A Food Lover’s Guide to Málaga: What to Eat & Where to Find It

Málaga, the heart of Spain’s Costa del Sol, is a paradise for food lovers. From fresh Mediterranean seafood to rich Andalusian flavours, the city's culinary scene is a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a tapas enthusiast, a seafood fanatic, or have a sweet tooth, Málaga has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through the must-try dishes and the best places to enjoy them.

Must-Try Foods in Málaga

1. Espeto de Sardinas (Grilled Sardines on a Stick)

A true Málaga specialty, espeto de sardinas consists of fresh sardines skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled over an open fire, usually on a beachside barbecue. The smoky, salty flavour is the taste of summer in Málaga.

Where to Try It:
📍 El Tintero – A lively beachfront restaurant where waiters shout out dishes as they bring them fresh from the grill.
📍 Paseo Marítimo de Pedregalejo – This beachside promenade is lined with traditional chiringuitos (beach bars) serving espetos.

2. Boquerones (Anchovies)

Málaga is famous for its boquerones—tiny anchovies that can be enjoyed fritos (fried) or en vinagre (marinated in vinegar). These little fish are a staple of Andalusian cuisine and pair perfectly with a glass of local wine.

Where to Try It:
📍 Casa Lola – A popular tapas bar serving delicious boquerones along with a variety of other small plates.
📍 El Pimpi – One of Málaga’s most iconic restaurants, where you can enjoy boquerones with views of the Alcazaba.

3. Porra Antequerana

A thicker, creamier cousin of gazpacho, porra antequerana is a cold tomato soup made with bread, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It’s typically garnished with hard-boiled eggs and jamón.

Where to Try It:
📍 El Tapeo de Cervantes – A small, cozy tapas bar known for its excellent traditional Andalusian dishes.
📍 La Recova – A charming café where you can enjoy a bowl of porra alongside rustic bread.

4. Fritura Malagueña (Fried Fish Platter)

This dish is a seafood lover’s dream—an assortment of freshly caught fish and shellfish, lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection. It typically includes squid, prawns, anchovies, and sometimes even octopus.

Where to Try It:
📍 Marisquería Los Mellizos – A seafood institution in Málaga, known for its top-quality fried fish.
📍 Restaurante El Chinitas – A traditional spot in the city center serving excellent fritura malagueña.

5. Campero Malagueño

A local take on the sandwich, the campero malagueño is a toasted bun filled with ingredients like grilled chicken, ham, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. It’s simple but incredibly satisfying.

Where to Try It:
📍 Los Camperos – A casual eatery specialising in different variations of the campero.
📍 100 Montaditos – A great budget-friendly option for Spanish-style sandwiches and tapas.

6. Churros con Chocolate

No trip to Málaga is complete without indulging in crispy churros dipped in thick, rich hot chocolate. It’s the perfect way to start your day or enjoy a mid-afternoon snack.

Where to Try It:
📍 Casa Aranda – The best-known churrería in Málaga, serving locals and tourists since 1932.
📍 Café Central – A classic café where you can enjoy churros with a perfect cup of Málaga-style coffee.

7. Tarta Malagueña (Málaga Almond Cake)

For those with a sweet tooth, tarta malagueña is a must-try. This moist cake is made with almonds, Málaga wine, and candied fruit, making it a delicious local dessert.

Where to Try It:
📍 La Canasta – A well-known bakery offering traditional Andalusian sweets.
📍 La Tarta de la Madre de Cris – A local favorite for homemade-style cakes.

Best Food Markets in Málaga

Mercado de Atarazanas

If you want to experience Málaga’s food culture at its finest, head to Mercado de Atarazanas, the city’s main food market. Here, you’ll find stalls overflowing with fresh produce, seafood, spices, and traditional snacks. There are also small tapas bars where you can sample local delicacies straight from the market.

📍 Location: Calle Atarazanas, 10, Málaga

Mercado de Salamanca

A smaller and less touristy market, Mercado de Salamanca is a great spot to grab fresh ingredients or enjoy a quick bite. The stunning Moorish-style architecture makes it worth a visit even if you’re not shopping.

📍 Location: Calle San Bartolomé, 1, Málaga

Drinks to Try in Málaga

• Málaga Wine – A sweet, fortified wine made from Muscat grapes, perfect for pairing with tapas or desserts.
• Tinto de Verano – A refreshing mix of red wine and lemonade, perfect for hot summer days.
• Vermut – Spanish vermouth, served on the rocks with an orange slice, is a popular aperitif in Málaga.

📍 Where to Try Málaga Wine:

• Antigua Casa de Guardia – Málaga’s oldest wine bar, serving traditional wines straight from the barrel.
• Bodega Bar El Pimpi – A must-visit for its great selection of wines and stunning Andalusian decor.

Final Thoughts

Málaga is a city where food is not just a meal—it’s a way of life. Whether you're feasting on fresh seafood by the beach, savoring tapas in a lively bar, or indulging in sweet Málaga wine, every bite tells a story of tradition, culture, and Mediterranean flavours.

So, if you're a true foodie, get ready to eat your way through Málaga and discover the rich culinary treasures this city has to offer!