Beluga
Tucked away in the enchanting Plaza de las Flores beside Calle Larios, this isn’t your typical Malaga seafood spot. Beluga offers something rather special: Mediterranean cuisine with genuine personality.
Chef Diego René earned recognition as Best Chef 2023 from the Málaga Gastronomy Academy, and after dining here, you’ll understand why.
At Beluga, he brings his culinary heritage from Alicante and southern France to create dishes that feel both familiar and refreshingly original.
René’s menu celebrates the shared culinary threads between Andalucía and Alicante, showcasing local Malaga produce alongside techniques perfected on the Costa Blanca.
Rice dishes and seafood creations
At Beluga, the arroces (rice dishes) are particularly noteworthy. These aren’t paellas but rather creamy, risotto-style creations using premium rice from Valencia’s Albufera wetlands.
Standout dishes include the Iberian ham rice, made with bones and fat from Dehesa de Los Monteros ham, and the squid and artichoke arroz that showcases perfect technique.
The lobster stew arrives with nasturtium leaves (they’re edible and add a peppery kick), while the squid comes perfectly griddled with its own ink and sugar snap peas.
Don’t skip the aioli – made fresh in a mortar and pestle (mortero) as it should be.
The Beluga experience
Expect modern Mediterranean cooking that respects tradition without being enslaved by it.
The restaurant occupies a peaceful corner away from the tourist crowds, complete with a lovely terrace where you can actually hear yourself think.
For visitors seeking authentic Mediterranean flavours with a contemporary twist, Beluga represents exactly what makes Malaga’s dining scene so compelling.
The Malaga Guru team comprises individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds who share a common bond – a deep affection for the city of Malaga, its rich culture, and its warm-hearted inhabitants!