Choosing the perfect place to eat in Málaga is a challenging mission. With a wide gastronomic offer, the capital of Costa del Sol has restaurants for every taste, from those seeking traditional flavors to those looking to be surprised by new ones.
For those who want to take a gastronomic tour of this coastal city, they can easily find an all-inclusive car rental in Málaga and plan their route through some of the most typical and unusual establishments following our list of recommendations.
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Best Places to Eat in Málaga
Given the great culinary offer in Málaga, it’s difficult to choose the best places to eat without leaving many out of the list. Therefore, in this post, we have prepared a selection of the most unique restaurants that will leave visitors speechless.
Where to Eat in Málaga City Center
Málaga’s old town has so many restaurants that it’s impossible to choose just one. From traditional options to those that put a twist on the cuisine we know, surprising the diner. Here are some of the most popular choices in the city center.
Taberna Merchanas
Those who want to fully immerse themselves in Malaga’s customs will be amazed on their first visit to Taberna Merchanas. This traditional tavern is based on Malaga’s Holy Week, and it features all the typical elements of this religious festival: nazarenos, candles, virgins, Christs, trumpets, and drums.
Their food is based on generous and inexpensive servings of typical dishes such as croquettes, flamenquín, or eggplants with honey, finishing the meal with small sandwiches named after Holy Week themes.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 16:30 and from 20:00 to 24:00
- Price: 8-15€
- Phone: 654 74 42 57
- Location: C/ Mosquera, 5
El Tapeo de Cervantes
Tapas lovers in Málaga will find quality options at reasonable prices at El Tapeo de Cervantes. Located near the square of the iconic Cervantes Theater, it is known for its lively and welcoming atmosphere, especially during peak hours.
Among their standout tapas are grilled fresh red tuna with cauliflower emulsion, black pudding tapa with sweet potatoes, quail eggs, and chimichurri, or Iberian pork pluma with Torta del Casar cheese.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 15:30 and from 19:30 to 23:30
- Price: 15-25€
- Phone: 952 60 94 58
- Location: C/ Cárcer, 8
Asador Ovidio
For those looking for a good grill restaurant in Málaga, Asador Ovidio specializes in grilled meats, with high-quality cuts and a cozy atmosphere.
The menu focuses on meat dishes, with a wide selection of cuts and preparations including T-bone steak, fillet mignon, and suckling lamb, all paired with the finest wines to offer a complete gastronomic experience.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 13:00 to 16:30 and from 20:00 to 24:00
- Price: 20-40€
- Phone: 952 29 09 36
- Location: C/ José Denis Belgrano, 11
Bodega El Pimpi
If there’s an essential restaurant to eat in Málaga, it’s Bodega El Pimpi. This historic restaurant is one of the most traditional in the city and has become over the years a tourist gem that all visitors must experience.
Located at the foot of La Alcazaba, this corner has a typical Andalusian decoration, with wine barrels signed by national and international celebrities. With constant activity, the bodega offers an extensive menu featuring fried fish, Russian salad, or mini pork loin sandwiches.
In addition, it has a wide selection of cocktails and wines to enjoy a pleasant after-dinner with a view.
Even if you don’t consume anything, Bodega El Pimpi can be visited casually, touring the place to see it from the inside.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: from 12:00 to 01:00
- Price: 20-35€
- Phone: 952 22 54 03
- Location: C/ Granada 62 | C/ Alcazabilla
Where to Eat in Western Málaga
For visitors looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the western area has some outstanding restaurants specializing in different culinary areas.
La Proa de Teatinos
Paella lovers in Málaga will find excellence in the kitchen at La Proa. This restaurant is located in the Teatinos neighborhood and offers high-quality fresh fish and seafood, although their specialty is paellas, which can be served dry or soupy according to the diner’s preference.
Especially notable are the black rice with red prawns and the soupy rice with oxtail or lobster, although they also offer classic dishes such as Russian salad with shrimp or local clams.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 13:00 to 16:00; Fridays and Saturdays also open for dinner from 20:30 to 23:00
- Price: 30-40€
- Phone: 952 27 46 60
- Location: C/ Andrómeda, 11
Er Pichi de Cai
For those looking for quality fish in a tavern full of tradition and art, Er Pichi de Cai is the ideal place. Located in the Huelin neighborhood, just a few meters from the beach, this tavern with a Cadiz-inspired atmosphere is known for the freshness of its fish and seafood and the typical dishes from the Cádiz region.
Their star products include boiled shrimp, tuna in lard, or shrimp pancakes, although classics like potatoes with cuttlefish are also available. However, what really stands out is the friendly service.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 12:30 to 17:00 and from 19:30 to 24:00; Fridays to Sundays uninterrupted opening from opening to closing.
- Price: 20-30€
- Phone: 951 76 54 32
- Location: C/ Tomás Echevarría, 3
Where to Eat in Eastern Málaga
In the eastern area of Málaga, there are also some places to eat that will surprise diners with their dishes or location. Below, we selected two options, one in the mountain area and one by the coast.
La Diosa
La Diosa is a special place for a romantic dinner on a spring night. Its charming interior garden is a unique setting in the El Limonar area, ideal for enjoying their fusion Mediterranean cuisine.
Among their standout dishes are steak tartare with bone marrow, millionaire eggs, or caramelized octopus. To top off the dinner, they offer live music on weekends and a perfect atmosphere for enjoying drinks with friends.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: Opening hours vary, opening only in the mornings on Tuesdays and serving from breakfast (08:30) to dinner (01:00) on Fridays and Saturdays, closing at 20:00 on other days.
- Price: 25-40€
- Phone: 669 20 81 12
- Location: C/ La Minilla, 2
Galerna
For those looking for a healthy meal by the seaside, Galerna offers a surfer concept where sandwiches, burgers, and varied and flavorful salads prevail. All of this perfectly accompanied by the scent of Málaga’s beaches.
This place to eat in Málaga is located in the Pedregalejo neighborhood and has a charming terrace on its promenade with an alternative atmosphere. The uniqueness of Galerna lies in its customizable salads, allowing customers to choose all the toppings to create a salad designed 100% by themselves.
This charming place is ideal for breakfast, with different and flavorful breakfast options, but it’s also perfect for enjoying one of their smoothies while watching a unique sunset.
Useful Information
- Opening hours: from 08:30 to 23:00
- Price: 8-20€
- Phone: 952 29 41 96
- Location: Pº Marítimo El Pedregal, 66
Map of Where to Eat in Málaga
Do you find this a good selection of places to eat in Málaga? Don’t miss any of them with the following interactive map, where you can see their exact locations and choose based on proximity if you can’t decide based on their culinary diversity.
