Bars & tapas
A quick nibble while you explore the city, or a little something to tide you over until dinner
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 […]
Te-Piko
Te-Piko is a great little bar to hang out at during any part of the day. With an outdoor terrace on the charming Plaza Enrique García-Herrera, this is a great spot to people watch, drink and have a nibble. Come by at breakfast time and tuck into a fresh baguette […]
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 […]
El Pimpi
No trip to Malaga is complete without a visit to El Pimpi. The restaurant-bodega features in all of the guide books 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 […]
Café Central
Café Central in Plaza de la Constitución is, alongside Casa Aranda, one of the most famous long-established cafés in Malaga city. Records show that a café has stood on this spot since at least 1920, making it more than a hundred years old. In fact there were several on that […]
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 […]
Gloria Hoyos
On the up-and-coming Calle Carretería this tapas bar and restaurant can be enjoyed at any time of day, whether for brunch, a ‘menú del día’ or even an evening drink. It may be small, but the owners of Gloria Hoyos have found creative solutions to get maximum seating space, whether […]
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 […]
Recyclo Bike Café
This quirky bike shop, which doubles up as a restaurant and bar, is a big favourite in Malaga. Located on the bustling Plaza Enrique García-Herrera, it is a convenient meeting place as it is both in the city centre and close to all the bus stops and train stations. Its outdoor terrace […]
El Tapeo del Soho
From the outside, El Tapeo del Soho looks like any other generic Spanish tapa restaurant. Inside the kitchen, however, it’s a different story. The menu is a real mix of Spanish and other international dishes, but what really stands out is the Lebanese section. You have to try the fried […]
La Terraza de San Juan rooftop bar
La Terraza de San Juan is a rooftop bar with a lot to offer – above all excellent views of the mountains. This hotel bar, which opened in 2017, is on the fifth floor of the swanky Hotel Malaga Premium and is (quite literally) within touching distance of San Juan […]
Plaza de la Merced
This beautiful square is a must-see for so many different reasons. Firstly, Plaza de la Merced is the birthplace of none other than Pablo Picasso. Málaga’s most famous son was born in the house on the most north-westerly corner, which has now been converted into Casa Natal (birth house) […]
La Machina
Whether you fancy a bite to eat, a cocktail or simply a quick coffee, La Machina is one of the best spots in Pedregalejo to chill out and enjoy the atmosphere and ambience of the area. An extensive menu offers everything from international tapas and salads to burgers and sandwiches. […]
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. […]
Raff
The hustle and bustle of this vibrant industrial-style restaurant is perhaps unsurprising considering the free tapas offered with every drink! Simple, almost pub food, of good quality and at reasonable prices: an international menu, with burgers, traditional ‘raciones’ (large sharing plates) and even fried rice or noodles. A great place […]
El Mesón de Cervantes
El Mesón de Cervantes has been serving the city for a number of years now and continues to go from strength to strength, opening a third sell-out restaurant in the centre. Run by an Argentinian family, the menu is geared towards sharing and this is what we strongly recommend. In […]