The capital of the Costa del Sol can count on its rich culinary heritage to seduce lovers of good food. From authentic tapas spots to Michelin-starred restaurants, from typical beach restaurants to trendy rooftops, the city abounds in a variety of delights.
In this article, discover our selection of the best restaurants to eat in Malaga. One thing’s for sure, your taste buds will remember!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
Best restaurants in Malaga: our 3 favourites
There’s no doubt that you’re in for a treat in the gourmet city of Malaga. There are many different types of restaurants to choose from:
- Tascas are tapas bars where you usually eat at the counter, andgastrobarswhere you’ll find more elaborate tapas,
- Bodegas or tabernas, wine cellars that serve tapas and generous dishes, and where parties are often organized,
- Restaurantes, where you’ll generally find more upscale cuisine,
- The marisquerías, fish restaurants and chiringuitosMalaga’s emblematic beach restaurants, where you can enjoy wood-smoked sardines.
Finally, while Malaga’s gastronomy reflects the bon vivant character of Andalucia, it remains, despite its flavors, rather rich in sauces, with few vegetarian or balanced options.
Before sharing our detailed reviews of the selected establishments, we couldn’t resist sharing our favorite restaurants with you:
- Restaurant Beluga for the generous, refined and tasty cuisine of Mediterranean chef Diego René,
- Chiringuito El Tintero for its lively atmosphere, fresh fish dishes and beautiful sea views,
- The Royal Lounge Coffee & Bar at theMiramar Hotel for its magnificent setting!
WHERE TO STAY IN Málaga
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the historical center
Hotel Palacio Solecio – see photos and availability
Near the sea, Playa de la Magualeta
Gran Hotel Miramar – see photos and availability
In the Soho district
Hotel Only You Malaga – view photos and availability
Best Michelin-starred and gourmet restaurants in Malaga
1. Restaurant Kaleja(1 star)
This intimate restaurant (just ten covers) takes its name from the expression callejón, meaning alleyway. While the space is minimalist, the kitchen is masterful.
Restaurant Kaleja’s signature? Slow cooking over a wood fire also inspires the sober decor, dominated by black and punctuated by textured charcoal sculptures.
When it comes to flavors, get ready for a veritable voyage through Andalucia cuisine, enhanced by sequences as elaborate as they are surprising, like this astonishing parsley ice cream, served in an olive oil and clementine juice.
Special mention must be made of the precious crockery that enhances the dishes and the smiling, expert staff, eager to pass on the secrets of the Andalusian terroir.
Practical information:
- Location: in the center of Malaga, 4min from the Picasso Museum
- Restaurant type: gourmet
- Capacity: less than 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: menus from €100 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes, absolutely everything from starters to bread and dessert, made on the spot. And ask the sommelier for advice on local wines, especially the delicious sweet Malaga wine!
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Online booking required here
2. Restaurant Beluga (favorite)
In the refined yet relaxed setting of Restaurant Beluga, we discovered an inventive and generous cuisine, where every dish – from ajo blanco revisited to calamari in wine sauce – celebrates the pride of Andalucia cuisine. Located in the heart of the bustling nightlife, this restaurant manages to preserve a hushed atmosphere, perfect for enjoying dinner.
Don’t miss the chef’s specialty: arroces, a rice-based speciality cooked with richly flavored broths and garnished with local ingredients.
For our part, we opted for the Iberian ham/leek and thearroz a banda, with fish, and were dazzled by the flavors, both frank and delicate.
Practical information:
- Location: in the center, next to Calle Marqués de Larios, Malaga’s main shopping street
- Restaurant type: gastronomic, bistronomic (listed in Michelin Guide 2025)
- Capacity: less than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes sheltered terrace (heated in the evening) in a pedestrian street
- Price range: from €30 per dish and tasting menus from €75 per person (excluding drinks).
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
RENT A CAR IN Andalucia
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a compact car, as some villages have very narrow streets!
- Think ofcomprehensive insurance for the same reason
- Book early for choice.
Other Malaga restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide include:
- The Jose Carlos Garcia Restaurant (1 star), located in the Port of Malaga in a glass-enclosed setting, offers contemporary cuisine where local flavors are sublimated.
- Restaurant Blossom (1 star) sublimates local produce through refined dishes of impeccable aesthetics, in a small, elegant restaurant.
- Restaurant La Cosmo (Bib Gourmand 2024), in the heart of Malaga’s city center, this small restaurant offers a fine menu of refined tapas in a relaxed setting!
Best Andalucia restaurants in Malaga
3. Restaurant Perro Viejo (contemporary)
An ideal address for those who want to sample Andalucia cuisine with a fusion twist. Like, for example, this delicious red tuna ceviche, spiced up with an aguachile sauce and enhanced by crispy corn flakes.
Our biggest surprise? Smoked sardines served in a dashi broth, where mushrooms and chives mingled happily.
With its efficient, attentive service and warm, elegant setting, this popular venue is well worth a visit.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood : downtown, 1min walk from the Carmen Thyssen Museum
- Restaurant type: fusion cuisine, trendy setting
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes, a few tables in a very quiet alleyway
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes, try their perfect croquetas !
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (baby seat)
- We advise you to book online here
4. Mi Nina Lola Terrace Restaurant (panoramic view)
We really enjoyed lunch at this restaurant, perched high above Malaga, away from the crowds. In addition to its soothing setting and pleasant panorama, the Mi Niña Lola Terrace restaurant is worth a visit for its inventive cuisine, blending Spanish tradition with Japanese touches. Among our discoveries are the tasty cod balls with miso mayonnaise and dried bonito, the pipirrana, a fresh tomato, cucumber and pine nut salad, and the fun Picasso’s Bech, a sardine in escabeche. There’s no doubt that you’ll love these tasty morsels as much as the attentive service!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: in the heights of Malaga, below Gibralfaro Castle
- Restaurant type: tapas fusion, trendy setting
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes, with a beautiful view of Malaga harbour
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP TO andalucia
All the information you need for your trip:
- 7 maps that make planning easier
- + 150 pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
5. Restaurant Los Melizos(seafood)
In the heart of the Soho district, Los Melizos Restaurant is a veritable institution. Here, the flavors of the sea take center stage, with freshly caught fish and carefully prepared seafood. There’s something for everyone: from grilled fish to richly flavored paella, or local specialties like chanquetes (small fish) served with fried eggs. And last but not least, you’ll enjoy a convivial and cheerful atmosphere throughout your meal.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Soho, 4min walk from the Contemporary Art Center
- Restaurant type: market cuisine
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes sheltered terrace in a pedestrian street
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Book online here
Best tapas restaurants
6. Restaurant El Pimpi(bodega)
This is one of Malaga’s must-visit addresses! Above all, you’ll come to Restaurant El Pimpi for its lively atmosphere and exceptional setting. Outside, a breathtaking view of the Alcazaba, and inside, a typical Andalucia tavern decor with colorful azulejos and wine barrels.
Andalucia’s culinary classics include a platter of Iberian ham, fried fish and a remarkable selection of wines. The incredible line-up in front of the establishment is testament to its well-deserved reputation.
And for an unforgettable experience, take a look at our program of shows and concerts: more info here.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: right in the center, opposite theAlcazaba
- Restaurant type: classic tapas menu and some fish/meat dishes
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes sheltered terrace with flowers
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no, as the restaurant is particularly noisy!
- You must book online here or arrive early!
FUN in Andalucia: activities
- Cooking course in Sevilla
- Canyoning from the Costa del Sol
- Caminito del Rey guided hike
7. Restaurant La Barra de Dona Ines
Restaurant Barra de Doña Inés is reminiscent of the tascas of yesteryear, where people came first and foremost for a drink and a bite to eat, often standing up. The same applies here, where you can enjoy tapas, full of character, around stand-up tables.
In addition to the traditional and addictive Iberian ham platter, we discovered theensalada rusaa preparation based on potatoes and tuna, or salpicón, a fresh and tasty salad combining octopus, langoustines and tomatoes.
Here, there’s no waiting, the dishes are ready at the counter and all you have to do is choose what you fancy! All served with delicious local wines.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Soho
- Restaurant type: traditional tapas
- Capacity: less than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes, a small terrace but on a major thoroughfare with streetcars and cars
- Price range: between €10 and €30 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no, as all tables are at a height
- No reservation possible
8. Restaurant Er Pichi de Caï
With four locations throughout Malaga, Cai’s Er Pichi restaurant is a veritable institution, embodying Andalucia’s simple, tasty cuisine.
In a warm atmosphere, discover the unmissable tapas as well as nuggets such as tortillitas de camarones, delicious crispy shrimp cakes, or typical cured meats such as chicharrones chiclanerosa deep-fried pork belly. And don’t miss the red tuna lomo, an exceptional product.
Here, everything exudes conviviality: from the generous plates to share to the smiles on the waiters’ faces!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Soho (and other addresses in Malaga)
- Restaurant type: traditional tapas
- Capacity: less than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes, a few tables in a quiet pedestrian street
- Price range: between €10 and €30 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- No reservations: come early to avoid the queues!
9. Restaurant la Viña de Ale(inexpensive)
If you’re staying in Torremolinos to enjoy its beaches, you can come with your eyes closed to this authentic and pleasant wine cellar. You’ll be spoilt for choice both in terms of bottles and dishes. In fact, the establishment offers plenty of things to nibble on: excellent cold meats, cheeses and tapas to be devoured in moderation(patatas bravas, huevos rotos, etc.). The day we came, we tried the flamenquin, an Andalucia specialty equivalent to our French cordon-bleu. Delicious and filling!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Torremolinos, 20min from Malaga’s historic center
- Restaurant type: traditional tapas
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €10 and €20 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
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Best beach restaurants in Malaga
10. Chiringuito El Tintero (for the atmosphere)
Here’s an unusual address, just the way you like it when you travel! There’s no menu here: waiters parade between the tables with freshly-cooked dishes, and all you have to do is raise your hand to indicate what you’re in the mood for. While the “fish market” format of service makes for a bit of a spectacle, the flavours are not to be outdone on the plate! We loved the braised octopus with its patatas bravas, the crispy fried fish or the pil-pil shrimps, marinated in an oil, garlic and chilli sauce.
Please note, however, that you shouldn’t be in a hurry to visit this establishment, but rather allow yourself to be carried away by the lively atmosphere and, failing that, admire the sea view!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Playa del Palo
- Restaurant type: seafood restaurant
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes, with a lovely sea view!
- Price range: between €10 and €20 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes, you can even let them play on the beach opposite while you wait for your food.
- No reservation possible
11. Chiringuito El Cachalote
With its breathtaking sea views and relaxed atmosphere, El Cachaote is a restaurant of simplicity. On the menu, fish specialties in all forms: grilled, fried, marinated! And let’s not forget the espetos de sardinas, the wood-grilled sardine kebabs that are the pride of Malaga.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Playa de Malagueta
- Restaurant type: seafood restaurant
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €10 and €20 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: yes, you can even let them play on the beach opposite while you wait for your food.
- No reservation possible
If you’re looking for more chiringuitos, you’ll find them on most of Malaga’s beaches. The best ones are often crowded, so it’s easy to spot them! We didn’t have time to try it out, but we’d like to recommend the MariCarmen Casa – Playa restaurant, next to Penon del Cuervo beach: see more information here.
Best bars in Malaga
12. Rooftop at the Hotel H10 Croma Malaga (panorama)
We loved spending an evening on the rooftop of the Hotel H10 Croma Malaga. In fact, we think it’s the best spot to watch the sunset, with its 360° panoramic view from the cathedral to the port.
The cocktail menu matches the decor: well-crafted and refreshing!
We were so pleased that we decided to stay for dinner, which turned out to be delicious. We started with crispy, tasty croquetas as a starter before enjoying grilled octopus with paprika espuma, accompanied by polenta.
Attentive, smiling service makes for an excellent evening!
Want to extend the experience? Spend one or more nights at the Hotel H10 Croma Malaga – See prices, photos and availability – and book!
Practical information:
- Location: in the center of Malaga, next to the Atarazanas Market
- Restaurant type: bistronomic
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €30 and €50 per person (excluding drinks)
- Malaga specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- A word of advice? Take something to cover up, as the bar is exposed to the wind!
- Reservations recommended by phone: +34 90 04 44 466. Ask for the corner table for a view of the cathedral!
13. Miramar Hotel lobby bar (exceptional setting)
If you’re in the mood for an evening in exceptional surroundings, we recommend a drink in the lobby of the Palacio Miramar. You won’t know where to turn between the walls decorated with traditional azulejos, the majestic arches supported by columns with finely sculpted capitals, the many hanging crystal chandeliers or the decoration of the glass roof. All this while enjoying your cocktail with an enchanting jazzy backdrop.
Tempted by palatial living? Spend a night at theHotel Palacio Miramar , home of this fine dining establishment – See prices, photos and availability – and book.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood : Playa de Malagueta, 15min from historic center
- Type of bar: gourmet
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes, the hotel also has a rooftop bar, but we didn’t find it up to the high-end standards it claims to offer.
- Price range: cocktails from €14
- Particularly suitable for children: no
14. Balausta Restaurant
While the Balausta Restaurant at the Palacio Solecio is praised by critics for its modern cuisine, we recommend the lobby bar. Enjoy the hotel’s exceptional setting and colorful patio, while sipping tasty cocktails.
And if you like the cosy ambience, why not take a look at the rooms and spend the night – See prices, photos and availability – and make a reservation.
Practical information:
- District: historic center, 5min from Incarnation Cathedral
- Restaurant type: bistronomic
- Capacity: less than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes, the hotel also has a rooftop bar, but we find it less cosy for a drink.
- Price range: cocktails from €14
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
15. Lolita Skybar (rooftop)
Perched in the heart of the city, this elegant rooftop offers breathtaking views of the cathedral, Malaga’s rooftops and its bustling port. The modern ambience is complemented by a refreshing cocktail menu, perfect for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing. For those with a small appetite, creative bites complete the experience.
Want to extend the pleasure? Spend one or more nights at theHotel Only You Malaga to enjoy this panorama for longer – See prices, photos and availability – and book.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Soho
- Type of bar: panoramic
- Capacity: less than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: cocktails from 12€, glasses of wine from 7€, tapas from 13€.
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended by phone +34 951 39 00 69
Bonus: Discover the atmosphere of the Malaga Market
Why visit?
You can’t leave Malaga without visiting the Atarazanas market. It’s a fun way to discover local culture while filling up on good food, in a vitamin-packed atmosphere! The place is worth a visit for its wrought-iron façade (built in the 19th century on the site of former Muslim wine cellars) and its splendid, colorful glass roof. Those who come early can hope to secure a seat at one of the few tables available.
Otherwise, you can do as the locals do, eating standing up at the stall counters or taking your spoils to one of the town’s green spaces.
Practical advice
- Area: near Soho, Atarazanas tube station
- Capacity: over 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: it all depends on what you choose from the plethora of products! Prices are relatively reasonable for a market that remains touristy.
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Would you like to discover Malaga’s specialities? Discover a gourmet tour of the market – see prices and availability.
Where to grab a bite to eat between visits to Malaga?
You don’t feel like having lunch at the Atarazanas market, but you still feel like having a quick bite to eat? We’ve put together a list of restaurants near some of Malaga’s best attractions!
On the sweet side, we recommend..:
- Boulangerie Fermento, 2 steps from the Atarazanas Market, will delight you with its wide selection of mouth-watering breads, pastries and even empanadas on the savoury side.
- La Teteria tea room, opposite the Picasso Museum, is ideal for a gourmet break! You’ll find a fine selection of teas, a variety of cakes and even vegetarian options for lunch.
- Churreria Casa Aranda, located next to the Carmen Thyssen Museum, is a must-see. We had breakfast there before our day of sightseeing and enjoyed the plump, sweet churros, contrasted with the creamy hot chocolate with which they are served. Go ahead with your eyes closed!
On the savoury side, we recommend
- Restaurant Illari Vino y Tapas – next to the Cathedral of the Incarnation – offers small sandwiches and even salads, which is rare enough to mention!
- Coffee Shop La Galga Specialty Coffee & Bistro – next to the Centre Pompidou – offers a menu of breakfasts, brunches, sweet snacks and, of course, a delicious variety of coffees!
- Restaurant La Mundial – located next to the MUACP (Museum of Popular Arts and Costumes), this small tapas bar has the merit of being in a quiet alley and offering a short but tempting menu.
