Timeless Tips in Malaga

Attracting tourists and malagueños alike

El Pimpi

History is literally in the walls of this 50+ year-old restaurant. They are covered with blue and white Andalusian tiles, old posters, and photographs of famous guests. Waiters dart among the tables with trays filled with tapas and wine. The historic atmosphere and well-prepared tapas dishes attract tourists and locals alike. The menu includes local specialties like ensalada malagueña (a rustic salad with salted and dried cod, orange, green olives, and potatoes), boquerones fritos, and salmorejo (Andalusian tomato soup). Save room for the signature dessert: orange sorbet with olive oil, sea salt, and almond crisp.

The restaurant is next to the Picasso Museum, one of the city’s most famous attractions.

Genuine and relaxed atmosphere

El Cabra

On Sundays, Malaga residents like to escape to Pedregalejo, a former fishing village half a mile east of the city. Although Pedregalejo has been gentrified in recent years, the atmosphere is still genuine and relaxed. Along the long beachfront promenade, you’ll find everything from modern health hippie hangouts to traditional chiringuitos – simple beach restaurants with plastic tables and freshly grilled sardines. One of the oldest and most famous is El Cabra, which opened in 1965 and offers a spotless seafood paella.

Traditional delicatessen

Juan Dios Barba

The city’s oldest food market, Mercado Central de Atarazanas, is a must for foodies. Around the city, there are also several so-called ultramarinos, traditional delicatessens that sell air-dried hams, wines, jams, almonds, cheeses, and other goodies over the counter. An excellent option is Juan Dios Barba, near the Mercado Central de Atarazanas. Here you’ll find a wide selection of local cheeses and bacalao, or salted and dried cod.

Oldest is best when it comes to ice cream

Casa Mira

There are plenty of ice cream parlors to choose from in Malaga, but the oldest is the best. Casa Mira opened in 1890 and is now located at several addresses in the city, including the shopping street Calle Marqués de Larios. The most stylish ice cream parlor is hidden on the smaller Calle Andrés Pérez – the beautifully restored interior is worth a visit in itself. The specialty is turrón, or soft almond nougat, which is sold as both ice cream and candy. A refreshing treat is ‘Blanco y negro’, coffee with vanilla or turrón ice cream.

Traditional tavern with a crowded bar

Mesón Mariano

Few traditional taverns in Malaga maintain such a high standard as Mesón Mariano. That’s also one of the reasons why the bar is often crowded with locals. If there’s a free spot, it’s wise to grab it, order a glass of Pedro Ximenez and a plate of fried eggplant with molasses, a plate of jamón, a malagueña salad, and at least one dish with artichokes. The latter is the restaurant’s specialty. Choose between, for example, confit artichokes, fried artichokes, or artichokes wrapped in Iberian ham.

Festive and authentic atmosphere

La Tranca

It’s hard to imagine a more authentic place to start the evening than La Tranca. If there is one, it would be Antigua Casa de Guardia, Malaga’s oldest bar. But La Tranca has a more festive atmosphere and better tapas (don’t miss their empanadas), and you often have to squeeze your way to the bar to order. The walls are covered with vinyl covers, vermouth is served straight from the barrel, and the bills are written with chalk directly on the bar, just like in the old days. And because it is often crowded, it’s easy to make new friends.