Ready To Eat? These Are Best Restaurants In Malaga

Malaga is well known for the high quality of its culinary scene. In fact, we’re going to go out on a limb and say that it has some of the best restaurants and tapas bars in Spain.

It doesn’t matter what part of the city you’re exploring, or whether you live in Malaga or you’re a tourist in the city. There is an abundance of restaurants for you to choose from.

Here´s our pick of the 16 best restaurants in Malaga: 

La Cosmopolita

This is based in Malaga city centre and is the brain child of star chef Dani Carnero. 2 of his other Malaga-based restaurants both have Michelin stars. Here you’ll find traditional dishes served in creative ways with seasonal, local produce at the forefront. Though dishes are changed regularly, some of the favourite classics here include the Russian salad and the crab omelette.

Contact: lacosmopolita.es
Prices: ££
Reservations: Recommended

Mesón Cortijo de Pepe

Another city centre based establishment, Meson Cortijo de Pepe was established in 1971 and has been serving world class tapas since. This is everything an Andalucian tapas bar should be, but despite its reputation the prices here remain affordable.

Contact: cortijodepepe.com
Prices: £
Reservations: Not necessary

El Tapeo de Cervantes

This is the most popular tapas bar in Malaga, and because it is a small restaurant it is always jam packed. It has a great atmosphere as a result, with patrons sitting close together. The decor is cosy but the food is what people come for. Think tapas with a twist! Dishes include grilled red tuna with cauliflower puree, and ibérico ham with cheese and rocket.

Contact: 00 34 952 60 94 58; eltapeodecervantes.com
Price: ££
Opening times: Tues-Sun, 1pm-3.30pm and 7.30pm-11.30pm
Reservations: Recommended

El Pimpi

Set in a beautiful 18^th century house, this restaurant is considered an intitution in Malaga. The building itself has historic importance and the food is exceptional. Ask for a table on the terrance to enjoy stunning views of the Roman amphitheatre and the Alcazaba.This is the place to try traditional Malaga specialities, such as ajoblanco (chilled almond and garlic soup) and a platter of fried fish.

Contact: elpimpi.com
Prices: ££
Reservations: Recommended (apart from for stools at the bar)

Tragatá

This is another Malagan restaurant with a famous chef!

Chef Benito Gómez holds two Michelin stars at Bardal in Ronda, where the original Tragatá is based. The Malagan branch of the brand only opened this summer. The focus here is on taking traditional Malagan dishes and improving and modernising them. The fried squid sandwich with brava sauce is a great example of this.

Contact: tragata.com
Prices: ££-£££
Reservations: Essential

Casa Aranda

So far we’ve talked about traditional Malagan dishes and tapas. Now it’s time to talk desserts! If you have a sweet tooth the Casa Aranda is the place to be. Since 1932, this has been the go-to place to enjoy churros con chocolate and the other sweet treats on the menu here are well worth exploring too! But if you only choose one dish make it the churros: they’re the best in Malaga.

Contact: casa-aranda.net
Prices: ££
Reservations: Not necessary

MIMO Vegan Bistro

Spanish cuisine tends to be heavy on meat and cheese, so it’s refreshing for vegans in Malaga to have their own stylish space. MIMO Vegan Bistro is in the Soho district and serves delicious and creative dishes.  A fixed-price lunch is available and they do brunch at weekends. Products are organic and locally sourced where possible. Expect fancy dishes such as beetroot and cashew emulsión with a cucumber carpaccio, sweet potato fries and tofu with kombucha, but there are burgers and salads too.

Contact: facebook.com/mimovegan
Prices: ££
Reservations: Recommended

José Carlos García

Another Michelin star touting chef, this is a modern restaurant with a striking open kitchen. This is a restaurant for foodies. It’s recommended that you try the tasting menus. These take you through exquisite modern Mediterranean creations – think Andalucian anchovy miso and pigeon breast cannelloni.

Contact: restaurantejcg.com
 Prices: £££
 Reservations: Essential

 Mamuchis

This is in the heart of Malaga’s trend Soho district, and it has a family, homestyle feel. The interior is covered in souvenirs from the owners travels and reflects their personalities perfectly. The menu reflects this world traveler feel, and Asian food in particular features highly here. This restaurant made the list because it’s such a fun and quirky vibe.

Contact: 00 34 664 72 23 69; facebook.com/mamuchisrestaurante
Prices: ££
Opening times: Tues, 9-11pm; Wed-Sat, 2pm-4pm and 9-11pm
Reservations: Recommended

Maricuchi

Located right on Pedregalejo beach, this is a classic Malagan beach bar with a fun and relaxing atmosphere. Eat sea food where it’s caught, right by the sea. This isn’t fine dining but it is great food and has a lively atmosphere. This is the place to go if you’re a fan of seafood, and is incredibly popular with locals.

Contact: 00 34 952 20 06 12; facebook.com/maricuchimalaga
Prices: ££
Opening times: Daily, 12pm-12.30am
Reservations: Recommended

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