Despite its somewhat unusual location in an apartment complex along the Playa de Patalavaca in the southern part of Gran Canaria, La Aquarela has become one of the leading names on the island’s restaurant scene. To a welcoming and hushed backdrop of classic decor and romantic tables (those overlooking the swimming pool are perfect for enjoying the sunset), savour delicate, highly technical dishes with lots of flavour and a strong connection to the local area, but with their own personality, as demonstrated by the occasional Nordic touch (chef Germán Ortega spent several years working in Stockholm). Up to 85% of its ingredients are locally sourced and are showcased in modern Canary Island dishes on three menus: Experiencia (combining the sea and the land), the vegetarian Tierra (we particularly enjoyed the grilled aubergine, with an aromatic yeast salsa), and Fish Lovers (with an obvious focus on fish and seafood from the Atlantic waters around the islands).