Traditional
Get the full Malaga experience and blend in with the locals, the so-called ‘boquerones’, at these cafés, bars and restaurants.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Casa Aranda
Casa Aranda is one of Malaga’s ‘churrerías’ par excellence. (Frespañol anyone?!) Established almost 90 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 it is still very […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Casa Mira
Casa Mira is big, and for a good reason! On a hot day, and often into the early hours of the morning, this place 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 […]
Heladería Cremades
For those craving something sweet after a walk by the sea in Pedregalejo, Heladería Cremades will have you covered. Boasting more than 25 different ice cream flavours to choose from across their two seafront establishments, as well as sundaes, iced juices and other desserts, Cremades has been in business since […]
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. […]
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 […]