CICO & C - The Italian Tapas is a charming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Here, authentic Italian culinary traditions are celebrated with a contemporary twist, offering an inventive tapas-style dining experience that brilliantly showcases the rich flavors of Italy's beloved pasta dishes.
The restaurant’s menu is thoughtfully crafted, allowing diners to immerse themselves in a fully customizable meal. From the MENÚ ITALIANO featuring Antipasti e Secondi, a variety of handmade pasta styles, and indulgent Dolci, to the ENGLISH MENU where you can pick your own pasta paired with complementary sauces, each choice promises authenticity and freshness. Popular dishes like ravioli stuffed with spinach and lusciously paired with butter & sage sauce, or their standout spaghetti with vegan bolognese sauce, have earned glowing praise from visitors. The genius of CICO & C lies in its interactive menu where patrons select their preferred pasta type (tagliatelle, spaghetti, gnocchi, and more) and then elevate it with house-made sauces—be it the deeply savory bolognese or vibrant pesto. This makes every meal uniquely yours, while still delivering the unmistakable comfort of home-cooked Italian fare.
Diners consistently commend the freshness and quality of ingredients—each bite bursts with the authentic essence of Italy, whether in the creamy gorgonzola and walnut-studded spinach ravioli or the simple, heartwarming gnocchi with mozzarella and tomato sauce. A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan, available at every table, adds a final layer of richness that invites you to savor every mouthful.
The atmosphere at CICO & C is intimate and welcoming, evoking the spirit of a family-run trattoria where warm service is the norm. Guests often remark on the friendly, knowledgeable staff who not only serve but guide diners with genuine enthusiasm and care. The familial warmth extends to the owner’s presence, creating a cozy ambiance that makes you feel like a treasured guest rather than a mere customer. From couples enjoying a romantic evening to families with children discovering Italian cuisine together, the environment strikes the perfect balance between casual comfort and attentive hospitality.
Customer testimonials reveal a clear consensus: CICO & C captures the soul of Italy’s culinary heritage. One guest beautifully summarized it as “for a moment I’m back in my Italy,” underscoring the authenticity that’s palpable in every dish. Another praised the exceptional quality as “one of the best examples of true Italian food” they’d ever experienced. Whether you are a pasta connoisseur or a casual foodie eager to explore, this delightful Italian gem is impossible to overlook.
In summary, CICO & C - The Italian Tapas is much more than a restaurant; it’s a heartfelt celebration of Italian cuisine where fresh, expertly crafted pasta meets warm, inviting service in a uniquely personalized dining adventure. If you find yourself in Los Cristianos, this place isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of Italy’s culinary treasures.
Contact: C. Barranquillo, 3, 38650 Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain | +34 691 66 04 72
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Gabrielius Serva
11/12/2025
Really good homemade pasta. Had ravioli with spinach and butter&sage sauce as well as spaghetti with vegan bolognese sauce. The latter in particular appears to be their specialty. Loved both the dishes and with 2x water, 1x tea and 1x coffee altogether it was very adequate 25 euros. Will definitely return for desserts! *EDIT* We've returned again, this time to try some different pasta. Its absolutely amazing. Absolutely the best pasta in this island. Dont get fooled by the photos: blame the photographer not the food :))
Tomasz Napieralski
29/11/2025
Amazing food, great service, love the place! The menu is very clever, because instead of fixed items, you choose between the type of pasta you like (spaghetti, tagliatelle, etc.) and then you choose extras (bolognese, pesto, etc.). Create you unique combination or choose the standard like me that day . The waitress is so nice, she is very sympathetic and helpful, you can feel that she is there to make your meal the most enjoyable . The food? Delicious, you would want to taste every bite, do not rush! The pasta is incredible, difficult to describe what make it so special. The ingredients, special recipe or chef’s experience? Maybe all together . Make sure to try the wine and don’t hesitate to ask the Waitress for advice, it matters which wine you pick to which food! . As for the place, I believe it’s for about 20-30 people, clear simple decoration make it look casual, but it has it’s charm . The restaurant is slightly elevated from the street, but no stairs, even to bathroom which makes it accessible for wheelchair. Easy to find. If i could i would rate it 6/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. If plan to visit Los Christianos, this place will definitely make your trip worthwhile… and make your belly very happy .
Agnes
27/11/2025
Just like in Italy, wonderful Italian service, family atmosphere, delicious, fresh food, perfect portions. We ordered three different pastas, delicious sauces, perfectly cooked pasta. Miss Gotta stole my Heart We will definitely come back. Come, you won't regret it
Zoe Roberts
27/10/2025
Wonderful food, great hosting, friendly service, lovely owner. We went as a family ie two adults and 13 and 10 yo. Picked our own pasta and sauce combo with advice from chef. All tasted amazing. Thoroughly recommend puddings too. Would go again for sure
Natalka Mazur
26/10/2025
The food is fresh and very good quality. Pasta is very very delicious- made like in Italy. Spinach ravioli with gorgonzola and walnuts is perfect combination, but gnocchi with mozzarella and tomato sauce can also steal your heart very easily. There is also parmesan cheese on the table so everyone can add it as much as they need. The staff is super nice, polite and knows english very well. This is the best pasta fresca in the whole Tenerife and the prices are really low for this awesome taste- everyone should visit this place! When I come back to Tenerife, this will be my first restaurant destination.
Giuliana Affronto
16/10/2025
Said as a true Italian, the Cico pasta is really exceptional. Homemade pasta made by the cook and the sauces well prepared. For a moment I'm back in my Italy. You absolutely have to try!!
Colin Mc
14/10/2025
Absolutely exceptional true authentic Italian kitchen. Me and my girlfriend visited the restaurant while on our Holliday and we were blown away by this amazing food made by a Brillaint chef. Best meal of our Holliday and one of the best examples of true Italian food I have ever had.. thank you
N B
24/09/2025
Italians and the like: Another hidden gem. DO NOT MISS OUT on the authenticity and good food of this place. The atmosphere is not great. But the food is. Go here.