar, avoiding unnecessary waste.
As for water, measures have been implemented to encourage its conscious and efficient use. This includes the installation of filtering machines to ensure a more responsible use of water.
The commitment to sustainability goes beyond the ingredients. The restaurant shows its support by promoting the gastronomic culture of Gran Canaria and sharing its knowledge with the community. For this reason, it has launched an exciting project of a classroom for learning about the island's produce, which includes a number of workshops and activities in collaboration with different NGOs, farmers, hotels and other players in the sector. The aim is to enrich the area and enhance the value of Gran Canaria's local products through synergies and alliances.
Similarly, Casa Romántica seeks to make the most of the products grown on its own farm, nourishing itself with its own production to offer a gastronomic experience with fresh and quality ingredients coming directly from its local crops. They also collaborate with the fishermen’s guild at the Cofradía de Pescadores de Agaete and various farms in the Agaete Valley, in a bid to establish agreements with local suppliers and thus supply the needs that are not covered internally.
In an approach that seeks not only to maximise profits, but also to cultivate a balanced work environment, the restaurant has made a strategic decision to offer a lunchtime service only and no evening meals. By limiting its operations to a midday service, the restaurant contributes to a more equitable workday for its employees and encourages the creation of an environment where team members can spend more time with their families, pursue personal interests and recreational activities. This policy goes beyond complying with working regulations; it represents a genuine commitment to the well-being of those who contribute daily to the operation of the site.
Although significant progress has been made on sustainability, the team is aware that there is still much more to be done. They recognise that ongoing improvement and finding new ways to reduce their environmental footprint are key to achieving their sustainable goals. As such, they remain committed to continuing to implement initiatives that will enable them to move towards a more responsible and environmentally friendly operation.
A recognised gastronomic destination
In an exciting chapter of its trajectory, this year has brought with it an outstanding achievement for Casa Romántica: the Michelin Guide has recognised its effort and dedication, including the restaurant in its list of culinary destinations of excellence.
The review awarded by the Michelin committee of experts not only recognises the quality of the culinary offer. It also highlights a distinctive aspect of the restaurant: the presence of coffee and wine that is produced in-house. This approach highlights the aspiration to offer diners a gastronomic experience that goes beyond the palate, immersing them in the richness of the local culture and identity.
This distinction has not allowed the team to distance itself from its core values. Instead it has further strengthened their commitment to sustainability, innovation and passion in their culinary approach. Aware that the pursuit of excellence is an ongoing journey, Casa Romantica has embarked on this new phase with a renewed determination to delight diners with experiences that not only satisfy the palate, but also feed the soul.
A visit to Casa Romántica is to embark on a journey of flavours and sensations that awaken all the senses. Each dish is an ode to the island's culinary tradition, carefully interwoven with avant-garde and creative touches. Each mouthful is an invitation to discover the unique flavours that emerge from this land of exquisite wines and award-winning cheeses.
With a contagious passion for sustainability, this corner of the Agaete Valley shines brightly as a beacon of hope for a culinary industry that is more conscious and respectful of the environment. Every corner breathes commitment to the environment and the desire to create an experience that transcends the gastronomic, becoming an authentic centre of interpretation of the culinary and cultural richness of Gran Canaria.
*More information: Restaurante Casa Romántica. An insight into Canarian Cuisine.
