Malaga

El Pimpi is Malaga’s most iconic restaurant — a sprawling 18th-century bodega filled with Andalusian charm, colourful tiles, and walls lined with wine barrels signed by local celebrities and Spanish icons like Antonio Banderas and Carmen Thyssen. Right in the heart of the Old Town, it’s a popular stop for tapas, wine, and people-watching, with great views of the Alcazaba from the terrace. The menu focuses on local classics — Iberian ham, fried aubergine with honey, Malaga-style anchovies — along with a strong selection of regional wines. Beyond food, El Pimpi often hosts cultural events like flamenco, poetry, and music nights in its Palomar de Picasso space, keeping the spirit of southern Spain alive.

Mesón Ibérico is one of those classic Spanish taverns where the buzz hits you the second you walk in. It’s loud, friendly, tiled from floor to ceiling, and packed with locals, which is always a good sign. The menu sticks to the good stuff: jamón ibérico, fried sardines, grilled artichokes, hake or cod pil-pil… everything comes out hot and flavourful. It’s walk-in only and almost always busy, but worth the wait.

Right in Malaga’s historic centre, La Tasquita brings traditional Andalusian and Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist—pintxos, montaditos, varied tortillas, pescaíto, raciones, and Alicante-style rice dishes. The vibe is relaxed and cheerful, with whitewashed walls, sea-blue shutters, and bursts of bougainvillaea that make it feel like a corner of the Greek islands.

Tucked between the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba, Uvedoble is a lively, unfussy spot where Malaga-style tapas get a creative twist. The menu mixes tradition and innovation, with standout dishes like the award-winning ensaladilla rusa (topped with prawn-head mayo), squid-ink fideos with baby cuttlefish, and swordfish collar slow-cooked in Iberian pork fat. The minimalist interior and small terrace draw a steady crowd of locals and visitors — book ahead if you want a seat.

Al-Yamal is the first Arabic restaurant in Malaga, and it still holds up. It’s small, warmly lit, and full of detail — the décor is inspired by the Mosque of Córdoba, with candles on every table. The menu features Moroccan classics, including couscous, lamb tagine, and mezze. Don’t skip the mint tea — it rounds things off nicely.

Just a short stroll from La Malagueta beach, this cosy Indian spot is also Malaga’s first fully vegan Indian restaurant. It’s small, so booking ahead is smart. The menu covers all the classics—curries, tandoori, kebabs—with a solid vegan lineup that includes tofu dishes, veggie pakoras, and plenty of bold, warming spices.

This no-frills little tavern is all about doing one thing right: pescaíto frito. Crispy, golden anchovies and other fresh fish are fried to perfection in olive oil and best washed down with a cold beer or a glass of local Malaga wine.