Tapas
You’ll have no difficulty finding good tapas in Malaga. Practically everywhere offers these tasty little dishes.
Enjoy a quick nibble while you explore the city, or a little something to tide you over until dinnertime
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 name suggests, it’s all about sharing tapas in this much smaller, more informal bar. Enjoy traditional Spanish food with an […]
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 homeware store with products all sourced from in and around Malaga province. Even though it’s tucked away in a small […]
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 just popping in for a quick bite – you’re in it for the long haul here, especially as most dishes […]
Noviembre Healthy Food
At Noviembre Healthy Food, the name says it all, right? Located on the bustling Calle Álamos, close to Plaza de la Merced, Noviembre is a charming restaurant with interior design inspired by the hippy havens of Bali, Ibiza and Tarifa. Its cafe-style menu is full of dishes made from fresh, healthy and natural ingredients, with no artificial colourings or flavourings, and plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians and celiacs. Open throughout the day, here you can find an uplifting breakfast, […]
Fiel de Fechos
This place is a feast both for the stomach and the eyes. Fiel de Fechos, tucked away in a small side street between the Cathedral and the bustling Calle Granada, can only be described in one way: spectacular. Roses on the ceiling invite you in, then bright lights and zany 70s patterns lead you to one of the ornate bar stools or tables. Should you need the toilet, first you must pass through the devil’s mouth. Wherever you look, there’s […]
Sabor a Nápoles
Fancy a light bite? An after-work Aperol spritz? Or a full sit-down dinner? Whatever you fancy, Sabor a Nápoles is a worthwhile stop. This unassuming tiny eatery now has two locations, one close to Malagueta beach and another on Calle Victoria. With just a few inside tables, if you’re lucky enough to get one, soak up the Napolitan vibes and take your time to process the extensive menu or look at the open deli-style fridges to see what takes your […]
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 of excellent local produce, especially fresh fish. If you’re peckish, be sure to stop at any of the excellent tapas […]
La Despensa de Iñaki
La Despensa de Iñaki is the younger cousin of the legendary Asador Iñaki. This gourmet deli now occupies the premises of the former restaurant which at the time was a sort of improvised street-side dining room. Now, having gained enormous popularity, Asador Iñaki has moved to the parallel Calle Ayala to a larger spot much more fitting of its status. Its old location, on Calle Heroes de Sostoa, has now been converted into La Despensa, a delicatessen selling charcuterie, cheeses, […]
El Carmen Bar
El Carmen, located on the iconic Plaza de la Merced, is an LGBT+ friendly bar that is open throughout the day. Enjoy a tapa and a beer on the outdoor terrace in the sunshine, or equally a lively and colourful show over food in the evening. One of the most popular events organised at El Carmen is the Drag Bingo which draws big crowds every week. There are also various shows held on weekends, details of which can be found […]
La Madriguera Bar
La Madriguera Bar is a beer lover’s heaven. This colourful brewpub on the busy Calle Carretería has a broad selection of artisanal beers from breweries from across Europe and around the world. Having trouble deciding? The barmen are thoroughly knowledgable – it’s their passion, after all. Ask them for their advice. With dozens and dozens of draught and bottled beers, you’re bound to find one for you. If you fancy a bite, La Madriguera offers a broad menu of tapas […]
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 a barrel in the small bar area, adorned with album covers from some of the most famous Spanish singers of […]
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 for El Mesón just across the road. Rather than a tapas menu, like at El Tapeo, here you can enjoy […]
La Fábrica – Craft Brewery by Cruzcampo
If you’re a fan of beer, and especially craft beer, La Fábrica is a must for any trip to Malaga. With capacity for up to 450 people, this craft microbrewery, in the heart of the fashionable Soho district (just off the main Alameda), is vast (1,200 m2 divided into different areas and spaces). Run by the international manufacturer Cruzcampo, it has two master brewers in situ, producing seven varieties of craft beers. La Fábrica’s tap room (plus outdoor terrace) is […]
Café con Libros
This lovely little bar is exactly what it says on the tin: café con libros. (Or ‘cafe with books’… but we didn’t need to tell you that, right? 😉 ) Complete with a living room vibe and a library, this is a cozy little spot for when the temperature starts to drop. Go inside and immerse yourself in what they describe as a ‘Bohemian atmosphere’ and enjoy a cup of joe, tea or hot chocolate with a piece of cake. […]
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 a wide variety of grilled fish, rice dishes (including paella) and, of course, the famous sardine skewers, grilled on an […]
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 or sandwich, or arrive later for a mid-afternoon tapa and beer. Also available are nachos, salads… a broad menu to suit all needs.
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 there is plenty of atmosphere. Prices are reasonable too: luckily the waiters will stop you before your table is full […]
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 remain high despite it becoming something of a tourist hotspot these days. Its grandiose appearance, with decades-old bullfighting posters, internal patios, exposed wooden beams and stone archways, might make it […]
Café de l’Abuela
Just finished visiting the Cathedral? Or perhaps the Picasso Museum? Rest your feet and take a break at Café de l’Abuela, a cosy and inviting café located on the picturesque Calle San Agustín. With outdoor seating and a lovely views, this little café is popular with many city trippers looking recharge. The menu offers an elaborate choice of sandwiches, salads and tapas (including some vegetarian options), plus some delicious cakes best enjoyed with a coffee or tea.
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 products, from fresh fish and meat to exotic fruit and local charcuterie and cheese. Walking into the market can be […]
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 through the long, beer-hall style tables, the sofas or seating at the bar. The menu consists primarily of Spanish dishes given a new and refreshing twist. For breakfast there are […]
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 of Spanish tapas, such as croquetas, ensalada rusa or tortilla – all starting from around two euros. If you’re a […]
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, Recyclo Bike Café 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 is fantastic on those summer evenings for a casual drink with friends but equally its air-conditioned and quirky interior is popular during the daytime, either as a spot […]
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 crispy Lebanese bread, whether part of the range of salads, or as an accompaniment to hummus or baba ganoush. Starters are difficult to pass up and we especially recommend the […]
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 church’s tower. The public can access this terrace via the elevator in the hotel reception but be aware that during busy times, the wait for the lift can be quite […]
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. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are also available. The rustic décor and laid-back attitude of the staff make this the perfect place to come with friends to relax. However, be warned, […]
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 to meet up with friends for a pre-night-out drink and nibble but you might have to wait a while for a table, especially on big student nights! Calle José Denis […]