10 Best Local Restaurants in Malaga

Mercado Central de Atarazanas is a long-standing fresh food market by the canal. It’s hosted in a bright building, with arched walkways, sunlights and beautiful stained glass. Take a walk around and appreciate the beautiful scents and colors of the local fruits, vegetables, spices, fish and meat. Stop by the vendors selling prepared foods and sample fresh seafood like sardines or prawns, fried or broiled, just as you like it. Buy fresh almonds by the kilo or try them as the locals like them, lightly fried and crispy.

Vendors here are friendly and many offer samples. Strike up a chat and take advantage of the opportunity to learn about local products and popular dishes.

Uvedoble Taberna is unique café with its own twist on favorite dishes. The atmosphere is homey with a big wall chalkboard menu and wine list, tapas served on pretty slate slabs, and quick and attentive service.

The chef has made favorite dishes his own by using seasonal ingredients found daily at the local market, like fresh vegetables, fruit, tuna, cod, seafood and cheeses. Taste the creativity of the dishes here with their apple, goat cheese and foie gras pizza or their black noodles with squid. You will appreciate the freshness of the local ingredients Málaga has to offer.

Casa Aranda is cozy, social and buzzing with locals who like to enjoy an early morning breakfast here. You’ll find the simple café down a little alley, where there is pleasant outdoor seating with closely set tables.

Have your breakfast like the locals do and try their churros, a type of fried dough, which is dipped in chocolate. The churros here are fresh and hot, crispy on the outside and soft inside. The chocolate is thick like custard, not too sweet, rich and tasty. Wash it down with a café con leche, or coffee with milk, poured from a traditional kettle.

La Galerna is a laid-back restaurant with lots of character located by the sea. Take an early morning or evening stroll down the boardwalk, enjoy the sea views, then stop for a meal. You’ll enjoy the relaxed and cool vibe, the friendly servers, and the healthy options available.

Dishes here are made from quality ingredients, using organic meats and whole-grain breads. You can have your meal just as you like as you can create your own burger, sandwich or salad. Health food lovers will enjoy the selection of fresh smoothies and juices, as well as the vegan options.

Masrisqueria Casa Vicente offers authentic Malaga dining in a no-frills setting. The restaurant is tucked away down a little side street, but it is no secret as it’s often packed with locals, especially for lunch. Expect fast and friendly service and a convenient picture menu that’s provided for tourists.

This restaurant specializes in seafood and all their preparations are done the traditional way. They take fresh, quality fish and cook it simply with garlic and olive oil, serving it with a big chunk of lemon. Try the baby octopus, squid or prawns in chili oil. Be sure to arrive early as a queue will form midday.

Taperia El Beato is a traditional tapas bar with a busy but welcoming atmosphere. Take a seat outside on the terrace to enjoy the breeze and the busy pedestrian traffic. Choose from an array of tapas like whole octopus, meatballs in almond sauce, white anchovies in vinegar, or chorizo, a cured pork sausage made with garlic and paprika. Try the in-house sweet Málaga sauce, which has an interesting sweet and salty flavor.

This tapas bar is a favorite among locals, but the menu is provided in English for tourists so you can easily choose what yummy local dishes you want to try. Come early as it gets busier as the evening goes on.

The trendy Mercado de la Merced is a delightful mix of farmers' market and quality pre-prepared foods. To arrive at the market, walk through the Plaza de la Merced, or Market Square, and stroll past the Cathedral of Malaga and the old colosseum ruins. You’ll find a couple of dozen stalls selling Málaga´s freshest produce, fish, meats and cured hams, as well as local and international ready-to-eat dishes.

Take a seat or do as the locals do and stand at a high table. Try local flavors from a tapas stall or far-away tastes like sushi. The atmosphere is cool, and the market stays open late into the night, making it a fun place to hang out.

Head seaside to the friendly Restaurante El Cabra and try local seafood prepared the traditional way. You’ll relish the gorgeous ocean view and the hospitable atmosphere here. There’s a selection of fresh seafood to choose from like prawns, dorade, calamari and sea bass.

Watch your choice being prepared on the large outdoor broil, which is cleverly shaped like a boat, and be enticed by the mouth-watering aromas. Try true local favorites like lobster paella and broiled sardines called espetos. Enjoy the sunset here while you sip the tasty homemade sangria. Save room for dessert and try their traditional turrón ice cream, flavored with honey, cinnamon and almonds.

La Bella Julieta is a quirky café serving simple but well-prepared, quality dishes. You’ll feel welcomed by the friendly staff and the modern clean décor. The vibe is cool but relaxed, and the menu is hearty. This unique café puts their own touch into everything.

Choose from a variety of sandwiches that are made super tall with the freshest bagels and focaccia and quality fish like salmon or monkfish. Taste a smoothie or juice, blended from local fruits and served in a glass jar. If you have a sweet tooth, try one of their huge creamy lattés, a Nutella cappuccino, or the brownie with crunchy fudge topping.

Bar Los Pueblos is located next to Málaga´s famous Atarazanas Market, on a busy street with lots of pedestrians. Take a seat in this popular restaurant and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Locals fill the seats, enjoying a variety of broiled fish like anchovies and calamari, and other traditional favorites like paella, a traditional dish of rice, saffron, seafood or chicken prepared in a large, shallow pan.

Here you can try local dishes and also try the typical way of eating. At lunchtime, choose the menu del dia, or today´s menu. You’ll be pleased with the generous meal, which includes breads, soup or salad, a main course, dessert and coffee.