Málaga is an ancient city with strong ties to the Mediterranean. The main civilisations that left their mark here came from the sea, as do the foods that brought Málaga’s cuisine international renown. Just as the Gibralfaro Castle or the Arab Fortress are icons of Málaga, so is pescaíto frito (deep-fried fish), the city’s star dish.
If you are visiting Málaga, you definitely must have lunch in one of the chiringuitos (beach bars) that pepper the 14km coastline. Given the city’s fantastic weather, they are open all year round.
Sardine skewers are a common sight in coastal Málaga too. Skewed in sticks, the sardines are charcoal-grilled as they get their unmistakable taste. The grill is a sand-filled boat, adding a characteristic, unique touch to the coast of Málaga.
Fish and seafood cuisine
If fish is the star of Málaga’s cuisine, then boquerón victoriano – anchovies from Rincón de la Victoria – is the king. Deep-fried in olive oil and accompanied with squid, goatfish or cuttlefish, it is among the most popular dishes.
The old fishing district of Pedregalejo is where you will probably find the best fish eateries in the city. Standing by the sea, all of them serve the most genuine fried fish from Málaga alongside other traditional dishes, such as Málaga salad, pepper salad or fried eggplants with cane syrup.
Tapas in Málaga
Málaga is the ideal place for a tapas tour. Getting around the historic district on foot is quite easy, and the main sights – the Cathedral, the Roman Theatre or the Picasso Museum – rub shoulders with all kinds of bars, taverns and restaurants.
Málaga is brimming with bars, wineries, inns and restaurants where you can have Spanish or international food, traditional or avant-garde dishes, standing at the bar or sitting al fresco. There are so many and so different places to eat out, always in the lively atmosphere the city is usually associated with.
Ideas for foodies
Just next to the city centre, the Port of Málaga and its outdoor shopping centre, Muelle Uno have become a new culinary and shopping hub.
Affording great views of Málaga City, this seaside area offers lovely strolls along Palmeral de las Sorpresas and lots of bars with outdoor tables. There is even a Michelin-starred restaurant!
Málaga is a coastal city with a mountainous geography. This contrast in landscapes makes it even more amazing. One of its key green areas, Montes de Málaga Nature Park, is surrounded by traditional country restaurants or ventas. Here you can have typical mountain cuisine, like plato de los montes (fried eggs, tenderloin, black pudding, chorizo, breadcrumbs), with artisan sweet wine.
