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Best Restaurants in Málaga
- RESTAURANTS
- MÁLAGA
Recommended restaurants in Málaga in 2023
Our team of local experts have hand-picked the best restaurants in Málaga. You will find the best restaurants and places to eat in Málaga Spain, suitable for all different budgets. Enjoy local gastronomy!
Best restaurants in Málaga Guide
Our Top 3 Restaurants in Málaga’s Old Quarter
Cávea – Excellent Modern Andalusian Eatery in the Heart of Málaga
Chef Alberto Molina heads a team of young cooks that what to offer an updated and creative version of traditional Andalusian cooking.
Located in the heart of Málaga, this restaurant is modern, sleek and innovative.
The food is enthusiastic and delicious, successfully modernizing traditional southern Spanish cuisine.
Old Quater
9.2/10
Bar Ispaña – Great Tapas Bar in the Heart of Málaga
This excellent bar is located in the center of Málaga.
The restaurant specializes in traditional Spanish and Andalusian tapas.
Its a place to go with friends, relax, have a glass of wine and enjoy some nice tapas and rations.
The food is good and the price is more than reasonable.
Old Quater
8.3/10
Asador Ovidio – Great Traditional Style Steakhouse in the Heart of Málaga
Asador Ovidio is located right in the Heart of Málaga’s old quarter. Ovidio feels almost like an overgrown tavern.
The dining hall is large and lined with bottles of wine. The food is simple and very tasty.
Ovidio specializes in meat, more specifically steak.
The restaurant is usually bustling and the ambiance is clearly laid back and informal.
A great option if you are in the center of town and you want to enjoy a nice steak.
Old Quater
8.1/10
Best Restaurants in Málaga
El Rengue- Excellent Traditional Andalusian Restaurant in the Center of Málaga
The restaurant is located just outside the city center, but if you venture out that way, this is a great place to enjoy a meal.
The menú is very traditional as is the restaurant itself. The recipes are simple and straight-forward but the result is outstanding.
9.6/10
Las Golondrinas – Charming and Romantic Eatery in the Heart of Málaga
Undoubtedly one of the top restaurants in Málaga.
Located slightly north of the city center, this restaurant is an inviting and cozy little eatery that serves the best versions of an array of classic Spanish dishes.
Every table at the restaurant feels secluded and every dish tastes like it was made with care for you.
If you can, the best best way to enjoy a meal is at night, in their indoor patio, surrounded by fragrant jasmine flowers. Truly a great experience.
9/10
Amador – Hotel Villa Guadalupe
Located within the beautiful Hotel Villa Guadalupe, we find Amador, an elegant and sofisticated traditional spanish restaurant. The kitchen staff is highly qualified and they have put all of their talent and effort into creating a menu filled with modernized andalusian classics. They pride themselves in using only the freshest seasonal ingredients to create their dishes. They also have a very complete wine cellar were you will find the perfect wine to accompany your meal. The hotel is located outside the city witch provides the restaurant with some amazing views of the city.
9.2/10
El Vergel Meson-Braserie – Wonderful Traditional Spanish Tavern in Málaga
If you don’t know that Vergel is there you might miss it. On the outside it looks like any other Spanish tavern, and many ways it is.
However, Vergel offers some of the best food you will find in the center of Málaga, and easily the best value.
They serve simple, traditional Andalusian dishes made to perfection with excellent ingredients and care.
9.3/10
Verum – Tapas Bar & Restaurant – El Asador de Málaga – Excellent Castilian style restaurant just outside of Málaga
Verum is a Castilian style asador (similar to a steak house), located just outside of downtown Málaga. They feature an authentic Castilian wood oven.
The oven is fed exclusively with oak, giving the meats and other dishes that go through a unique flavor.
The specialties are lamb and roast pig, but everything on the menu is top-notch, in fact, he boasts several awards for their “ensaladilla rusa” (Russian salad). Definitely worth the ride.
9.4/10
Location of Verum
This restaurant is 10 minutes (by car) from downtown Málaga. You have to drive down the coast, eastbound and you will find Verum in the Parque Morlaco neighborhood of Málaga, a more residential area. As a point of reference, if you are traveling from the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro, it will take you 10 minutes by car to get there.
Menu of Verum
This restaurant was born with the mission of recovering the traditional flavors of Spanish cuisine that have been forgotten or lost over the centuries. The way they try to achieve this I through their traditional ovens, the quality of their meats, the freshness of their Almadraba tuna, the quality of their produce, and with their top-notch wines.
The stand-out feature of Verum is their traditional Castillian oven powered exclusively by oak wood. This very special oven is responsible for creating the restaurant’s best dishes such as the Aranda-style suckling lamb from Castilla, the Segovian suckling pig, or any of its grilled meats. As if that were not enough, it is the perfect place to have tapas with a good bottle of wine or homemade vermouth.
Value for money – Verum
Verum is on the more expensive side of the spectrum. However, it is one of the top restaurants in all of Málaga, and the setting is as charming and as traditional as it gets. Keep in mind that they specialize in Castillian cuisine, but if you try this type of cooking, do not hesitate.
Veroda – Delicious and affordable meal just outside of Málaga
A bit down the road towards Torremolinos we find Veroda, which offers some really tasty food at a very good price. Veroda something of a local favorite.
The food is abundant and very fairly priced for the quality. It´s not the most typical Spanish eatery you will find (the menu includes burgers and quesadillas), but patrons rarely leave disappointed.
9.2/10
El Merendero de Antonio Martín
Down on the Malagueta, Málagas port, we find el Merendero de Antonio Martín which offers one of the most complete and authentic dining experiences you will find: ocean views, authentic Andalusian classics on the menu, excellent tapas, they even have a terrace on which to enjoy your meal.
Everything on the menu is worth a taste, but the “must’s” are the rice dishes and the wild-caught fish.
9.2/10
Aragon y Capel – Excellent traditional Andalusian tapas joint in the heart of Málaga
This restaurant, located in the center of Málaga, is the definition of a crowd-pleaser.
Abundant, inexpensive yet remarkably tasty food is what Aragón y Capel is all about. It is far from a fine dining experience but it more than makes up for it with its offering.
You will find an assortment of homemade Spanish classics, meant to be shared and enjoyed with friends and family.
9.1/10
Lígula – Charming and delicious tapas joint in the center of Málaga
Lígula offers incredibly high-quality food at a very reasonable price.
You will find creative Mediterranean-style dishes that are definitely worth a taste.
The biggest drawback is the location, which is slightly outside of the city center.
9.2/10
Location of Lígula
Lígula’s location is its biggest drawback. The restaurant is located just outside of Málaga’s downtown area. It is 13 minutes by car westbound from the famous Picasso Museum of Málaga. The restaurant is very close to the Bahía Málaga shopping center and the Málaga soccer federation.
Menu of Lígula
Chef José Muñoz offers excellent, traditional Andalusian home cooking made with the highest quality locally sourced seasonal ingredients. The menú includes everything from Mlagueño style gazpacho to oxtail croquettes to cod confit.
The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, filled with local varieties.
Value for money – Lígula
As long as you are willing to go a bit out of your way, Lígula is one of the best “value” options in Málaga.
ALMIJARA CASUAL BAR – Excellent Mediterranean cuisine down on Málaga’s port
Down by Málagas port you will find one of the cities best dining experiences: ALMIJARA CASUAL BAR.
They serve beautifully crafted creative Mediterranean dishes.
The restaurant itself is unassuming and laid back.
9.2/10
MATIZ- Superb fine dinning experience in the center of Málaga
Chef Daniel García is at the helm of Matiz, an elegant and sophisticated restaurant in the center of Málaga ideal for a Mediterranean fine-dining experience.
The restaurant is dimly lit and beautifully decorated, ideal for a quiet romantic dinner.
Chef Daniel offers creative versions of typical Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, as well as several re-imagined typical “Malagueño” dishes that will pleasantly surprise you.
9.1/10
Recoveco – Top-notch home made Andalusian cuisine in the center of Málaga near the Picasso Museum
Recoveco is a typical Spanish/ Andalusian style eatery with an updated look and feels, in the center of Málaga.
Recoveco is just a few meters away from the Picasso museum in Málaga.
It’s a Bistrot style restaurant where you will find excellent homemade Spanish and Andalusian classics that stand out, in part, due to the quality and freshness of ingredients.
A wonderful choice if you are hungry after visiting the museum.
9.1/10
Marisquería Jacinto – Excellent seafood in the heart of Málaga
Located in the center of Málaga, Marisquería Jacinto can’t get much more authentic or delicious than it is.
Marisquería Jacinto specializes in seafood, straight from the Mediterranean.
They serve simple and straight forward recipes that allow the excellent ingredients shine on their own.
They pride themselves in offering the freshest shellfish and fish you cand find in Málaga
9.1/10
Los Marangós – Excellent, authentic Málagueño cuisine
Los Marangós is a typical, southern Spanish eatery in the heart of Málaga.
If you know anything about southern Spanish cuisine, there will be no surprises as far as the options on the menu.
Los Marangós serves up the best versions of all the homemade Andalusian classics.
The restaurant itself is equally as typically Andalusian.
If you are in the vicinity and in the mood for this style of cooking, this is a great option.
9/10
Location of Los Marangós
Los Marangós is located in the heart of Malaga’s old town. It is within walking distance of all of the cities main attractions: the beautiful Iglesia Capitular de El Sagrario, the famous Picasso museum, the imposing Alcazaba, the cities cathedral, etc.
Los Marangós is the perfect spot if you are looking for an authentic Andalusian meal without leaving Málagas old quarter.
Menu of Los Marangós
This charming little restaurant has been in business since 1930 and has been serving basically the same dishes ever since then. Here you will find traditional Andalusian dishes made to perfection with the highest quality ingredients. Everything from pil-pil shrimp, to grilled octopus, to freshly sliced Iberico ham, etc. every Andalusian goodie you can think of is on their menu and it’s delicious.
Value for money – Los Marangós
If you are looking for traditional, home-style Andalusian cooking, it doesn’t get much better. If you also take into consideration the restaurants ideal location, it makes it hard to beat from a value stand point.
Taberna Cervantes – Excellent, authentic Málagueño cuisine
La Taberna de Cervantes is a truly authentic Andalusian tapas Bar, right in the heart of Málaga, that is well worth your while to try.
La Taberna de Cervantes is one of 4 restaurants run by owners Gabriel and Romina.
This tavern is beautifully decorated in the typical Andalusian style.
Here you will find typical Andalusian tapas and “raciones” meant to be shared with friends, a glass of wine in hand.
9/10
Arrozeando – Excellent paella restaurant just outside of Málaga
Slightly outside the city center of Málaga you will find Arrozeando, a typical Andalusian restaurant that specializes in one thing: rice.
Here you will find some of the best, typical Andalusian rice dishes in all of Málaga.
The restaurant itself is cute and inviting with all the simple character you would expect from an Andalusian restaurant.
It is equipped with a terrace as well for the full Spanish experience.
If you’re looking for paella or any sort of Mediterranean rice dish, this is your place.
9/10
La Taberna de Monroy – Great traditional Andalusian tavern in the historic city center of Málaga
The restaurant is located in the Historical City center of Málaga.
It’s a small bistort-style restaurant that serves tasty homemade Andalusian-style dishes.
From the outside, it may look like just another Spanish tavern: the decoration is simple and unassuming, it features the typical bar lined with local regulars, etc. but, of course, Monroy is not an average bar.
The food is simple and delicious and the wine selection takes everything to the next level.
They offer an extensive selection of Spanish wine, specializing in wines from Córdoba.
8.8/10
Location of La Taberna de Monroy
La Taberna de Monroy enjoys an ideal location right in the heart of Málagas old quarter. It is within walking distance of many of the cities main attractions. The cities famous Cathedral is just a few meters from the restaurant and the imposing Alcazaba and the beautiful Malagueta beach.
If you are looking for a place where you can enjoy an authentic Malagueño dining experience in the center of the city, this charming tavern is just what you want.
Menu of La Taberna de Monroy
Taberna de Monroy offers traditional Andalusian cuisine with some more modern touches. the restaurant specializes in local wines, Cordovan salmorejo, and Iberian ham and charcuterie. The menu is extensive and changes according to which products are in season.
Their dessert menu is also a force to be reckoned with. In addition, the tavern has a beautiful outdoor terrace.
Value for money – La Taberna de Monroy
This charming little tavern offers a ton of value if you are looking to enjoy an authentic Andalusian meal. It is ideally located, the ambiance is traditional as it gets and the food is top notch.
Palocortado – Updated and delicious versions of Andalusian classics in the center of Málaga
The restaurant is an updated and sleek version of a typical Andalusian seafood restaurant.
Located in Málaga’s city center, this charming restaurant serves excellent modernized versions of classic southern Spanish dishes, specializing in seafood.
8.9/10
Location of Palocortado
This restaurant enjoys an amazing location in the heart of Málaga’s old town. Palocortado is right behind the cities gorgeous Cathedral, and close to many of the cities greatest landmarks. The famous Picasso Museum is just 4 minutes away and the amazing Roman Theater is only 5 minutes away.
Menu of Palocortado
Palocortado’s menu revolves around the highest quality and freshest seasonal ingredients available. You will find everything from the best meats, to the freshest fish, vegetables. The restaurant is elegant, relaxed, and simple, with two well-differentiated spaces: on the one hand, the bar, for tapas and aperitifs; on the other, the dining room.
The menu offers a selection of traditional Andalusian flavors presented with the restaurant’s own personal flare. Dishes like organic, fresh tomatoes seasoned with red onion and olives, salmon with quinoa and prawns, ajoblanco with mango, Carreras, spider crabs, cherry gazpacho, salmorejo, grilled eggplant with cane honey or more classics dishes like the Russian salad, the homemade croquettes or the potato omelette.
Value for money – Palocortado
Palocortado relatively expensive. The food is great, the location is amazing and the setting is wonderful. However, you might want to save diner here for a special night.
PX wines – Excellent little restaurant that specializes in wine, 20 minutes outside of Málaga
This restaurant is a small, Bistrot style eatery, that, as the name indicates, is designed around wine.
Both the menu and the restaurant itself were created with wine in mind.
The dishes are typical Spanish classics made meticulously and beautifully presented.
The biggest drawback is that PX is about 20 minutes outside of Malaga.
So if you are in the area or up for the trek, PX is a great option.
9/10
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