Tapas, espetos and market
In the centre, taverns and tapas bars fill up at lunchtime; espetos are eaten at the beach bars around Pedregalejo and El Palo.
Things to do
Eating is part of the trip in Málaga: tapas in the centre, espetos by the sea, markets and the mountain ventas.
We rank the places rated highest on Google and note which are worth booking or visiting at the weekend.
Málaga city and the Costa del Sol

In the centre, taverns and tapas bars fill up at lunchtime; espetos are eaten at the beach bars around Pedregalejo and El Palo.
Heading up to eat at a venta in the Montes is a classic Málaga weekend outing: hearty, traditional food in the countryside a few minutes from the city. Go by car and confirm opening days, since many open mostly from Wednesday or Friday to Sunday.
Indicative details only: check opening times, prices and minimum ages on each official website before you go.
Area: Centro histórico
Best for: Eating in the centre
A tavern in the centre, among the best rated in the city for a meal. Book or go early.
Area: Pedregalejo – El Palo
Best for: A beach bar by the sea
A Mediterranean-style beach bar on the east side, very well rated. Better with a booking at weekends.
Area: Centro histórico
Best for: Casual tapas
A tapas bar on Calle Carretería, very busy and very well rated. Be ready to stand.
Area: Centro histórico
Best for: A traditional tavern
A tavern on Calle Calderería with thousands of very positive reviews. It usually fills up at lunchtime.
Area: Plaza de la Merced
Best for: Tapas in a lively square
A tapas bar on Plaza de la Merced, among the most highly rated by visitors.
Area: Centro histórico
Best for: Market, breakfast or a bite
The covered central market with stalls of local produce. Best in the morning.
Area: Plaza de la Merced
Best for: Classic Málaga cooking
A restaurant on Plaza de la Merced with traditional cooking. Check its website or call to book.
Area: Montes de Málaga
Best for: A classic venta in the countryside
A traditional venta on the Camino del Colmenar, with a garden and views. Large portions according to reviews; it usually opens Wednesday to Sunday, so confirm first.
Area: Montes de Málaga
Best for: A weekend plan in the hills
A venta on the A-7000 road with venta-style cooking, such as grilled meats and rabbit, and parking. It opens mostly Friday to Sunday: confirm first.
Area: Pedregalejo
Best for: Espetos and fish by the sea
A beach bar for espetos and fish in Pedregalejo. The espeto is the local speciality.
This site is an information guide: it does not run tours or sell packs. If you want something personalised with a tour guide, email us and we will see how to help.
Several of these places are outside the city. Compare your options for hiring a car.
Common questions about eating in málaga in Málaga.
Lunch is usually around 2 pm and dinner from 9 pm. Popular places fill up early, so book when you can.
They are indicative. They change by season and by place, so always confirm on each official website before you go. This guide does not sell tickets or manage bookings.