If you're looking for a bit of authentic rustic dining, head to the hills of Vera de Erques, near Guia de Isora (about 20 minutes from Las Americas). Irache Gara is a cosy, popular eatery specialising in grilled meats and local dishes in an authentic setting. Go on Sunday and you also get the bonus of a band of merry minstrels wandering between the tables playing and singing Canarian folk songs. Ask for the 'Cucaracha song' if you want to see the whole restaurant joining in. It's about cockroaches. Not very appetising but fun nonetheless.
Let's get one thing straight. This is a restaurant for serious carnivores (though vegetarians will find a handful of choices too). The T-Bone steak is big. Very big. Think of the biggest steak you've ever seen, then picture it even bigger. If you're going to opt for that - and it's highly recommended - go easy on the starters. Having said, you shouldn't miss the plate of flaming sausages. A very tasty spectacle indeed. Make sure you blow the bangers out before trying them though. In fact, this is a restaurant where you should ditch the diet. Just get stuck in.
Reservations are recommended on Sundays as the place fills up with local families and christening parties. Otherwise, you should just be ok turning up.
From Playa de las Americas, take the TF-1 motorway towards Adeje. At the end, go straight through the roundabout and after about 6 minutes keep your eye out for the Vera de Erques exit on the right. Follow this and head up along a winding road into the Tenerife hills. After about 5 minutes you'll pass Irache Gara on the right, with car parking on the left. If you get to the village you've gone too far.