The Salitre Restaurant in La Caleta, in the south of Tenerife, had a day to remember last Thursday when King Felipe VI of Spain stopped by for lunch, much to the excitement of its staff.
Sharing their joy on Instagram, the restaurant team posted: “On Thursday, we had the great honour of hosting His Majesty King Felipe VI for lunch. It was an exciting moment for the entire team, so much so that we couldn’t resist asking for a group photo, to which he kindly agreed. We’re grateful for his visit, it was a pleasure to serve him!”
Felipe VI’s trip to Tenerife wasn’t just for relaxation, he was on the island to receive the Gold Medal from the Canary Islands Parliament, a prestigious award honouring his connection and service to the archipelago.
In between official events, the King took the opportunity to indulge in the local cuisine, a tradition for the Royal Family during their visits to the island.
This isn’t the first time the Royal Family has enjoyed Tenerife’s food scene. In January 2023, Queen Sofía surprised staff at Bollullo Oasis Restaurant in Candelaria with an impromptu visit.
According to one of the chefs, Luis González, the reservation raised some disbelief: “Could the Queen really be coming?” they asked. And yes, Queen Sofía arrived on time, greeted everyone warmly, and enjoyed the ocean views from the terrace.
Both King Felipe VI and Queen Sofía left a lasting impression with their kindness and approachability, making these royal dining experiences cherished memories for the restaurant staff and other diners.
