Malaga is a beautiful city in Andalusia to visit or base yourself from. There are a lot of incredible places to visit in Malaga both within the city centre and further afield. Attractions such as Malaga Cathedral and the Alcazaba are major highlights for tourists, and the city is quickly becoming known for its food scene too. There are endless places to eat in Malaga, with almost every other building boasting some sort of restaurant or bar. So how do you choose the best places to eat in Malaga?
Whether you’re interested in traditional Spanish cuisine in a vibrant setting or you want to dine at an international restaurant with unique dishes, Malaga is home to some of the best places to eat in Spain so you won’t be disappointed. This guide will take you on a food tour of the city of Malaga as a whole, so you’ll know the top places to eat in Malaga regardless of what part of the city you’re in.
Malaga Centro
Tasca Laska Bistrobar
One of the trendiest places to eat in Malaga is Tasca Laska Bistrobar. It’s located less than 10 minutes from the historic centre of Malaga and it sits very close to the main train station too. This restauant takes a unique and modern approach to traditional Spanish dishes, so you can find all of your favourites on the menu plus a few interesting options. If you’re in the mood for tapas, this is a fantastic restaurant that’s a very popular stop along the famous tapas route which many culinary enthusiasts follow.
But it’s not just Spanish dishes that are on the menu at Tasca Laska Bistrobar. They also boast some fabulous international options that are worth trying. You shouldn’t leave without ordering one of their wines either, which you can choose to match the food that you’ve chosen. This is one of the most unique places to eat in Malaga so don’t miss out.
Sentir Cafe
There are a lot of places to eat in the Soho area of Malaga, but if you’re looking for a cozy and affordable cafe I’d recommend trying Sentir Cafe. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, and they’re open throughout the day too. We visited very early for breakfast and tried a selection of their breakfast toasts which were all beautifully presented.
Sentir Cafe is very well known in the area for their coffee, so it’s also a great place to stop for a drink midday. Or, if you’re looking for a relaxed cocktail bar, in the evening Sentir Cafe is the place to be.
Spago’s
One of the most budget friendly places to eat in Malaga is Spago’s. It’s an incredibly small restaurant with only a few tables outside, so expect to queue if you arrive at a busy time of the day. Their menu is small but they have some of the best handmade pasta dishes in the city. The portions are quite generous for the price you pay, and there are vegetarian options available as well despite the menu’s size. This is one of my favourite places to eat in Malaga if I don’t have a lot of time to spend sitting in a full sized restaurant.
Pepa Revuelo Centro
If you’re looking for tapas in Malaga’s historic centre you’ll have plenty of options. Although a lot of restaurants offer similar menus, it’s a good idea to stay away from the very tourist-oriented restaurants even if they advertise low prices for food and drinks. Pepa Revuelo Centro is always a busy tapas bar in Malaga’s city centre and they have a menu that’s based around modern tapas dishes. You’ll find a good selection of traditional Spanish food here but there are also alternative dishes that are worth trying too.
Restaurante Haruki
One of the best places to eat in Malaga that’s slightly off the tourist route is Restaurante Haruki. This Japanese restaurant uses fresh ingredients and traditional methods in all of their dishes, and the result is some delicious sushi and modern Japanese plates. This is a very elegant restaurant in Malaga so it’s somewhere that you’d come to treat yourself. We tried a variety of dishes and thoroughly enjoyed them all.
Their menu is predominantly oriented around sushi and other similar Japanese dishes, but you’ll still find some tasty vegetarian options. The gyozas are a must-try for anyone and their vegetarian sushi platter is incredible. Make sure you add Restaurante Haruki to your list of unique places to eat in Malaga because you won’t want to miss out.
Pistacho & Azafran
Pistacho & Azafran is one of the best places to eat in Malaga for breakfast or a late lunch. It’s a popular spot to stop in the afternoon for a coffee since they’re known for their special brews too. The cafe offers a nice selection of artisanal pastries, some of which are vegan and gluten-free, so it’s a nice place to come for a quick snack.
We visited for breakfast and loved everything we ordered. If you’re feeling hungry, one of their egg dishes is a great option. On the sweeter side of things they have a delicious selection of freshly made crepes that are certainly worth ordering. Whatever you have at Pistacho & Azafran is sure to make you feel very content.
La Tia Juana
Mexican restaurants in Malaga don’t come more fun than La Tia Juana. Their aim is for customers to have a full gastronomic experience that transports them right to the heart of Mexico. They do this through not only the menu but also through the vibrant decor and music. They even have a wheel near the door that you can spin to win prizes for your next visit.
The menu at La Tia Juana is big, with a fantastic selection of tacos available. I’d recommend ordering a few dishes to share because you’ll definitely want to try everything! Make sure you leave some room for dessert, and don’t forget to try one of their special cocktails either so you get the full Mexican experience.
Fundido
If you’re looking for a late night meal in Malaga Centro, you have to stop at Fundido. This unique modern restaurant in Malaga is open until 5am, which is great for people who are out late enjoying the city centre. Their menu is based around huge camperos, which are popular sandwiches that come from Malaga. They have traditional flavours of camperos as well as modern gourmet versions such as the crispy chicken campero.
Sandwiches not your thing? Don’t worry, Fundido also has a fantastic selection of smash burgers which are all served on locally made buns. To start things off, I’d recommend ordering a couple of their starters to share such as the tequeños or the rib croquettes. All of their food is freshly prepared and they use high-quality ingredients too. Fundido is one of the best places to eat in Malaga for a quick and tasty meal.
Other places to eat in Malaga Centro
- FOMO Bar
- Lucciano’s
- El Gastronauta
- The Cereal Boom Coffee
- Copa Açai
- Buga Ramen
- GOAT
- Mala Leche
- El Ombu Empanadas
Near Malaga Centro
Sueño Pasteleria Francesa
If you’re on the hunt for the best pastries in Malaga, look no further than Sueño Pasteleria Francesa. This French patisserie is located in Nueva Malaga, so it’s only a short distance from the historic centre. All of their pastries are 100% handmade and they use only high-quality ingredients to create their tasty treats.
It’s extremely difficult to choose just one pastry to try, so don’t feel bad if you end up taking a box away with you. They offer a big selection of French pastries that are all made on-site, and the sizes are very generous for the prices. The fruit tarts are among the best I’ve ever tried, and you can’t go wrong with one of their soft and chewy cronuts (croissant-doughnut hybrid) either. You won’t find another pastry shop like Sueño Pasteleria Francesa in Malaga!
Taberna La Monarca
A short drive from Malaga centro will bring you to Taberna La Monarca. This restaurant is a unique place to eat if you enjoy gastronomic experiences, with a menu based around freshly created dishes using local produce. This is a very popular place to eat for locals, so you won’t find too many foreign tourists here which is what makes it a hidden gem still.
On the menu you’ll find a good selection of Spanish dishes with a twist. They’re very well known for their meat dishes so they highly recommend trying at least one of those out. The restaurant is very relaxed, so it’s the perfect place to eat in Malaga for a laid back dining experience.
Huelin
Ryma’s Gastrobar
Huelin is a vibrant neighbourhood near the centre of Malaga, and it’s home to some incredible restaurants. Ryma’s Gastrobar is one of the most unique places to eat in Malaga, with a menu that’s unlike any you’ve seen before. They pride themselves on creating the best gastronomic experience in the area by using high-quality produce and strong flavours in all of their dishes.
They’re open throughout the day so you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and everything in between at Ryma’s Gastrobar. Their rice dishes are extremely popular with customers, especially the rice with lobster which is a highlight on their menu. Other than seafood dishes though, they have a great variety of modern Spanish food that’s all presented beautifully. I’d recommend trying their version of patatas bravas which seemed to be on everyone’s tables when we visited for lunch.
Bo! Focacceria
If you like artisan sandwiches, then you’re going to love the menu at Bo! Focacceria in Huelin. This locally run sandwich shop uses freshly made focaccia for all of their sandwiches and toasts. You can choose between traditional and whole grain focaccia, and they have plenty of fillings available, including some meat-free choices that are very tasty and worth trying.
I’d recommend pairing your sandwich with a delicious smoothie that’s made to order, and finishing your lunch off with a slice of their homemade tiramisu. Bo! Focacceria is a nice spot to come in the afternoon to escape the hustle of the city centre.
Teatinos
Rixtor Burgers
For those of you who enjoy trying unique burger concepts, head over to Rixtor Burgers in Teatinos. This gourmet burger restaurant is very well known for their burger and pizza combination where the burger is wrapped in pizza dough rather than served on a traditional bun. The dough locks in the moisture and flavour of the burger, so every bite is juicy and tasty. If you’re not in the mood for beef burgers, you can substitute the patty for another one such as chicken or vegetarian too. Their starters are a great option for sharing as well, so make sure you look at those before ordering.
The Golden Stack
While there are many dessert spots in Malaga, nothing beats The Golden Stack when it comes to pancakes. They have an entire menu based around waffles and pancakes that are topped with every type of sauce you can imagine. All of their batter is freshly made to order, so everything is light and fluffy. There are plenty of delicious savoury options that are great for breakfast, but if you have a sweet tooth you’ll want to order one of their chocolatey pancakes instead.
All of the pancakes at The Golden Stack are available in two stack sizes to suit your hunger level. If you get the full stack it’s fairly large so I’d recommend sharing it. They often have a limited edition stack available too so remember to take a look at that before you make a decision.
Churriana
Tapas & Te La Hiedra
If you’re planning on driving from Malaga to Torremolinos, I’d recommend stopping by La Hiedra in Churriana for lunch. This locally run tapas bar and restaurant is very popular with the locals due to its diverse menu that’s built up around fresh ingredients. One of their most popular dishes is the black noodle pil-pil which is a must-try for anyone who likes seafood. They also have a good selection of vegetarian dishes so they’re able to cater to all types of dietary requirements. It’s definitely worth driving to and is one of the most unique places to eat in Malaga.
Along the coast
La + Fria El Palo
Since Malaga is situated along the coast, you’ll find plenty of seafood restaurants both in the city centre and further afield. One of the top beach destinations near Malaga centro is El Palo, which is very easy to access by public transportation. This area is where you’ll find numerous seafood restaurants and bars lined up along the promenade, including one of the best places to eat in Malaga for seafood: La + Fria El Palo.
This restaurant specializes in tapas and montaditos, but they also have a delicious variety of freshly prepared paella dishes that are perfect for sharing. The menu at La + Fria El Palo fuses Spanish cuisine with local produce, so everything that’s brought to the table is very fresh. You’ll find plenty of affordable offers here too, including skewered fish. I’d recommend arriving near sunset so you can enjoy the beach view on the outdoor terrace in a comfortable temperature.
Restaurante Beach Club Oasis
A popular part of Malaga to visit that’s only a short drive from Malaga centro is Rincon de la Victoria. This coastal area is known for its beaches and restaurants, so it’s a nice place to come in the summer. In the off season you’ll find it much quieter, but many of the restaurants are still open.
We spent a day relaxing at one of the beach clubs, and we went for lunch at Restaurante Beach Club Oasis. This chiringuito in Malaga is very reasonably priced and all of their seafood is prepared fresh to order. They do have a few non-seafood options available, but their fish dishes are the most popular. It’s a great place to come if you want to spend the day at the beach so you don’t need to wander far from your sun beds.
Gelateria Flambe
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you have to visit Gelateria Flambe in Rincon de la Victoria. They have a lot of homemade ice creams and desserts available, but you absolutely need to order one of their volcano desserts. They currently have two available: chocolate and pistachio.
These desserts have a homemade mini panettone as their base and they’re stuffed with ice cream. The bowl is covered in toppings and when it’s brought to your table they’ll release a massive “sauce bomb” on top of everything. It’s quite the experience and the portion is definitely enough to share if you’re not feeling too hungry. Gelateria Flambe may have one of the best desserts in Malaga!
The food scene in Malaga
Malaga may not be too well known for its food scene in Spain, but that’s rapidly changing. At one time the city was filled with traditional tapas bars and Spanish restaurants, but there are more and more modern fusion restaurants and international restaurants appearing all the time that appeal to a wider audience. It’d be hard to find another city with more eateries per square metre than Malaga, so make sure you do a bit of research before you visit in order to avoid the big tourist traps. It’d be a shame if you missed out on all of the unique places to eat in Malaga that are locally run.
Are you planning a Malaga trip soon? If you have any questions about places to eat in Malaga or you know of any other places to add to this Malaga food guide, please feel free to get in touch via email. You can also reach out and follow my travels on Instagram where I’m always sharing new travel tips.
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