The 13 best restaurants to eat in Malaga

Andalusia’s most modern city is a gourmet’s paradise. Here are the best restaurants in Malaga to enjoy under the sun!

Located in the very south of Spain, Malaga is an Andalusian city of singular contrasts. On the one hand, it has little to envy its sister cities when it comes to heritage. All you need to do is visit its Roman theater or its beautiful cathedral. On the other hand, Malaga is also a vibrant, lively seaside resort.

The local gastronomic scene reflects these many facets. You’ll find traditional taverns as well as small, daring restaurants. And let’s not forget the vibrant street food scene. So, whatever your tastes, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in our selection of the best restaurants in Malaga!

Refined addresses

For a romantic dinner or a gourmet experience, here are Malaga’s most seductive restaurants.

1. Las Golondrinas

Photo credit: Facebook – Restaurante Las Golondrinas

When you open the door to Las Golondrinas, you’ll feel as if you’re dining in a beautiful family home. First of all, the room is particularly warm, with its antique furniture and green plants.

Then there’s the warm welcome from the friendly, attentive team. As for the cuisine, it’s generous and tasty. The dishes are traditional and unpretentious, but make the most of good produce.

So, although it’s a little out of the center, it’s one of the best restaurants to eat at in Malaga!

2. La Cosmopolita

Photo credit: Official website – lacosmopolita

La Cosmopolita is one of those restaurants in Malaga where modernity and tradition come together perfectly. This is evident first and foremost in the setting, with a decor that blends sleek furniture and vintage pieces.

But it’s the food that really brings it home! La Cosmopolita offers a creative cuisine based on market produce. All the ingredients of traditional local cuisine are reinvented in a bistronomic style.

3. OCHO

Photo credit: Facebook – OCHO

Much more than just a steakhouse, OCHO is a traditional bistro that honors meat! From grilled meats to stews, meat comes in many forms, always tasty and generous.

In fact, OCHO has the reputation of being the best meat restaurant in Malaga! What’s more, the dishes are complemented by a fine selection of wines. Bottles adorn the walls of this old-fashioned bistro, where the atmosphere is one of checkered napkins and conviviality.

4. La Luz de Candela

Photo credit: Facebook – La Luz de Candela -Cocina de temporada-

Are you dreaming of a refined yet affordable dinner in Malaga? This restaurant is absolutely perfect! Indeed, at La Luz de Candela, you’ll find elegant yet unpretentious dishes.

Here, fish tartars coexist harmoniously with elaborate meats. Andalusian gastronomy in a tasty fusion version. What’s more, the friendly service and pleasant dining room promise a successful evening.

5. La Deriva

Photo credit: Facebook – La Deriva

Among Malaga’s restaurants, La Deriva is undoubtedly one of the trendiest. And it has to be said, it offers a particularly aesthetic setting! Exposed stonework and parquet floors create a warm ambience, while the wood-carved ceiling adds a designer touch.

As for the wine cellar, it’s quite spectacular. On your plate, you’ll enjoy creative dishes that harmoniously blend influences and flavors.

Authentic taverns

A successful trip to Spain naturally includes a tapas feast in a traditional tavern. And in Malaga, there’s no shortage of authentic, good-natured restaurants!

6. El Pimpi

Photo credit: Facebook – El Pimpi

Founded in 1971, El Pimpi is one of Malaga’s must-visit bodegas. The decor has remained traditional, with barrels, retro tiles and a host of frames adorning the walls.

Large wooden tables serve ham, octopus and other tapas, as well as ready-made dishes. And the real specialty of the place is the concerts by local artists and flamenco evenings!

7. Mesón Iberico

Photo credit: Facebook – Meson Iberico

Méson Iberico is a beautiful Spanish-style trattoria. At the table or at the counter, you’ll be served quality products, in simple or cooked versions. On the menu, you’ll find seafood, delicious cured hams and refined meats in sauce.

On the other hand, the service is friendly and efficient, and the atmosphere really friendly. This makes Méson Iberico an excellent place to eat in Malaga, away from the tourist epicenters.

8. Los Patios de Beatas

Photo credit: Facebook – Vinoteca Los Patios de Beatas

Los Patios de Beatas is a wine cellar, a tapas bar and a restaurant that regularly hosts concerts. So not only is it a good place to eat in Malaga, it’s also a good place to linger for a long evening.

In a patio topped with a stained-glass ceiling, you’ll enjoy a warm atmosphere. The beautifully presented plates feature local fish and Iberian charcuterie. But vegetarians won’t be outdone, with a wide choice of dishes that lovingly feature vegetables.

9. Taberna La Manuela

Photo credit: Facebook – La Manuela

How good it feels to be inside the blue walls of La Manuela tavern! Indeed, this Malaga restaurant is one of those whose personality you immediately feel when you push open the door. And the service lives up to that first impression!

As for the food, it’s generous, tasty and of the highest quality. Without a doubt, you’ll love rediscovering Spanish classics at La Manuela.

10. Trattoria Mamma Franca

Photo credit: Facebook – Trattoria Mamma Franca

What if you were to travel to Italy for an evening in Malaga? Trattoria Mamma Franca is well worth a visit. Its superb plates of fresh pasta, lovingly prepared, reflect the best of true Italian cuisine.

As for the pizzas, they’re crisp and full of flavor. What’s more, the pleasant setting and friendly service round off the experience perfectly. So it’s hardly surprising that this restaurant is a hit with locals and visitors alike.

Street food

Even for a quick meal, Malaga’s stalls and restaurants are sure to delight!

11. Mercado Central de Atarazanas

Photo credit: Wikimedia – Bikeventures-manu

Although not a restaurant per se, the Atarazanas market is the vibrant heart of Malaga’s culinary scene. In fact, it’s here that all the good products that go into tapas are sold. And you’ll have the chance to sample a whole range of them as you wander the aisles!

12. Mafalda

Photo credit: Facebook – Restaurante/Hamburguesería Mafalda

Among Malaga’s budget restaurants, Mafalda is a real surprise. You wouldn’t expect to find such a wide range of vegan sandwiches and burgers in a simple restaurant.

But meat lovers needn’t worry, there’s no shortage of non-vegetarian options either. So this family-run address is one of the best options for a meal on the go in Malaga.

13. Sabor a Nápoles

Photo credits: Official website – saboranapoles

In our opinion, Sabor a Nápoles is one of the best restaurants in Malaga. And yet, its cuisine is simplistic, centered on sandwiches and pizzas. But these have a real taste of Italy, and combine to perfection quality products that are sometimes surprising. And as the store is located right next to the beach, you can enjoy your sandwich right on the water!

Malaga is one of those cities where you can treat yourself with just a few euros in your pocket. But there’s also a fine selection of quality restaurants for more refined dining. With this guide in your pocket, you’ll know where to eat in Malaga at any time of day or between two visits.