Traditional
Get the full Malaga experience and blend in with the locals, the so-called ‘boquerones’, at these cafés, bars and restaurants.
Mercado El Carmen: food market
The Malaga food market El Carmen is known for its fresh fish and seafood. However it also has a wide selection of meat, artisan bread, local cheeses, spices and more. The market has been part of the El Perchel neighbourhood for more than 140 years. With its charming location next […]
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 […]
Pollos San Juan: chicken and chips
Since 1963, Pollos San Juan fills the street surrounding the Atarazanas market with the smell of roasted chicken. It is no surprise that the chicken menu, with a quarter, half or a whole chicken served with chips and a sauce, have been a number 1 bestseller since its opening in 1963. This […]
Mafalda
For a simple but delicious lunch in Pedregalejo, Mafalda is a good option. Located around half-way down the seafront, Mafalda has all outdoor seating with views of the sea, perfect for lapping up the rays on a sunny day. The restaurant is self-service, so you must go up to look […]
Bodega El Patio
Despite being located on the touristy Calle Granada, El Patio is a good option for simple Spanish food, especially paella. Paella, normally served only to large groups or at special times, is available all day, any day here and are of excellent quality – quite possibly the only city centre […]
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. […]
Fishy food: The taste of Malaga
Located right on the coast, Málaga has all the goodness of the sea to offer. From octopus and crab to sardines and mussels, you’ll get them straight off the boat and onto your plate. With the addition of some olive oil and salt (ingredients no Andalusian dish would go without), […]
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 […]
Las Merchanas
You can’t get much more Málaga 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 […]
La Peregrina Centro
“I want to mingle with the locals.” “I’d like a lunch for less than 10 euros.” “I want to eat some typically local food.” Look no further – La Peregrina fits your needs. This restaurant has three branches, one of them located in the centre of Málaga right off Plaza […]
Café Central
Coffee bar Café Central at the Plaza de la Constitución is one of those famous long established cafeterías. It has been around since 1930 and quickly gained fame, and in the 50s it was a place packed with talent when painters, writers and singers would meet up here to discuss everyday Spanish […]
El Pimpi
Ah, El Pimpi. You cannot get more Málaga than this unmistakable institution; a must-do for anyone in the city. This restaurant and bodega has a varied but carefully-considered selection of the best of Málaga’s dishes, and its terrace with a view on the Alcazaba is definitely a plus. In a […]
Casa Aranda
Established more than 75 years ago, this local café and churreria now has two branches in Málaga. Be it the local atmosphere, the great churros or the charismatic waiters, Casa Aranda sure is a well-loved place for many Malagueños. Go in the morning to wake up with a typical Spanish breakfast while the Boquerones discuss the latest […]