What food is Malaga famous for ?

I still remember my first “tapas” meal in Malaga back in 2015. I was visiting Malaga for the first time and had no idea what to expect . Little did I know that nearly six years later Malaga would become one of my favororite cities in Spain for tapas. Tapas in Malaga is very special.

Today Malaga is a wonderful place to taste some of Spain’s best tapas. The tapas in Malaga are generally not free (though you may receive a complimentary tapa with your drinks in some establishments), but they’re well worth paying for. The city is an exciting mix of traditional tapas bars and modern tapas bars, each offering a unique spin on Spain’s famous small plates.

But Malaga isn’t all about the tapas! This gorgeous city is also home to a handful of fantastic places for a hearty Andalusian breakfast, Spain’s most colorful local markets, delicious fried fish shops, and some of the best chiringuitos (beachside seafood restaurants) in the country.

If you’re wondering where to eat in Malaga, rest assured that there are plenty of wonderful places to choose from! I visit Malaga various times throughout the year, as it is one of my favorite cities for great food, and only 30 minutes by car from Nerja!, or alternatively get the bus from the Nerja bus station. These trips are the perfect excuse to do lots of eating.

• In Malaga tapas are basically a serving size. They are small dishes (though not as small as the tiny clay dishes I received back in 2015!), and on many local Malaga menus you will find three columns:
  • Tapas
  • Media raciones (half plates/portions)
  • Raciones (full plates/portions)

These are three serving sizes of the same dish. Media raciones and raciones are meant to be shared, and tapas are generally individually sized, although many people share a few tapas among close friends or family. Spaniards don’t mind double dipping!

• Usually in Malaga, you pay for your tapas unlike in cities such as Granada or even Madrid where “free tapas” are included in the price of your drink. This allows you to have full control of what makes it to your table, and the quality is generally better than free tapas places. Of course, it all depends on where you go!

• Tapas prices in Malaga range greatly between the traditional tapas bars, where a small tapas of potato salad may cost under €2.00, and a more modern bar, where a tapa could be closer to €6.00.  Unfortunately, modern “gastro bars” have become quite trendy in recent years, so you really have to know where to go so that your money doesn’t go to waste!
• Never rush your tapas experience. Order little by little when out for tapas in Malaga. Tapas in Andalusia usually come out quickly, as they are prepared in advance and reheated when ordered. Often they’re even microwaved to heat them up (this is not considered a bad thing in the right place). The best way to enjoy tapas in Malaga is to order little by little, pairing each tapa with a drink. This ensures you won’t over order and you’ll be able to enjoy everything while still hot!

Where to Find the Best Tapas in Malaga

Malaga’s Best Tapas Bars: 6 Tapas Bars You Need to Eat At

If there’s one thing that comes to mind when you think of Spain, it’s delicious food! Malaga in particular has no shortage of restaurants, tapas bars, and cafés where you can sample the local fare. With so many dining options, how do you know where to find Malaga’s best tapas bars? Here are some suggestions where you can sample the tastiest tapas and culinary creations in bright, sunny Malaga!

La Deriva

Starting off our list is La Deriva, a classic tapas bar with some of Malaga’s best tapas. This tapas bar has many of the traditional tapas that you would expect, all with a creative twist. Fusion cuisine is at it’s best when old recipes meet modern techniques and flavors. This restaurant is always trying to surprise its patrons with new takes on their favorite tapas. If you enjoy seafood, then you definitely want to eat at La Deriva! The fresh catch from Malaga’s shores pairs really well with their extensive wine list. All of the ingredients are high quality, with a focus on fresh, local products.

Address: Alameda Colón, 7

La Farola de Orellana

La Farola de Orellana is a neighborhood favorite that is always listed as one of Malaga’s best tapas bars. “Farola” means lighthouse in Spanish, which is fitting since this tapas bar is a beacon of delicious cuisine among all the restaurants in Malaga. Favorite dishes include the patatas bravas, pimientos del padrón, and caracoles (snails). Anything you order is sure to leave you wanting more, since it keeps bringing customers back for its comida casera.

Address: Calle Moreno Monroy, 5

Mesón Lo Güeno

Discover culinary tradition in the heart of the city at Mesón Lo Güeno, another of Malaga’s best tapas bars. Since 1967, this tapas restaurant has kept foodies coming back for their tasty dishes and great service. To get a taste of Malaga, you should try the porra antequerana, bacalao a la malagueña, and any of the seafood dishes. You can pick from any of the local wines to make the meal even more authentic!

Address: Calle Marín García, 12

See more: Have a Drink Like a Local in the Best Bars in Malaga

Matahambre

Kill your hunger at Matahambre, as the name of the bar suggests, when you indulge on the delicious food and generous portions served at this place. Matahambre combines tapas classics with international cuisine to create something new and exciting. Try traditional tapas like croquetas, patatas bravas, and buñuelos, or opt for something modern and exotic. Top tapas include chicken tikka with mango chutney, salmon carpaccio with pesto, and marinated tuna with seaweed and wasabi. Matahambre is the place to go to for delicious tapas that stretch out over the Spanish border.

Address: Calle Calderería, 7

El Mesón de Cervantes

Prepare your taste buds for a real treat at El Mesón de Cervantes! This little joint is always packed, so be sure to book a table or get there early. Creativity rules the menu here as the tapas are a blend of Spanish classics with an Argentinian twist. The restaurant’s owner came to Malaga from Argentina in 2008 and loved it so much that he created El Mesón de Cervantes. Varied tapas and an extensive wine list are just a few of the things that make this tapas bar so special. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, too, so you’ll soon become a repeat customer of this tapas restaurant.

Address: Calle Álamos, 11

Mesón Ibérico

Take a cue from the locals and make your way to Mesón Ibérico where you will best traditional Malaga cuisine. The warm and friendly staff will welcome you and share their passion for delicious Spanish food. This has been a hot spot with the locals for 20 years, since the tasty tapas and lively atmosphere keep bringing people back. Try the boquerones fritos, selection of Iberian meats, or fresh seafood to get a taste of the restaurant’s cuisine. Wash it all down with their famous sangria and you’re all set!

Address: Calle San Lorenzo, 27

To get a real taste of tapas in Malaga, join Food Lover Tour for an authentic culinary experience! We take you to some of Malaga’s best tapas bars where the locals themselves love to eat and drink. Come experience Malaga through its food with us!

Regardless of your choice of Tapas bar you will not be disappointed. When your full and content return back to lovely Nerja, and have a nightcap.

For information regarding accommodation in Nerja contact [email protected] or visit JJNerjarentals.