Eat Like a Local in Málaga
Málaga is much more than sun and beach: it’s a gastronomic paradise where the sea, the countryside, and tradition come together in recipes full of flavor. From the aroma of freshly grilled sardine skewers on the beach to the sweetness of a Moscatel wine, Málaga’s gastronomy is a journey that captivates with every bite.
If you’re wondering what to eat in Málaga and where to dine like a local, here you’ll find a complete guide to traditional dishes and authentic restaurants frequented by Malagueños, so you can experience the city through its cuisine.
Typical Dishes from Málaga You Can’t Miss
- Espeto de sardinas – Sardines skewered and grilled over open coals on the sand. An unmistakable symbol of the Málaga coast, especially in summer.
Pescado fresco de barrios pesqueros – Fresh fish from fishing neighborhoods – sea bass, gilthead bream, anchovies, or squid freshly brought in from the market, especially in El Palo and Pedregalejo.
Gazpacho – Cold tomato-based soup with vegetables, light and refreshing.
Salmorejo – Thicker and creamier than gazpacho, served with hard-boiled egg and cured ham.
- Pipirrana – Fresh salad with tomato, pepper, onion, and cucumber, dressed with extra virgin olive oil.
Gazpachuelo – A hot fish soup with mayonnaise, very comforting on cold days.
Tomate picado – Simple yet delicious, with extra virgin olive oil and salt.
Ensalada malagueña – Cod, orange, olives, and onion: a unique contrast of flavors.
Ensalada mediterránea – Classic mix of fresh vegetables with oil and vinegar.
Plato de los Montes – Pork, chorizo, blood sausage, peppers, and potatoes, typical of the mountains.
Migas de los Montes – Fried breadcrumbs with sausages and peppers, perfect for winter.
Vino dulce de Málaga – Moscatel or Pedro Ximénez, ideal for pairing with desserts.
If you want to enjoy the local wine and the flavors of Montes de Málaga, you can do it with us on our Gastronomic Tour of Montes de Málaga. Also, if you prefer an experience by the sea, you’ll love our Tapas Tour by the Bay.
Helados tradicionales – Handcrafted and made with historic recipes.
Torrija – Bread soaked in milk and honey or sugar, fried until golden.
La “loca” – Sponge cake with cream and orange glaze, a very traditional sweet from Málaga.
Churros con chocolate caliente – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, perfect for dipping in thick hot chocolate.
Where to Eat like a Local in Málaga
If you’re wondering where to eat in Málaga for an authentic experience, the answer is to follow in the footsteps of the locals. From traditional restaurants and tapas bars with classic recipes, to beach bars in fishing neighborhoods and terraces with views, here are our trusted recommendations:
Mediterranean and Traditional Restaurants:
Málaga offers a wide variety of Mediterranean and Andalusian cuisine restaurants where local produce takes center stage:
Restaurante El Pimpi – Málaga’s gastronomic icon. Famous for its wine cellar decorated with barrels signed by celebrities and its menu of Andalusian tapas.
Restaurante Cortijo de Pepe – Traditional homemade cuisine right in the historic center. Ideal for grilled meats and classic stews. (Recommendation: Grilled octopus and Russian salad).
Restaurante La Pérgola – Elegant atmosphere with carefully prepared Mediterranean dishes. Owned by the famous Málaga-born actor Antonio Banderas. (Recommendation: Octopus leg and paella).
Restaurante El Taller de Larios Diez – A fusion of creativity and local products right on Calle Larios.
Marisquería La Peregrina – Specializing in seafood and fresh fish prepared on the spot.
Restaurante El Batik – Fusion cuisine with some of the best views of the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre.
Merendero Antonio Martín – A classic spot by the beach, perfect for espetos (grilled sardines) and rice dishes.
Restaurante Perro Viejo – Creative tapas in a modern and laid-back setting.
Restaurante Matiz – Fine Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary touch.
Beach bars in fishing neighborhoods:
If you’re looking for fresh fish in Málaga, nothing beats the beach bars in the fishing districts of El Palo and Pedregalejo. Here, the sea and the grill come together to offer espetos (grilled sardines), fried fish, and seafood fresh from the market.
Casa Manuel de la Lonja – Fresh catch of the day, cooked simply and deliciously. (Recommendation: Sardine espetos and assorted fried fish).
Restaurante Narval – A menu that changes depending on the daily catch, with an authentic taste of the sea.
Chiringuito El Merlo – Family-friendly atmosphere and espetos right by the shore.
Restaurante El Tintero – Famous for its unique “auction” system of dishes announced out loud by the waiters.
Terraces with views:
To enjoy Málaga from above, its rooftops and panoramic terraces offer the perfect opportunity to relax with a coffee, a cocktail, or a glass of wine while admiring the city views.
Terraza Hotel Málaga Palacio –360° panoramic views over the port and the historic center.
Terraza Restaurante Batik – Direct views of the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre.
Restaurante Terraza El Taller de Larios Diez – Cosmopolitan atmosphere right in the heart of the city.
Terraza Hotel Miramar – Elegance and views over the seaside promenade.
Terraza Hotel Molina Larios – Perfect for admiring Málaga’s Cathedral.
Terraza Restaurante Parador de Gibralfaro – Privileged views of the bay and Málaga’s skyline.
Traditional Málaga Desserts and Sweets
Málaga’s gastronomy also delights those with a sweet tooth. Here are our favorite spots to enjoy traditional Málaga desserts:
Heladería Casa Mira – Handcrafted ice creams since 1890, famous for its nougat ice cream. (Recommendation: Nougat Ice Cream)
Churrería Casa Aranda – A benchmark for enjoying crispy churros with thick hot chocolate
Panadería Confitería La Canasta – Sweet specialties like the “Loca” and artisanal pastries. (Recommendation: La Loca and cheesecake)
Eating in Málaga is much more than just satisfying your hunger: it’s about immersing yourself in its culture, its history, and the warmth of its people. Whether you try an espeto by the sea, enjoy a tapa in a neighborhood bar, or sip a sweet wine on a terrace with a view, each experience brings you closer to the soul of this city.
And if you want to go further and experience it fully, we invite you to join our gastronomic tours in Málaga:
Gastronomic Tour Malaga Montains – Savor the authentic “Plato de los Montes” and discover the Málaga highlands.
Malaga Gastronomic Tour & La Caliza Restaurant – Enjoy fresh fish and unique views in an incomparable coastal setting.
Tapas Tour – Stroll through the city, discover the most authentic corners of the historic center, and experience Málaga one bite at a time.
Each of these tours is designed so you can experience Málaga’s gastronomy the way we do: with passion, warmth, and authenticity.
We look forward to welcoming you to Málaga to share a bite together!
