What to Eat in Malaga (Food Guide by a Local)

What’s the first thing you think Malaga is well-known for? Most people associate my hometown with beaches, warm weather, popular summer resorts and Picasso; however, food is often forgotten.

If you plan a holiday to Malaga, you can’t miss out on trying the delicious local ingredients and traditional meals. If you wonder what to eat in Malaga, keep reading!

Malaga’s cuisine, as well as Andalusian cuisine, was influenced by the Moors, who were one of the greatest civilisations in the country. 

You can still see this influence in today’s cuisine with the use of spices such as saffron, cinnamon, cumin, almonds, and dried fruits in many traditional dishes. These are also everyday staples in any house.

However, one of the most popular foods in Malaga is fish and seafood – from fried fish and grilled sardines to spicy prawns and clams.

In this Malaga food guide, you’ll find all the tasty food you must try during your trip to the city. I’m excited to share my hometown’s foods with you.

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What to eat in Malaga

Espeto de sardinas

Sardines are the star dish of Malaga. There’s nothing better than eating sardines in a chiringuito (beach bar) on a summer day.

Sardines are skewered and placed on a small barbecue in a little boat, designed just for roasting sardines and other fish.

Although you can find sardines all year round, they’re best enjoyed between May and September, as this is when most chiringuitos open for the summer season.

Pescaito frito

Pescaito frito or fritura malagueña is a must-try dish. It consists of several types of deep-fried fish and shellfish, such as anchovies, cod, squid, and red mullet.

It’s often served with a slice of lemon and sometimes aioli (garlic mayo) or regular mayo. For me, the splash of lemon is essential because it gives the fish a little bit of freshness.

My top places to eat fried fish are El Pimpi and Los Mellizos.

Porra antequerana

Porra antequerana is a different version of the popular gazpacho and salmorejo cold soups originating in Andalusia, Southern Spain. 

If you’re wondering what porra exactly is, it consists of a thick soup made of tomatoes and dried bread. On top of this, it has toppings such as hard-boiled eggs, tuna and serrano ham.

In most restaurants, you’ll find it as a tapa rather than a soup. However, some locals will serve it as a main course, as it can be quite filling!

Porra is definitely one of those dishes that are perfect on a warm day.

Gazpachuelo

Gazpachuelo is a typical fisherman’s dish that originated in Malaga. The soup is made of mayonnaise, fish broth, potatoes, whitefish (monkfish, hake or kingklip) and/or prawns.

This soup has been a staple dish for humble families, but it has become popular in Malaga cuisine.

Ensaladilla Rusa

Ensaladilla Rusa is one of the most classic tapas in Spain. As its name suggests, “Russian Salad” originated in Russia, although it’s a dish that many countries have adopted, including Spain.

This potato salad with carrots, hard-boiled eggs, tuna and homemade mayonnaise is delicious.

Despite the fact that you can eat ensalada rusa anywhere in Spain, you’ll eat the best ensaladilla rusa in Malaga. It has a good reputation, and many bars compete to have the best one.

Personally, La Pecha, is the best tapa bar to enjoy this dish.

Ajoblanco

Ajoblanco, known as the white gazpacho, is another cold soup typical in Malaga and Granada. Despite being known as the white gazpacho, the ingredients aren’t the same as gazpacho.

It consists of bread, crushed almonds, garlic, water, olive oil, salt and vinegar (optional). It’s also topped with green grapes or melon slices.

Unlike porra antequerana, this is a great dish for any vegetarian or vegan.

Ensalada malagueña

Malaga salad is a popular starter to follow up with some delicious fried fish. So, what’s inside this salad?

The main ingredients are potatoes, salt cod, olives and oranges. Although the salad may sound a bit odd, it’s really refreshing, and yes, those flavours go together.

Gambas al Pil Pil

If you love seafood, you need to try Gambas al Pil Pil. It’s one of the dishes I always order when I eat out with my family in Malaga. It’s simple but so delicious.

It’s made with king prawns, garlic, sweet paprika, guindilla pepper and extra virgin olive oil. Pil Pil Prawns are a bit spicy but not too hot.

The best way to eat them is with bread to dip in the sauce.

Campero

You can’t leave Malaga without eating a campero, a traditional sandwich made with pan de campero – a rounded bread. 

The bread can be filled with anything from chicken, bacon, ham and cheese to tuna or kebab. After they’re filled, they are slightly toasted, which makes them even better.

Although it’s simple to make, it tastes great! You can find them in any burger and sandwich bar; believe me, they’re super popular.

Camperos are a top choice for a takeaway. Most locals will prefer one of these over a burger.

Mafalda is one of the best sandwich and burger places in Malaga. Although it isn’t in the city centre, in Pedregalejo, it’s accessible by car or bus and completely worth it.

Berenjenas fritas con miel de caña

Another popular Andalusian tapa is berenjenas fritas, fried aubergine served with miel de caña (sugar cane honey).

This tapa dates back to the Moorish period in Andalusia, but it isn’t clear where it originated. Some people believe it was in Granada, while others believe it was in Cordoba. Nevertheless, it became popular across Andalusia.

Mesón Mariano is a traditional family restaurant where you can enjoy the best berenjenas fritas, as well as their well-known dishes, such as stewed goat, Iberico hams, and prawns.

Plato de Los Montes de Málaga

This is a dish that you’ll only find in the region of Malaga, and it’s ideal for any meat lover. The translation of this dish is “dish from the mountains.”

This classic weekend lunch includes lomo (pork loin that has been marinated in lard), chorizo, morcilla (very similar to black pudding), fried egg, fried green peppers, fries and, sometimes migas (delicious fried breadcrumbs).

You must be hungry before ordering this dish, and you won’t have much space for dessert afterwards.

Plato de Los Montes is served in ventas – these are restaurants that you typically find on the roads and motorways. I have great memories of going to these with my family on weekends and eating plenty of tasty and traditional food.

One of my favourite ventas to enjoy plato de los montes is Venta Los Montes.

Conchas finas

One of the best seafood dishes in Malaga is conchas finas. These are big pink clams that are predominant on the coast of Malaga.

There are many ways to enjoy these molluscs, but the most popular way is just by adding lemon juice, salt and pepper. They’re very salty and juicy.

Boquerones al limón

Anchovies are also a popular fish option in Malaga; you can eat them grilled, fried, etc. In this case, boquerones al limón consists of anchovies that are marinated in a lemon, garlic and parsley sauce and then deep-fried in olive oil.

For an extra lemon flavour, squeeze the lemon often served next to it. You can also enjoy it with some aioli sauce.

Albóndigas en salsa de almendras

The almond is a star ingredient in Malaga cuisine, and this can be seen in some traditional dishes like albóndigas en salsa de almendras (meatballs with almond sauce).

This is a main course, but you can also find it as a tapa in many bars and restaurants. The dish is rich in flavours and goes perfectly with a side of chips and a few slices of bread to dip in the delicious almond sauce.

Berza Malagueña

Locals love a good hearty stew when temperatures drop, and berza malagueña is the solution.

This stew is made with chickpeas, meat such as chicken or beef, green beans, carrots, potatoes, paprika, cumin and olive oil. After enjoying this dish, you won’t feel hungry anymore.

It’s the perfect winter dish to enjoy at lunchtime.

Sopa perota

Sopa perota is a dish that originated in the town of Alora, and it’s such an important dish that locals celebrate Día de las Sopas Perotas (Perotas Soup Day).

Despite being called a soup, it’s more like a vegetable stew. It’s packed with healthy and delicious ingredients and made with ripe tomatoes, peppers, bread, peppermint, onions, saffron and garlic.

This is also a fantastic dish for any vegetarian.

Mantecados

If you’re visiting Malaga in winter or during the Christmas period, you need to try these crumble cakes, which are made in Antequera, but you’ll find them anywhere in the Costa del Sol and Andalucia.

These crumble cakes are made with lard, sugar, wheat flour and ground almonds. However, many flavour variations exist, such as lemon, cinnamon, coconut, and even nougat.

You’ll find mantecados at every local’s table during Christmas!

Tortas locas

From a local point of view, tortas locas (crazy cakes), also known as locas, are the best dessert or afternoon sweet snack.

They consist of two rounded pieces of puff pastry filled with delicious creamy custard and topped with a delicate orange frosting and cherry. 

Tortas were considered luxurious treats and “hunger-killers” that only wealthy people could afford during the 50s. Nowadays, they’re affordable to anyone, and you can find them in any bakery like La Canasta.

Torta de Algarrobo

Torta de Algarrobo originated in la Axarquia, a village located in the province of Malaga. This torta, which looks more like a biscuit than a mini cake, has been popular for years (it dates back to the Moorish Empire).

They used to be a sweet served during big celebrations and special occasions; however, they’re now consumed at any time, any day. 

They’re made with flour, olive oil, almonds, cinnamon, and aniseed.

Torrijas

Torrijas are sweets usually eaten during Holy Week in Malaga. They can be confused with French toast, but the recipe is slightly different.

To make torrijas, you need to dip “old bread” in cinnamon-infused milk and eggs, then fry and dust with sugar or honey.

You can find them in any bakery around Malaga and Costa del Sol, just a bit before and during Easter week.

Yemas del Tajo

If you go on a day trip to Ronda, you definitely need to try Yemas del Tajo, a delicious little cake that is made of egg yolks and sugar. 

Although they sound straightforward, it’s all about getting the measurements right and being patient. 

I highly recommend the ones from Las Campanas bakery.

Malaga Food Experiences

There are many different ways to have a food experience in Malaga – from visiting Malaga’s food markets to joining tours or going solo.

Bodega El Pimpi

The most popular restaurant in Malaga that comes to my mind is Bodega El Pimpi. Located in the old town opposite Teatro Romano (Roman Theatre) and Alcazaba, there’s no way to miss the opportunity to try its tasty food.

The interior is beautifully decorated with historic feria posters, photos of celebrities that have visited the restaurant and enormous barrels.

However, my favourite part is eating on their open terrace overlooking the Roman Theatre. On top of eating great food, you can also experience live flamenco singing and dancing.

Despite being famous and its queues, it’s among my top places to eat in Malaga.

Food tours in Malaga

Malaga tapas tour

On this tour, you’ll explore Malaga streets and eat in popular places where locals eat.

The tour lasts three and a half hours, and you’ll visit Atarazanas market, taste seven dishes, enjoy up to four drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and try the famous Spanish Iberian ham.

✨ Click here to learn more about this tour

Private winery tour

If you fancy going on a day trip from Malaga while tasting delicious regional wine and food, you must check out this winery tour.

The tour lasts 8 hours. In addition to tasting exclusive wines and tapas in wine cellars, you will visit the beautiful town of Ronda.

✨ Check out the private winery tour availability and price here

Malaga evening wine and tapas tour

Malaga is beautiful at night, and an evening tour is perfect. If you visit Malaga during the summer, the nightlife is lively, and you’ll see locals having food late at night. 

This tour will take you through Malaga’s popular streets in the city centre, and you’ll stop in four great tapas bars and try the city’s food specialities and wines.

This tour is also for you if you prefer reduced groups (there’s a maximum of twelve people on this tour).

✨ Check out the evening tapa tour availability and price here

Mercado de Atarazanas

Malaga’s central food market is the place you want to be to taste some of the best locally grown ingredients. 

From fresh and juicy fruits like oranges, watermelons, and peaches to large vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, expensive spices like saffron (used in dishes like paella), cured meats, and outstanding fish.

Walking through the market and tasting some of these ingredients is fantastic. Still, you can also have some tapas in the market’s bar (Bar Mercado Atarazanas), which is very popular for its delicious fried fish and prawns.

Alternatively, the market is surrounded by many good restaurants, bakeries, and bars where you can enjoy traditional dishes and sweets.

Rooftop bars

If you’re after a nice meal with a view, you must check Malaga’s rooftop bars.

One of my favourite rooftops is La Terraza de Valeria, located in Room Mate Valeria Hotel. Not only does it have an amazing view of the port, but it also serves great drinks and food. 

Other rooftops you may want to check are:

• Terraza Chinitas
• La Terraza La Alcazaba
• AC Hotel by Marriott Malaga Palacio
• La Terraza de San Telmo

Conclusion on what to eat in Malaga

Malaga is full of culinary experiences, from great fried fish served in chiringuitos to tapas in the Atarazanas market. Apart from these delicious dishes and experiences, you also must try Malaga’s sweet wine and ice creams.

If you love good ice cream, you’ll be happy to hear that there are excellent ice cream shops (heladerías) with plenty of traditional and unconventional flavours like avocado and anchovies.

The best ice cream shops in Malaga are Helados y Turrones Casa Mira in Larios Street and Kalua, which you can find in several locations across Malaga and Costa del Sol.

Lastly, prices can determine whether we visit a destination. If you’re asking yourself if Malaga is cheap for food and drinks, all I can say is that it really depends on where you go.

Avoid eating in very touristy areas to save money and have an authentic experience.

You must check out other great Spanish culinary destinations: Sevilla, Barcelona, San Sebastián, and Madrid.

If you have any questions about Malaga and Costa del Sol, leave them in the comments below.

Cristina xx

Top things to do before visiting Malaga

• Book accommodation in Malaga. This hotel guide will tell you the city’s best hotels for all budgets.
• Stay connected with your loved ones using an e-SIM from Airalo. They have affordable plans.
• Are you planning to visit other nearby Andalusian destinations? Check out these day trips from Malaga.
• Rent a car to travel with ease around Malaga and the Costa del Sol.
• Book travel insurance; this is a must for any trip!

Read more about Malaga

• Best Places for Breakfast in Malaga
• Best Malaga Winery Tours and Experiences
• Best Malaga Food Tours
• How to Spend One Day in Malaga
• Best Free Things To Do in Malaga
• Incredible Festivals in Malaga
• Malaga Travel Budget Calculator and Expert Tips