Despreciados, the new Mexican restaurant in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, is located in the historic building that once housed El Corte Inglés and previously Galerías Preciados, at Calle El Pilar, number 3, in the capital of Tenerife. This new gastronomic venue is part of Pedro Barroso’s Sandungeo Group, which has established itself within the INNSiDE by Meliá Tenerife Santa Cruz hotel. Alongside Despreciados, the hotel also features ’13 Cielos’, a sky bar offering panoramic views of the city.
Despreciados: Culinary Leadership and Menu Highlights
At the helm of the kitchen is Víctor Álvarez, a chef trained under renowned culinary masters such as Martín Berasategui. Silvia Aguilera oversees the dining room, ensuring a seamless dining experience. The restaurant’s media presentation began with a homemade guacamole with pico de gallo, setting the stage for the culinary delights to follow.
The appetizers included a tartar of razor clams and carabineros, enhanced with almond oil, mezcal gel, and sea sprouts. This was followed by a grilled leek dish, served with a Canarian cheese made from a blend of goat and sheep milk.
Among the main courses, the pork rib taco with Korean sauce and spices stood out, though it could have used a bit more heat. The octopus taco marinated in red mojo offered a flavorful alternative. The highlight was the grilled sea bass with green mole paste and white chocolate, accompanied by fried broccoli with sesame dressing, dried chillies, and goat’s cheese.
For dessert, the menu featured millet in various textures, including cotufas (Canarian popcorn), flan, and homemade ice cream, providing a unique and satisfying conclusion to the meal.
Wine Selection
Sommelier Daniel Monroy curated an impressive wine list, featuring selections from Catalonia, Galicia, Burgundy, California, and a standout Sortevera 2022 from the Margalagua, Fajanetas, and Amogoje areas of Taganana, produced by Suertes del Marqués.
Despreciados is quickly establishing itself as a must-visit destination for those seeking an exceptional dining experience in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, combining traditional Mexican flavors with innovative culinary techniques.
