With an almost incomprehensible number of restaurants for a city of its size, eating out in Malaga is rewarding. From the venues along the revamped Muelle Uno harbour to the informal seafood chiringuitos (beach restaurants/bars), which line the seafronts of El Palo and Pedregalejo, choice and quality are not hard to come by. Traditional tapas haunts and modern gastro-bars can all be found in the centre too.
The Malaga restaurants below have been hand-picked by our guide author and are grouped into three different price categories:
Expensive (over €50)
Moderate (€30 to €50)
Cheap (up to €30)
These prices are for a three-course meal for two or its tapas equivalent, with a standard bottle of wine. IVA (tax) is usually included on bills. Tipping around 10% is expected at upscale restaurants, but optional (although appreciated) at informal spots and tapas bars.
Expensive
José Carlos García
Cuisine: Contemporary MediterraneanSet in a sleek glass-and-steel building overlooking the sailing boats and yachts of the Port of Malaga, this small and stylish restaurant has earned a Michelin star for its inventive, beautifully presented cuisine. Inside are two dining rooms and a glass cube showcasing the chefs at work, and outside there's a relaxed dining terrace.
Address: , Pza. de la Capilla, Puerto de Málaga, Malaga,Telephone: +34 952 003 588.
Website: http://www.restaurantejcg.com
Restaurant Amador
Cuisine: Spanish, InternationalIt’s worth heading out of town for the views, food and service at this renowned restaurant. Headed up by chef Amador Fernandez, a member of Andalucia’s fine-dining ‘Gastroarte’ movement, food varies from unusual tapas like oxtail croquettes and traditional Malagan almond and garlic gazpacho-style soup to wild grouper and slow-cooked steak. There’s an impressive wine list to match.
Address: Bandaneira 6, Urbanización: El Atabal, Malaga, 29190Telephone: +34 952 432 862.
Website: http://www.villaguadalupe.com/english
Vino Mio
Cuisine: Spanish, InternationalIf you’re looking for a flamenco restaurant, Vino Mio is Malaga’s best bet. This modern eatery, situated near the Cervantes Theatre, has a very reasonable tapas menu but its more inventive dishes, such as black tagliatelle with king prawns and kangaroo fillet steak, are reserved for the a la carte menu. In the warmer months, try and get a table on the terrace. There’s a nominal charge for the flamenco show.
Address: Centre, Plaza Jeronimo Cuervo 2, Malaga, 29012Telephone: +34 952 609 093.
Website: http://www.restaurantevinomio.com/en
Moderate
El Meson de Cervantes
Cuisine: SpanishDeservedly popular, El Meson de Cervantes combines a cosy tapas bar atmosphere with a restaurant setting. Dishes to look out for include Iberico pork with pumpkin and pineapple relish, red tuna with cauliflower puree and homemade vegetarian quiche. Private dining areas can also be booked. The restaurant is around the corner from sister tapas bar, El Tapeo de Cervantes, which is equally recommended.
Address: Centre, Calle Álamos, 11, Malaga, 29012Telephone: +34 952 216 274.
Website: http://www.elmesondecervantes.com
Taberna La Antigua Malaga
Cuisine: SeafoodSituated in Soho, a recently revived neighbourhood between the main Alameda Principal and the port, this taverna-style restaurant takes its inspiration from the ancient seafaring heritage of Malaga. A huge sea-themed fresco adorns one wall and fresh seafood and fish is always guaranteed with grilled turbot and prawns among the best dishes. There’s outdoor seating on the street and it’s popular with locals too.
Address: Soho, Calle Trinidad Grund 12, Malaga, 29001Telephone: +34 654 732 143.
Wendy Gamba
Cuisine: SeafoodOwned by renowned chef Dani Garcia, who also set up trendy tapas and wine bar KGB Malaga across the street, Wendy Gambas is reminiscent of a traditional seafood tapas bar with simple bar-stool seating and tiled surroundings. Food is delicious with an emphasis on prawns such as langoustine churros with alioli and prawn croquettes. There's a good selection of wine, beer and vermouth on tap too.
Address: Centre, Calle Fresca 10, Malaga, 29015Telephone: +34 952 223 024.
Cheap
La Campana
Cuisine: SeafoodIf you're looking for some tasty fresh fish, or just want some seafood nibbles, feast at this buzzing marisquería (seafood) restaurant in the historic centre alongside the local office workers. There are plenty of good wines on offer too, including local sweet varieties. La Campana is also a good spot for catching sports events on the TV screens and its streetside setting lends itself perfectly for a spot of people-watching.
Address: Centre, Calle Granada 35, Malaga, 29015Telephone: +34 95 221 9202.
La Chancla
Cuisine: InternationalThis bar-restaurant is part of Hotel La Chancla on the beachfront of Pedregalejo, one of Malaga's seaside neighbourhoods, just a short bus or pleasant cycle ride away from the centre. On a beachfront lined with bars, restaurants and informal chiringuitos (beach restaurants/bars), La Chancla stands out for its particularly impressive salads, burgers and cocktails, and the beach views ensure you linger beyond lunch too.
Address: Pedregalejo, Paseo Maritimo Pedregal, 64, Malaga, 29017Telephone: +34 952 206 900.
Website: http://www.lachanclahotel.com
Las Merchanas
Cuisine: TapasThis quirky tapas restaurant is themed around Santa Semana, or Holy Week, with religious iconography, posters and framed photographs adorning the walls. It's popular with locals, too, who cram into the back room or small rooms upstairs, and there's also pavement seating. Specialties include the house croquetas and peri-peri prawns.
Address: , Calle Mosquera 5, Malaga, 29008Telephone: +34 654 744 257.
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