Malaga, a city located on the Costa del Sol in Andalusia, Spain, is a destination that can be discovered through its culinary traditions. Andalusia is indeed a region rich in gastronomic delights, and many recipes need to be tried, ranging from fish dishes to those based on meat, without forgetting the famous tapas! It’s impossible to visit the city without having at least one tapas!
The Quintessential Malagueño Dishes
In this article, we will explore the top 10 must-try dishes in Malaga, from traditional tapas to seafood delicacies. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the flavors of Andalusia.
1. Espetos
Espetos is undoubtedly the quintessential Malagueño dish! It’s a simple and delicious dish: grilled fish skewers cooked over low heat, turning them multiple times. You can find them in numerous beachside bars along the coast!
Cost: €3.00 per piece
Main ingredients: Fish (mainly sardines)
2. Frittura Malagueña
Fish is a major protagonist of Malaga’s cuisine, and it will be presented in numerous variants, from appetizers to first courses and second courses. You can’t leave Malaga without having had a plate of Malagueña fritters! It’s a classic dish that can be found both in restaurants and beachside bars along the coast.
Recommended to eat for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: €15.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Calamari, octopus, shrimp, mussels, mixed fish
3. Ajoblanco Malagueño
Some of the most famous dishes in Malaga are soups. You absolutely have to try the Ajoblanco Malagueño, a cold soup made with garlic, almonds, olive oil, and bread crumbs! It’s perfect for hot summer days and is often served with fresh grapes!
Absolutely recommended to try if you have no issues with garlic!
Recommended to eat for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Garlic, almonds, olive oil, bread crumbs
4. Gazpachuelo Malagueño
Here is a picture of Tamorlan. One of the most traditional dishes in Malaga is the gazpachuelo malagueño, a soup made from fish broth and potatoes, to which is added mayonnaise with garlic. You should try it especially if you’re not afraid of garlic!
Recommended to eat for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Fish broth, potatoes, mayonnaise with garlic
5. Conchas finas
Another dish that absolutely must be tried is the conchs fine! It’s a small mollusk, specifically a giant clamshell characterized by white and reddish-pink flesh, sometimes tending to orange.
Recommended to eat for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Clams
6. Boquerones
Boquerones is one of the most beloved dishes in Malaga! It’s a simple and delicious dish: fried anchovies!
If you’re football fans, this name will sound familiar to you: Málaga Club de Fútbol players and their supporters are called “Boquerones” and the name comes from this famous specialty, which is now a true symbol of Malaga’s cuisine!
Recommended to eat for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: €7.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Anchovies
7. Campero
If you’re strolling through Malaga’s historic center and want to take a quick bite between visits, I recommend ordering a campero! It’s a sandwich similar to an hamburger!
A great pause for lunch is perfect!
Recommended to eat for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: €5.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Toasted bread, ham, cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise
8. Berenjenas with Honey
If you’re fans of eggplant, then you absolutely can’t miss this dish: the eggplant with honey! It’s a recipe from Arab origin, spread throughout Andalusia.
Recommended to eat for: Lunch or dinner
Cost: €8.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Fried eggplant, honey
9. Olive Aloreña
If you’re in Malaga, absolutely don’t miss trying some tapas! And one of the most commonly served is olive tapas!
Olive tapas are a must-have when visiting Malaga and can be found in all localities.
The olives from Malaga’s area are called “alorenés”, which means “mallard” due to their small size, similar to that of an apple!
You simply have to try them!
Recommended to always
Cost: €2.00 per serving
Main ingredients: Olive
10. Churros with Chocolate
We couldn’t not conclude our exploration of Malaga’s best dishes with churros, or rather the original Andalusian breakfast!
Churros are long, fried fritters, and their dough is fried in oil.
They’re often served with chocolate, especially for breakfast, but there are also many variations, such as cinnamon or honey, or even without any cream, just pure and natural!
Absolutely recommended to try and eat at any time of day!
Recommended to always
Cost: €0.30 per piece
Main ingredients: Flour, water, butter, sugar, eggs
Where to Eat in Malaga: Best Restaurants and Tapas Bars
Malaga has a strong gastronomic identity, from its café to dishes made with fresh fish, without forgetting the delicious tapas! The historic center is rich in local eateries and restaurants on every street, perfect for trying all the specialties!
Along the beach, you’ll find mainly beachside bars (chiringuitos) ideal for a quick lunch or drink while enjoying the sea, and seafood restaurants specializing in fish dishes.
One of the best places to stop is undoubtedly the market, the Central Market of Atarazanas! Situated in the historic center, along Calle Atarazanas, this place is perfect to get familiar with the local products and traditional recipes!
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Top 10 Restaurants and Tapas Bars in Malaga:
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Central Market of Atarazanas: famous city market, rich in local eateries and tapas bars where you can take a break
Specialties: Tapas
Price: €10.00 per person (average)
Address: C. Atarazanas, 10
Phone number: +34951926010 -
Er Pichi de Cái Soho: traditional tavern where to taste local dishes, fish and tapas
Specialities: ensalada de pulpo, grilled octopus
Price: €20.00 per person (average)
Address: -
Café Central Malagueta: unique spot where you can try great infusions and coffee of many types
Specialities: Coffee and infusions
Price: €10.00 per serving (average)
Address: C. Córdoba, 14
Phone number: +34699147445 -
Bodega Bar El Pimpi: real institution in town. Malaga’s Andalusian cuisine restaurant with tapas, meat-based dishes and fish.
Specialities: campero pimpi
Price: €25.00 per person (average)
Address: Calle Granada, 62
Phone number: +34952225403 -
Buenavista Gastrobar & Tapas: gastrobar that combines flavors from different Spanish regions with a wide selection of tapas.
Specialities: paella, fideua de pescado
Price: €25.00 per person (average)
Address: C/ Gaona, 8
Phone number: +34951387464 -
Taberna Cofrade Las Merchanas: characteristically unique restaurant in the heart of the historic center, ideal for a quick lunch, situated in the middle of the city
Specialities: Tapas
Price: €10.00 per person (average)
Address: Calle Mosquera, 13
Phone number: +34678530083 -
Marisquería Los Delfines: seafood restaurant specializing in fish dishes next to Playa de la Malagueta
Specialities: gazpachuelo malagueño
Price: €20.00 per person (average)
Address: Calle Reding, 12
Phone number: +34952225168 -
La Taberna del Pintxo Larios: traditional tavern specialized in tapas, with many proposals and variations
Specialities: Tapas
Price: €10.00 per person (average)
Address: Calle Alarcón Luján 12, Esq, C. Antonio Baena Gómez
Phone number: +34952213280 -
The Cereal Boom Coffee: colorful and peculiar local, specialized in beautiful breakfasts and excellent taste
Specialities: Breakfast
Price: €10.00 per person (average)
Address: C. Córdoba, 14
Phone number: +34699147445 -
Mesón Ibérico: traditional tavern with local dishes and Andalusian-style tapas.
Specialities: Raza ibérica
Price: €20.00 per person (average)
Address: C. San Lorenzo, 27
Phone number: +34952603290
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the best way to explore Malaga’s culinary scene?
A: The best way to explore Malaga’s culinary scene is by visiting local markets and trying traditional dishes at beachside bars and restaurants.
Q: Can I find vegetarian or vegan options in Malaga?
A: Yes, many restaurants in Malaga offer vegetarian and vegan options, especially during peak season. It’s always a good idea to ask your server about available options when making reservations.
Q: Are there any vegetarian or vegan-friendly tapas bars in Malaga?
A: Yes, many tapas bars in Malaga offer vegetarian and vegan options. Look for signs indicating “tapas sin carne” (tapas without meat) or “tapas sin huevos” (tapas without eggs).
Q: Can I find gluten-free options at local restaurants?
A: Many local restaurants in Malaga now offer gluten-free options, but it’s always best to ask your server about available options when making reservations.
Q: Are there any traditional Andalusian dishes that are not recommended for tourists with certain dietary restrictions?
A: Yes, some traditional Andalusian dishes may contain ingredients that are not suitable for tourists with certain dietary restrictions. For example, some dishes may include shellfish or meat products. It’s always best to ask your server about available options when making reservations.
Q: Can I find restaurants that cater specifically to international cuisine?
A: Yes, many restaurants in Malaga offer international cuisine, including dishes from countries such as Italy, France, and China.
Q: Are there any local markets or food festivals that are worth attending during my visit to Malaga?
A: Yes, there are several local markets and food festivals throughout the year that are worth attending. Some popular events include the Feria de Málaga (Malaga Fair), which takes place in August, and the Mercado Central de Málaga (Central Market of Malaga), which offers a wide range of fresh produce and traditional Andalusian dishes.
Q: Can I find restaurants with outdoor seating areas?
A: Yes, many restaurants in Malaga offer outdoor seating areas, especially during peak season. Look for signs indicating “mesa al aire libre” (outdoor table) or “patio exterior” (exterior patio).
Q: Are there any local specialties that are only available during certain times of the year?
A: Yes, some local specialties may be only available during certain times of the year. For example, some seafood dishes may only be available during peak fishing seasons. It’s always best to ask your server about available options when making reservations.
Q: Can I find restaurants with English-speaking staff?
A: While many locals in Malaga speak some English, it’s still a good idea to learn basic Spanish phrases to enhance your dining experience. Many restaurants now offer menus and information in English, but it’s always best to ask for assistance if needed.
