Since our team all live locally, we’re often asked for recommended restaurants in Malaga. That’s why we’ve created this guide to share some of our favourite places to eat and drink. Fun fact: one of Malaga’s most legendary delicacies is boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), and because of that, people from Malaga are affectionately called “boquerones” too! Below, you’ll find our favourite restaurants, tapas places and bars—and even some hidden gems where locals love to eat.
TOP 5 recommended restaurants in Malaga
From gourmet innovation to comforting regional cuisine, here’s our list of TOP 5 recommended restaurants in Malaga:
1. Araboka Restaurante
For true foodies, located in Malaga’s historic centre, Araboka is a must-visit. It fuses Spanish heritage food with creative culinary techniques, a stylish ambience and truly exceptional service. They offer a tantalising menu with dishes like octopus carpaccio and strawberry gazpacho, and their impressive wine selection has even inspired the founding of a Gastronomic Society.
Website: www.arabokarestaurante.com
2. Chiringuito Los Espigones
If seafood is your thing, you must head to Chiringuito Los Espigones in Pedregalejo, a seaside neighbourhood east of Malaga centre. This restaurant blends a traditional Andalusian chiringuito (seaside restaurant) with fine dining. They’re famous for their espeto de sardinas, or charcoal grilled sardines, hailed as “perfectly salted” by Spanish food critics.
Website: www.chiringuitolosespigones.com
3. La Cosmo
Are you looking for somewhere relaxed and casual, yet with an excellent kitchen? Restaurante La Cosmo is recognized in the Michelin Guide and offers an artful menu, with popular options such as barbecued duck breast and spicy tuna tartare. Found just steps away from Malaga Cathedral, it’s the ideal central hangout for lovers of good food.
Website: www.lacosmo.es
4. La Deriva
Situated in the trendy Soho district of Malaga, La Deriva is a chic gastro-restaurant highly regarded for its prize-winning chefs. Everything is crafted with a focus on quality and creativity, like their oysters in cava sauce and their piña colada rice pudding. Whether you indulge in a full meal or just share a few bites with friends, La Deriva is a leading choice on Malaga’s dining scene.
Website: www.laderiva.es
5. Mesón de Santiago Sedeño
Hoping to sample authentic recipes from Malaga? Mesón de Santiago Sedeño was established in 1990, and ever since then, it has delivered a warm and rustic ambience, along with comforting home-style meals in the centre of Malaga. Their claim to fame is secreto ibérico; flavourful and tender pork carefully grilled to bring out its rich taste.
Website: www.mesonsantiagosedeno.es
Where to stay near the best restaurants in Malaga
Best tapas in Malaga
If you’re searching for the best tapas in Malaga, these spots are not just considered unmissable, but will definitely impress even the most demanding tapas lovers:
1. El Pimpi
Founded in 1971, El Pimpi is virtually an institution in Malaga, which you must visit when in town. This iconic bodega offers a true Andalusian atmosphere right in the city centre. It’s beautifully adorned with wooden wine barrels, and the walls are crammed with photos of famous visitors, including world leaders and film stars. Their Iberian ham and cheese platters are well-known, and best accompanied by wine poured straight from the barrel.
Website: www.elpimpi.com
2. El Tapeo de Cervantes
A stone’s throw away from Malaga’s emblematic Cervantes Theatre, this excellent little tapas bar serves a wide variety of meat, fish and vegetarian tapas with a gourmet twist, from stuffed red peppers to succulent entrecote, and from chilli-garlic prawns to fried eggplant with honey. The portions are generous and the flavours are bold, making this a sure-fire choice any time.
Website: www.eltapeodecervantes.com
3. Atarazanas Market
Mercado Atarazanas, housed in a renovated 19th-century building, offers a lively setting and some of the best tapas bars in Malaga. Don’t miss the fried fish and tapas-sized servings of paella, both specialities of the region. Pair those with a draft beer or a refreshing tinto de verano, and soak in the authentic vibe.
Website: www.mercadomalaga.es
Best bars in Malaga
Looking to unwind with a drink? Here are the best bars in Malaga, including some traditional, trendy and lively venues for every taste:
1. Antigua Casa de Guardia
This wine tavern, established in 1840, will transport you to the city’s past when wines were served straight from the wooden barrels lining the walls. Whether you’re sipping on their speciality Malaga sweet wine or a Jerez sherry, this place is unbeatable for its charm and heritage.
Website: www.antiguacasadeguardia.com
2. Malaga’s Sky Bars
Malaga is renowned for its rooftop bars that offer stunning views of the city. Start your evening out with a signature gin and tonic at La Terraza Bar atop the Alcazaba Premium Hotel, with a breathtaking panorama of the Alcazaba fortress. In the centre, Lolita Skyview Bar is a stylish city location for sipping cocktails and watching the Malaga sunset.
Your final stop is perched on the seventh floor of Malaga’s only five-star luxury hotel, Gran Hotel Miramar. The sumptuous Media Luna Chill Out Bar offers unparalleled views of La Malagueta Beach and the bullring, with live music on the weekends. A dress code applies, so get glammed up before you go.
3. ZZ Pub
A prominent haunt for Malaga’s live music scene since 1991, ZZ Pub is on the northern edge of the old city centre. It has a high-energy mood and the lineup of bands is eclectic, with rock, soul, blues and indie performances every week. They’re so established that they even sell their own merch—so you can literally say you’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt!
Website: www.zzpub.es
4. Special mention: La Tetería
Although not strictly speaking a bar, La Tetería is a vital part of Malaga’s cultural fabric. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary, this beloved tea house offers a one-of-a-kind, peaceful retreat where you can sip on teas from around the world in an exotic and cosy interior.
Website: www.la-teteria.com
Find a holiday home in Malaga close to top restaurants
Where do locals eat in Malaga?
You might also be wondering, where do locals eat in Malaga? Below, you’ll find some top “native” recommendations:
1. El Botijo
Off the beaten tourist track in Malaga’s Santa Paula neighbourhood, El Botijo is a step above the casual dining scene, favoured for business dinners and family celebrations. True to its roots, it’s been described as “the last line of defence for authentic Spanish cooking” and offers classic dishes like roast lamb, Iberian pork and stuffed mushrooms. Be sure to book at +34 952 24 67 84 if you want to get a table.
Instagram: @elbotijomalaga
2. Mercado del Carmen
The terrace cafeteria at Mercado del Carmen in El Perchel neighbourhood is the local connoisseurs’ choice for seafood. It fills up to the brim, so either turn up early before the Spanish 2-3pm lunchtime rush or book a table at +34 666 10 32 37. Their standout menu items include tuna steaks, garlicky clams and fried calamari, all caught fresh.
Website: www.mercadomalaga.es
3. “Menú del Día” in Malaga
Did you know that in Malaga, you can enjoy a delicious three-course meal for under €15 at many fantastic establishments? The concept is known as menú del día or “menu of the day”. It’s typically available at lunchtime and includes a starter, main course and dessert. The menu varies daily, featuring seasonal ingredients.
Let’s take a look at three popular picks. First, Cafetería Framil, on Calle Cisneros in the centre, has been a staple for affordable menu of the day meals since 1987, with paella every Tuesday. Second on the list is Bar la Rambla in the Soho district. On its spacious terrace, it offers a daily menu with dishes such as chicken skewers and prawns pil pil. Finally, a little further out but easy to reach by metro is Bar Martín in Teatinos. They offer six first and second course choices, with popular seasonal choices like gazpacho, salads or stews.
Buen provecho!
We hope our guide to recommended restaurants in Malaga inspires you to discover the best food Malaga has to offer. Whether you end up sampling tapas or enjoying cocktails at a rooftop bar, we can say, hand on heart, that Malaga’s food scene is one of the best in the world. So explore our guide to make your next culinary visit to the city truly unforgettable.er
