15 perfect restaurants in Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Málaga, where the sun kisses your face and the paella tickles your taste buds! If you're looking for a gastronomical delight, fear not, for we have scoured the city only to bring you the crème de la crème of dining establishments. From heavenly tapas at El Chinitas to mind-blowing seafood at El Tintero, prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your stomach and funny bone equally satisfied. Bon appétit, or as they say here, ¡buen provecho!

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1. La Deriva

4.2 (3393)

Alameda de Colón, 7, 29001 Málaga, Spain

Looking for a quirky spot in Malaga? Look no further than La Deriva! This charming little neighborhood, like your favorite eccentric aunt, is full of surprises. Take a stroll along its winding streets and discover an array of colorful murals, funky cafes, and secret boutiques. And don't be alarmed if you spot a random chicken or two; they're just the local celebrities here, strutting their stuff like they own the place. La Deriva is a hidden gem that will leave you wondering if you accidentally wandered into a living, breathing Pinterest board – minus the annoying DIY tutorials.

laderiva.es

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2. Restaurante Montana

4.4 (722)

C. Compás de la Victoria, 5, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Restaurante Montana in Málaga, where temptation lies around every corner, ready to ambush your taste buds with a culinary surprise. This delightful eatery, nestled in the heart of the city, is an oasis for food lovers seeking unforgettable dining experiences. Prepare to have your senses tickled and your belly satiated as you indulge in their mouthwatering offerings that will leave you grazie, gracias, and every other language's version of satisfied!

www.restaurantemontana.es

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3. Tapeo de Cervantes

4.2 (2025)

C. Cárcer, 8, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Tapeo de Cervantes, where culinary dreams come true and taste buds do a happy dance! Nestled in the vibrant city of Málaga, this gastronomic gem promises an experience that will have you Tapa-sing its praises. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave you exclaiming, "Olive you, Tapeo de Cervantes!" Prepare to be swept off your feet by the tantalizing tapeo delights that await you in this charming eatery. From the moment you step inside, your senses will be tantalized by the melt-in-your-mouth jamón ibérico, the seductive aroma of patatas bravas, and the sizzling symphony of flavors as the authentic Andalusian tapas make their grand entrance. This place has it all: a lively ambience, friendly staff, and tapas that will have you thinking about second (or third) helpings. Whether you're a local or a wide-eyed traveler, Tapeo de Cervantes will make you fall hook, line, and sinker for its irresistible charm and delectable dishes. Just remember to save room for their famous homemade sangria - the perfect companion to toast the end of a Spanish culinary affair. Salud!

eltapeodecervantes.com

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4. El Pimpi

4.2 (13277)

C. Granada, 62, 29015 Málaga, Spain

El Pimpi in Málaga, a charming little establishment that locals affectionately refer to as a "gastronomic wonderland," is the perfect spot to indulge in some lip-smacking tapas. Prepare yourself for a delightful assault on your taste buds as you sample their delectable assortment of ham, cheese, and seafood dishes that are so fresh, you'll swear you can still hear the waves crashing at the nearby beach. Oh, and make sure to bring your selfie stick because when you see the walls adorned with pictures of famous personalities who have dined here, you'll be hard-pressed not to strike a pose alongside Picasso or Antonio Banderas (just remember to give them some elbow room!).

www.elpimpi.com

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5. Restaurante José Carlos García

4.2 (482)

Puerto de Málaga, Plaza de la Capilla, 1, 29016 Málaga, Spain

Nestled along the sun-kissed coastline of Málaga lies Restaurante José Carlos García, a culinary oasis that will tickle your taste buds and ignite your sense of adventure. This whimsical eatery is the perfect spot to indulge in a myriad of gastronomic delights, expertly crafted by the wizard-like hands of José Carlos García himself. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will leave you questioning the very existence of your elastic waistbands, as each dish transports your palate to a realm of pure bliss, making you momentarily forget about those extra pounds you swore to lose.

www.restaurantejcg.com

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6. Restaurante Amador

4.4 (579)

Calle de Bandaneira, 6, 29190 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Restaurante Amador in beautiful Málaga, where foodies and exotic cuisine aficionados gather to embark upon a gastronomic adventure that tickles the taste buds and leaves you questioning the meaning of life (and definitely your waistline). Brace yourselves for an experience that combines culinary mastery, artistic plating, and the occasional dramatic moment as this place takes fusion cuisine to levels you never knew existed. Be prepared to have your senses teased, your expectations shattered, and your appetite begging for more at this quirky establishment that proudly adds a touch of humor to your dining experience.

www.restauranteamador.com

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7. Restaurante Kaleido

3.9 (2828)

Palmeral de las Sorpresas, 2, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Restaurante Kaleido in the vibrant city of Málaga - a place where culinary masterpieces blend with a dash of quirky ambiance! Get ready to be enchanted by their kaleidoscope of flavors. Sink your teeth into their tantalizing tapas, and before you know it, you'll be twirling around the restaurant like a happy tourist meeting Picasso's abstract art and a gourmet feast on the same plate. Pull up a chair, embrace the kaleidoscopic chaos, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds doing a flamenco dance!

www.kaleidomalaga.com

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8. La Taberna del Pintxo

4.2 (1993)

Calle Alarcón Luján 12, Esq, C. Antonio Baena Gómez, nº 3, 29005 Málaga, Spain

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Málaga, La Taberna del Pintxo beckons weary travelers with its tantalizing array of pintxos. Brace yourself for a lip-smacking adventure as you discover a treasure trove of bite-sized delights, creatively perched atop crusty bread like culinary acrobats. Whether you're seeking the perfect marriage of jamón and queso or longing to plunge into a deep romance with succulent grilled octopus, this lively tavern will leave your taste buds dancing and your stomach singing sweet serenades of satisfaction.

www.latabernadelpintxo-malaga.com

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9. Refectorium Catedral

4.3 (1590)

C. Postigo de los Abades, 4, 29015 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Refectorium Catedral, the culinary destination that will make your taste buds sing a holy hymn! Nestled in the charming alleys of Málaga, this delightful eatery combines heavenly flavors with a touch of divine humor. The restaurant captures the essence of a true food pilgrimage, where you can feast on heavenly delicacies like angels' wings (aka succulent seafood) or taste the holy grail of paellas - a truly blessed experience!

elrefectorium.es

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10. Restaurante El Palmeral

3.9 (1383)

Puerto de Málaga Muelle 2 El Palmeral de las Sorpresas, 29001 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Restaurante El Palmeral in Málaga, where culinary delights and palm tree magic collide in a humorous dance. This charming eatery, nestled in the heart of the city, boasts an ambiance that is both breezy and cozy, inviting visitors to indulge in gastronomic adventures whilst pretending to be Dracula in Cape Verde. The skilled chefs here use locally sourced ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes that make you question whether you're in a restaurant or a distorted reality show where pineapples wear top hats.

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11. El Tintero

4.2 (14297)

Av. Salvador Allende, 340, 29017 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to El Tintero in the sunny city of Málaga, where seafood is not just served on a platter, but quite literally thrown at you! Prepare for a unique dining experience where waiters yell out the dishes, and rather than raising your hand to order, you'll develop an uncanny skill for dodging flying shrimp. Be sure to bring your best catching skills and a sense of adventure - it's like a food fight, but with a happy ending for your taste buds!

eltinteromalaga.com

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12. Restaurante Canela

5 (2)

Plaza del Teatro Cervantes, Local nº 2, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Restaurante Canela in the vibrant city of Málaga, where dining is an adventure of taste and laughter! This charming eatery is a delightful oasis for food enthusiasts, offering a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance like no one's watching. With a whimsical mix of rustic décor and modern vibes, be prepared to have your culinary expectations shattered - in the best possible way!

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13. Restaurante Óleo

4.6 (1777)

Edificio CAC (Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, C. Alemania, s/n, 29001 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Restaurante Óleo in glorious Málaga, where your taste buds will embark on a culinary adventure, and your laughter muscles will get a workout. With a menu as diverse as Málaga’s sunny weather, this gem will leave you feeling nourished and entertained. The quirky and innovative dishes will make you forget you’re eating, as you find yourself pondering the existential question of whether bacon can actually be transformed into a work of art.

www.oleorestaurante.es

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14. Restaurante Vino Mio

4.5 (1454)

Pl. de Jerónimo Cuervo, 2, 29012 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Restaurante Vino Mio in vibrant Málaga, where the fusion of flavors will tickle your taste buds with a touch of Spanish sassiness! This hidden gem brims with rustic charm and enough character to make your stomach giggle. Picture yourself being treated like royalty by the flamboyant staff, who strike a perfect balance between entertaining and serving superb seafood paella that will make you say, "Ole!"

www.restaurantevinomio.es

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15. Los Patios de Beatas

4.4 (2055)

C. Beatas, 43, 29008 Málaga, Spain

Welcome to Los Patios de Beatas, an enchanting oasis nestled in the heart of Málaga! From the moment you step inside, you'll be whisked away into a world where walls talk, flowers dance, and history winks at you. This hidden gem, with its sun-kissed courtyards and Instagram-worthy nooks, will make you want to abandon your carefully planned itinerary and embrace the joy of getting lost in its labyrinthine charm.

lospatiosdebeatas.com

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Málaga, Spain by plane is to fly to Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport. There are direct flights available from major airports around the world.

Car

To get to Málaga, Spain by car, the fastest route is to take the A-7 motorway from Madrid. The journey takes around 5 hours and passes through some stunning scenery along the way.

Train

To get to Málaga, Spain by train, the best option is to take a high-speed train (AVE) from Madrid to Málaga Maria Zambrano Train Station. The journey takes around 2.5 hours and there are several trains per day.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Málaga, Spain. However, visitors can take a ferry from Tangier, Morocco to Algeciras and then drive or take a train to Málaga. The journey by boat takes around 2 hours and there are several ferry companies that operate this route.

Bus

The best way to get to Málaga, Spain by bus is to take a coach from Madrid to Málaga Bus Station. There are several companies that operate this route and the journey takes around 6 hours, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

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