Like many cities in Spain, Malaga city has a vast selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from, covering a diverse range of cuisines. However, you will still find that tapas is king in this vibrant city, with an array of tapas restaurants to choose from, ranging from classic to regional and upmarket. The city has over 2500 restaurants to choose from. With so much choice, we have explored the city, tried many of its restaurants and listed our top picks of the best Malaga restaurants to try:
La Barra de Zapata – ($$)
Spanish, Mediterranean, Tapas
Located in the centre of Malaga city, Zapata is a firm favourite with With a beautiful This small fronted tapas restaurant, situated near the cathedral delivers big on flavour. The menu may look limited at first glance, however there are a great range of dishes taking influence from Spanish and international ingredients. Alongside its regular menu, the restaurant also has daily specials to mix things up. We recommend this highly if you’re looking for a quality meal with great service near the cathedral.
- Opening times: Wed-Sat from 19:30 to 23:00, closed Sun-Tues
- Address: C. Salinas, 10, 29015, Málaga
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/labarradezapatamalaga/
Kortxo – ($$)
Spanish, Tapas, Mediterranean
Nestled in the heart of Malaga city centre, Kortxo is a tapas restaurant with a creative twist. There are a number of restaurants within the city that serve up a twist on traditional tapas, however the quality, service and beautiful presentation at Kortxo really set them apart. We recommend trying the ox tail croquettes which are beautiful!
- Opening times: Tues-Sat 12:30-16:30, 19:30-0:00, closed Sundays
- Address: C. Salinas, 3, 29015 Málaga
- Website: https://kortxo.grupomarangos.es/
La Taberna del Pinxto – ($$)
Spanish, Casual, Tapas
A favourite with both locals and tourists, la taberna del Pinxto specialises in pinxto’s, a type of tapas or snack from the Basque region of Spain, which are usually served on a slice of baguette. The setup is very simple and offers customers the chance to try a range of pinxto’s and eat as much or little as they like, in a casual and inexpensive setting. Alongside a selection of cold pinxto’s and desserts that are self-serve inside, the waiters come around to tables with a variety of hot pinxto’s regularly, to choose from. Each pinxto is in a different price bracket and is highlighted by a cocktail stick. At the end, you simply give the staff all of the sticks you have accumulated from all the delicious pinxto’s and they will total it up for you. We try to make sure we always go here at least once while we’re in Malaga city, it’s fantastic for a casual meal, families or if you’re with a group.
- Opening times: Daily from 12:30 to 00:00
- Address: C / Alarcón Luján 12 – Malaga
- Website: http://www.latabernadelpintxo-malaga.com/
Chiringuito El Cachalote – ($$)
Seafood, Beach, Spanish, Mediterranean
A trip to Malaga city wouldn’t be complete without having lunch or dinner at one of the Chiringuito’s on Malagueta beach. There are a number to choose from but we think this is the best one. Chiringuito’s are essentially beach restaurants or bars and serve up fresh seafood and fish, as well as many other Spanish dishes. We recommend having the grilled sardines which are always being grilled over coals in old boats next to the Chiringuito’s.
- Address: P.º Marítimo Pablo Ruiz Picasso, s/n, 29016, Málaga
- Website: http://chiringuitoelcachalote.com/
Terra Mia – ($$)
Italian, Casual
If you’re looking for a break from tapas then Terra Mia is just the place. The restaurant has 2 outlets in Malaga city centre and serves up reasonably priced Italian food. We recommend having a pizza or the meatball pasta, which is packed full of flavour.
- Opening times: Daily from 12:30 to 23:30
- Address: C. Molina Lario, 3, 29015 Málaga
- Website: https://terramiamalaga.com/
Restaurante Aire Gastrobar – ($$)
Romantic, Spanish, Mediterranean
Located east of Malaga’s old town, near Malagueta beach, this restaurant is a great place to go for something special. The menu focuses on creative and alternative tapas as well as larger plates to share. Alongside its well thought out menu, the food is presented beautifully. This, coupled with the simple but elegant interior, is why we think it’s a great restaurant for something special or romantic.
- Opening times: Thurs-Sat 13:30-17:30 then 20:00-23:30, Wed 20:00-23:30, closed Sun-Tues
- Address: Av. Príes, 16, 29016, Málaga
- Website: https://airegastrobar.es/
Brunchit Espana – ($$)
Brunch, Casual, International, Healthy
Located a stone’s throw from Malaga’s vibrant central market, Brunchit offers the perfect way to start the day. The menu features breakfast and lunch items including healthier alternatives alongside pancakes and American waffles. Salads and pizzas are also served at lunchtimes. Portions are also healthy, so come hungry.
- Opening times: Daily from 09:00 to 16:00
- Address: C. Alhóndiga, 2, 29005 Málaga
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/Brunchitspain/
Bar Mercado Atarazanas – ($$)
Spanish, Tapas, Casual, Seafood
Situated in Malaga’s central market, with both indoor market seating and outside seating, Bar Mercado Atarazanas offers fresh and tasty tapas. As well as a range of more traditional Spanish tapas, there is a vast selection of seafood available, which is recommended to try given the close proximity to all the markets fresh fish.
- Opening times: Mon-Sat from 08:00 to 16:00, closed Sundays
- Address: C. Atarazanas, 29005 Málaga
- Website: https://mercadomalaga.es/en/stalls/913/
Lo Gueno – ($$)
Spanish, Tapas, Mediterranean
Lo Gueno has 2 restaurants in Malaga historic centre, and it’s oldest has been there since 1967. The restaurant serves up simple Spanish dishes including tapas, slow cooked meat and paella. If you’re looking for good service and a hearty Spanish meal in the centre of Malaga then this long standing restaurant is where to go.
- Opening times: Daily from 12:00 to 00:00
- Address: C. Marín García, 9, 29005 Málaga
- Website: http://www.logueno.es/
We hope you’ve found our pick of the best Malaga restaurants useful. If you would like more information about Malaga city, including how to get in, out and around the city, what to do, where to stay and what to expect, read our compact Malaga city travel guide, or visit our Spain travel guides for more Spanish destinations. If you’re planning to visit Malaga for a weekend, check out our Malaga 2-day itinerary as a guide for things to do, places to eat and where to stay for 2 days in the city.
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