Traditional
Get the full Malaga experience and blend in with the locals at these cafés, bars and restaurants
El Pimpi
No trip to Malaga is complete without a visit to El Pimpi. The restaurant-bodega features in all of the guidebooks and ‘top 10s’ you can imagine, mostly because it’s a Malaga institution with an unparalleled location (and superb outside terrace with views of the Alcazaba), but also because standards remain high despite it becoming something of a tourist hotspot these […]
Restaurante Cofrade Entre Varales
Fancy a proper Spanish dining experience with a twist? Restaurante Cofrade Entre Varales offers a uniquely atmospheric dining experience in the heart of Malaga, combining authentic Andalusian gastronomy with the passionate traditions of Semana Santa. This distinctive ‘cofrade’ restaurant in Malaga transports diners into the spiritual world of Holy Week from the moment they step through the door. A traditional […]
Hamburguesería Mafalda
For a simple yet delicious meal in Pedregalejo, head to Mafalda, a modest hamburger restaurant located around halfway down the seafront. The restaurant is self-service, so you must go up to look at the menu before ordering at the till. They’ll give you a number which they’ll call out for you to collect. For a typical local option, try one […]
Arrozeando
Finding the best paella in Malaga used to be a proper puzzle, but Arrozeando has settled that debate once and for all. This rice specialist in the charming Pedregalejo district transforms Spain’s most iconic dish into something rather extraordinary. While paella originated in Valencia, it has become as quintessentially Spanish as flamenco dancing, and every family guards its own secret […]
Cortijo de Pepe
Cortijo de Pepe is a traditional Spanish restaurant, popular even with locals despite its location on the southern edge of the very touristy Plaza de la Merced. With a rich history dating back to 1971, this establishment has been serving popular local cuisine for over five decades. The restaurant’s rustic décor, featuring wooden beams and traditional Andalusian tiles, creates an […]
Casa Mira
Malaga + ice cream = Casa Mira On a hot day, and often into the early hours of the morning, this place, especially the parlour on Calle Larios, is packed full of people looking for a sweet cool-me-down. One reason is the vast range of tasty flavours, but the other is that Casa Mira is a Malaga institution, cooling people […]
Hermanos Alba
Tucked away in the charming seaside district of El Palo, Hermanos Alba stands as one of Malaga’s most celebrated seafood restaurants. This family-run establishment has earned serious culinary credentials, featuring in the prestigious Repsol Guide and ranking 14th among informal restaurants in the Opinionated About Dining (OAD) guide. The restaurant gained extra celebrity appeal when Malaga-born singer Pablo Alborán dined […]
Tapeo de Cervantes
El Tapeo de Cervantes, named after its proximity to the theatre of the same name, is a mainstay on the Malaga culinary scene. It’s the original of what is now a group of Argentinian-run restaurants, which includes El Mesón de Cervantes and El Descorche de Cervantes, both around the corner. Unlike those two dining rooms, at El Tapeo, as the […]
Pollos San Juan
The aroma of roast chicken fills the street surrounding the Atarazanas market, emanating from the unmistakable Pollos San Juan. Freshly cooked rotisserie chicken makes for a beautifully simple, traditional late lunch or dinner. It comes as no surprise therefore that their set chicken menus (quarter, half or a whole chicken served with chips and sauce) have been a staple of […]
Mercado de Salamanca
It’s been a long time coming but the Mercado de Salamanca is back – and is looking great. This 1920s food market in the El Molinillo neighbourhood, just north of the Historic Centre, has undergone a complete renovation, maintaining its unique neo-Arab architecture. This is, unlike Atarazanas market, very much where locals go. While it is small, there is a lot […]
Mercado Atarazanas central food market
Whether you’re a tourist or you’re looking for an alternative to a supermarket for your weekly groceries, the perfect place to discover Andalusian gastronomy is at the Atarazanas central market. Open every morning (except Sunday), this food market boasts over a hundred stalls, primarily owned by local families passed on from generation to generation. They sell a vast array of […]
Los Gatos
Located in the popular Plaza Uncibay, you might not spot it at first through the crowds of people either trying to squeeze in or filling the stools outside. One of the most popular restaurants in the city and for good reason: simple Spanish food done well, whether meat or fish. Given that it’s always so busy, make sure you’re not […]
El Mesón de Cervantes
El Mesón de Cervantes is the younger sibling of the original El Tapeo de Cervantes. This group of establishments, run by an Argentinian family, has been serving the city for a number of years now. It continues to go from strength to strength, recently opening a third restaurant in the centre, El Descorche de Cervantes, which acts as an overspill […]
La Peregrina Centro
Located in the centre of Malaga, just off Plaza de la Merced, La Peregrina is a great spot for a quick lunch or a light snack. With a conch on its logo, it’s clear that this simple eatery, with a few small tables with bar stools, specialises in fish and seafood. If you want something small, there is a selection […]
La Tranca
No trip to Malaga would be complete without a stop-off at La Tranca. That’s if you can get in… As you approach it on Calle Carretería, it will quickly become apparent which bar it is – the one that’s packed full, with a waiting queue outside. Wait your turn and you’ll be given a stool to perch on next to […]
El Tintero
Restaurante El Tintero, located right on the seafront in the eastern district of El Palo, offers a Malaga dining experience like no other. With its distinctive auction-style service and specialisation in pescaíto frito (fried fish), this popular restaurant combines delicious food with a lively atmosphere, ensuring a memorable visit for all guests. The El Tintero ‘auction’ explained The restaurant’s auction-style […]
La Recova
La Recova is pretty hard to define. Even when you’re stood right outside, looking at it. The sign says it’s a café… and yet there are pots, pans, crockery and other peculiar items (a bicycle, a record player and bird cages!) for sale in and around the doorway. The truth is, it’s an eclectic mix between a café and a […]
Cafetería Framil
Cafetería Framil stands as one of the few remaining traditional cafés in Malaga’s historic centre, serving locals and visitors since 1987. Located on Calle Cisneros, this family-run establishment was founded by Miguel Criado and his wife Eulalia Claros, who named it after their three children: Francisco, Miguel and Lourdes. The cafe has built a devoted following over nearly four decades, […]
El Balneario
El Balneario has to be Malaga’s most iconic bar and restaurant. Poking out from the seafront, at Baños del Carmen, just as Pedregalejo begins, punters get unparalleled views of the Bay of Malaga (and the occasional dolphin!) Enjoy the holiday, seaside vibes with a beer, copa or cocktail, day or night, or tuck into a nice lunch. The menu has […]
Asador Iñaki
If you like your meat, and you like it cooked to perfection, this place is well worth the venture out of the centre for. The new Asador Iñaki is always packed to the rafters – and for good reason. The friendly and helpful waiters will help pick out the right cut for you, accompanied by thick-cut chips and sprinkled with […]
Mesón Ibérico
If you’re hunting for proper tapas in Malaga that’ll make your taste buds do a little flamenco, Mesón Ibérico should be top of your list. This charming spot has been dishing out authentic Andalusian flavours for over twenty years, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their craft. Located in the trendy Soho district, it’s a proper mesón […]
Antigua Casa de Guardia
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply curious about Malaga’s winemaking heritage, a visit to Antigua Casa de Guardia is a must. It offers a glimpse into the past and an opportunity to savour some of the finest wines that Andalucía has to offer. Located on a tiny side street between the Alameda and the central market, it’s one […]
Casa Aranda
Casa Aranda is one of Malaga’s ‘churrerías’ par excellence. (Frespañol anyone?!) Established almost 100 years ago, this historic café has two branches in the historic centre, both relatively close to each other. Its exceptional quality and location, teamed with local prices, means that all these years later, Casa Aranda is still very much a favourite with local people. If you’re a […]
Er Pichi de Cái
This charming Cadiz-style restaurant chain has taken Malaga by storm, expanding from one humble taberna (traditional Spanish tavern) in Huelin to seven locations across the city in just three years. The original Er Pichi de Cái opened in the coastal Huelin neighbourhood, where locals first fell in love with its authentic Andalusian atmosphere and exceptional seafood dishes. Since then, the enthusiastic […]
El Diamante
This unassuming back-street bar does a basic breakfast – and does it well. They’ve been doing it for a long time, too. Since 1949, in fact. In truth not much has changed since then. All the interior furniture and even the majority of the glasses, plates and other items are still originals from that time. This is what’s earned El […]
Verum Restaurante, El Asador de Málaga
Meat devotees will find their spiritual home at Verum, affectionately dubbed ‘The Temple of Meat’ by locals who know a proper steak when they see one. Located in Cerrado de Calderón, just a 10-minute drive from Malaga city centre, this elegant restaurant sits atop a hill overlooking the Mediterranean coastline, where fresh sea breezes mingle with the aroma of oak-fired […]
Mercado El Carmen fresh food market
The El Carmen fresh food market, located across the river from the city centre, close to María Zambrano train station, is known for its excellent quality fresh fish and seafood. However, there is also a wide selection of other foods available, whether fruits and vegetables, meat, artisan bread, spices and much more. For more than 140 years there has been […]
Parador de Málaga Gibralfaro
Surrounded by pine trees atop the Gibralfaro mountain (beside the fortress of the same name), is the Parador de Málaga. Paradores de Turismo de España is a chain of state-run Spanish luxury hotels, founded by Alfonso XIII as a means to promote tourism in Spain, with the first hotel opening in 1928 in Gredos (Ávila). Elsewhere in the Spanish-speaking world, […]
Casa Lola
Casa Lola is a chain of traditional Spanish restaurants in Malaga that has experienced tremendous growth in recent years thanks to its blend of traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist. The menu at Casa Lola features a wide array of traditional Spanish dishes, expertly prepared with a contemporary flair. From classic tapas and regional specialities, to innovative interpretations of […]
Taberna Cofrade Las Merchanas
You can’t get much more Malaga than this! With wall-to-wall Semana Santa photos, statues, posters and sculptures, there is certainly no escaping the fact that you’re in Spain. Always packed full with locals, you will struggle to find a seat unless you go at ‘guiri’ time (before 8pm). A great place to share ‘raciones’ with friends as servings are generous and […]