If you want one easy plan for a long, relaxed evening at Simply Apericena Bulevar in Santa Cruz, do this: arrive for early drinks, order 1–2 share plates while you sip, then “commit” to dinner with one main or a second round of heavier plates once you know the vibe. This is the whole idea behind apericena—an aperitivo that naturally grows into dinner—and it’s exactly how this spot is described: “with each drink, a tapa is invited,” plus daily tapas, brunch and a lunchtime menu in C.C. Parque Bulevar (Calle General Morales, 3). Tripadvisor listing

What “apericena” means (and why it fits this place)

Aperitivo is the pre-dinner ritual of having a drink with something salty to “open” the appetite. Some venues go further and offer an apericena—a blend of aperitivo + cena (dinner)—where the food can become substantial enough to replace a sit-down dinner. La Cucina Italiana’s definition

Simply Apericena Bulevar leans into that exact hybrid idea in its own description: it’s in C.C. Parque Bulevar (Calle General Morales, 3), offers “new tapas every day,” and mentions a complimentary tapa with each drink. That combination makes it naturally suited to a “long relaxed evening” that starts as casual drinks and turns into a proper meal. Tripadvisor listing

The ideal timeline for a long, relaxed evening (drinks → snacks → dinner)

The most common way aperitivo goes wrong is ordering too much too fast. The fix is simple: build your evening in phases and treat each phase like a “checkpoint” where you decide what happens next.

• Phase 1 (first 20–30 minutes): arrive, pick your first drink, and ask what the “tapa with the drink” is today.
• Phase 2 (next 30–45 minutes): add one light-to-medium plate to share while you finish drink #1 and start drink #2.
• Phase 3 (last 60–90 minutes): decide if you’re doing dinner; if yes, order one main per person or one heavier dish + one side-style plate for the table.

Why this works: you stay in control of appetite and spend, and you avoid the “two cocktails + two mains + three tapas” surprise that makes the bill unpredictable.

Practical note: hours can change seasonally, but Tripadvisor shows late closing on Fridays and Saturdays (up to around 1:00) and earlier closes on other days, with Monday listed as closed. Verify your day’s hours before you go, especially if you’re planning a late finish. Tripadvisor hours

Best orders for “aperitivo first, dinner later”

Simply Apericena Bulevar shows a mix of Italian-leaning dishes on public menus, including risottos (for example, saffron risotto with prawns) and other substantial plates that work well as the “dinner commitment” later in the evening. TheFork profile Tripadvisor sample menu items

Use this ordering structure instead of trying to “pick the perfect dish” upfront.

• Start with: the complimentary tapa with your drink + one simple share plate you know the table will finish.
• Build with: one mid-weight dish (think creamy, crispy, cheesy, or seafood-forward) to slow the pace and make the second drink feel earned.
• Commit with: a main-style dish (like a risotto) once you decide the evening is becoming dinner.
• Finish with: one sweet or coffee round only if you’re staying for the full long sit.

If you’re in a group, a good rule is: one “main commitment” for every 2 people plus 1–2 lighter plates total. That keeps the table full without turning the meal into an ordering spiral.

How to keep the bill predictable (without feeling restrictive)

Predictable spending is mostly a sequencing problem, not a willpower problem. Here’s how to keep your evening relaxed and still know roughly what you’ll pay.

• Pick a cap first: decide an all-in “per person” limit before you sit down.
• Limit decision points: commit to either “mains” or “share plates,” not both.
• Use a drink counter: decide whether you’re doing 1, 2, or 3 drinks, then order food to match that pace.
• Ask before ordering: check whether a dish is a tapa size, half portion, or main-style portion.
• Be careful with add-ons: extra bread, extra sauces, and “one more side” are the common budget creep.

To ground expectations, TheFork lists an average price around €21 for Simply Apericena Bulevar. Your real total will vary by what you drink, how many courses you add, and how many people you share with, but that average is a helpful reference point for planning. TheFork listing

If you want maximum predictability, consider reserving via platforms that show current offers (when available) and confirm what the discount applies to (often food only, not drinks). TheFork’s listing for this restaurant notes promotions at certain times, which can further help you plan spend. TheFork promotions

Quick checklist: your “long relaxed evening” game plan

• Arrive earlier than your hunger peak.
• Ask what the complimentary tapa is with the first round.
• Order one share plate only (not three) before drink #2 arrives.
• After drink #2, decide: dinner commitment or keep it light.
• If committing to dinner, order mains once and stop scrolling the menu.
• Keep one line item for the end: dessert or coffee, not both.

What to ask before booking (so the night runs smoothly)

• What time is busiest for dinner, and when is best for a quieter aperitivo start?
• What exactly is included with the “tapa invited” per drink today?
• Are there any dishes that take longer (risotto, baked plates), and when should we order them?
• Can we do a mix of tapas and mains, or is the kitchen paced for one format at a time?
• Which items are best to share, and which are truly one-person mains?
• Are there options for vegetarian/vegan or gluten-free guests tonight?
• If we reserve through a platform, what does any offer apply to (food only, specific times, specific menu)?

Need help planning the rest of your evening in Santa Cruz?

If you’re turning aperitivo into a full night out, the practical extras matter: a reliable taxi, a driver, or even a last-minute cleaner if you’re hosting friends at home before heading out. With MiTenerife, you can post one request and compare multiple local offers, so you spend less time coordinating and more time enjoying the evening.

When you’re ready, head to mitenerife.com to get the best offers within 1 hour.