Savor the Flavors: Top Tapas to Try in Málaga’s Old Town – a local’s guide
Are you thinking about visiting Malaga and trying some delicious food?
In that case, you are at the right place – this Malaga tapas guide will offer you a taste of Southern Spain, with all its delicious flavors and local specialties.
Whether you’re dreaming about tasting the local Jamon, or sipping Sangria by the beach, this guide will navigate you through the culinary scene of Malaga, the capital of Costa del Sol.
Let’s jump in!
Malaga: The Heart of Andalusian Cuisine
Tapas are not just food in Andalusia; they’re a way of life.
This culinary tradition is all about sharing small dishes with friends and family, turning meals into a communal, joyous experience. In Málaga, tapas range from simple, rustic fare to sophisticated dishes that showcase the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Tapas are a great way to experience local food because you can taste so many different flavors without getting stuffed, or sticking to just one meal.
If you travel around Southern Spain, you might even come across places where you get free tapas with every drink! A tradition that’s still very much alive in places like Granada or Jaen for example.
Another important note on eating habits in Malaga: locals eat quite late! For lunch, Spaniards start gathering at restaurants between 2pm and 3pm, and dinner is a very late affair indeed, usually starting between 9pm and 10pm.
Where to Start Your Tapas Adventure
An evening Malaga tapas tour or wine tasting in Malaga are great ways to get to know Andalusia through its flavors and the best place to venture on your culinary adventure is the Malaga Old Town neighborhood.
You can of course explore on your own, without a tour and the places I have listed below will give you a good introduction to the world of Andalusian tapas:
El Pimpi Bodega
No tapas tour in Málaga would be complete without a visit to El Pimpi, an institution in the city’s historic center.
Its walls, covered with photos of famous visitors and traditional Andalusian decorations, tell a story of decades of gatherings. Here, the Malagueña salad, a mix of oranges, cod, and onions, is a must-try.
Antonio Banderas is one of the owners of this local establishment, a favorite gathering spot for locals and tourists alike.
My personal favourite was roasted carrots with hummus dip, but there is plenty to choose from no matter what your meal preferences may be.
A word of warning – it does get pretty busy and packed, so if you want to make sure you get a table, book at least a few days in advance, especially in the summer months.
Casa Lola
For a taste of the traditional with a modern twist, head to Casa Lola.
This lively spot is known for its inventive tapas that maintain the essence of Málaga’s flavors. Their mini burgers with a secret sauce are legendary, and their patatas bravas come with an Andalusian spin.
Every time I walk past there is a long line of people waiting to get in, as the seating inside is pretty limited.
If that puts you off, you can walk 5 minutes further from the town center where you will find Pez Lola – a sister restaurant that specializes in fish dishes. I’ve been there three time and the food is to die for!
Atarazanas Market
To truly understand the soul of Málaga’s tapas, you need to visit the Atarazanas Market.
This bustling hub is not only a feast for the eyes but also the perfect place to sample fresh produce. Look out for stalls offering bite-sized delights like ensaladilla rusa (Russian salad) and boquerones en vinagre (anchovies in vinegar).
The market is pretty busy and loud, so if you’re looking for a quite romantic spot, this might not be the best option, but it’s as authentic as it gets when it comes to tasting tapas in Malaga!
Must-Try Tapas in Malaga
Here are a few local delicacies you will find in the menu in almost every restaurant:
- Espetos: This simple yet delicious dish consists of sardines skewered and grilled over a wood fire, seasoned only with sea salt.
- Ajoblanco: A chilled almond and garlic soup that’s surprisingly refreshing, often served with grapes or melon balls.
- Porra Antequerana: A thicker cousin of the gazpacho, this tomato-based soup is creamy and full of flavor, typically topped with ham and hard-boiled eggs.
- Tortilla Española: comforting blend of eggs, potatoes and onions, served warm.
- Patatas Bravas: fried potatoes with signature spicy sauce. The sauce is different in every restaurant and you can make it a game of tapas hopping to find the best ones in the city
- Chorizo al Vino, or chorizo cooked in wine, showcases the depth of Spanish flavors. The spicy sausage is simmered in a local red wine, infusing it with a rich, complex taste that pairs perfectly with a glass of the same wine.
- Croquetas de Jamon: These crispy, creamy croquettes filled with a smooth béchamel sauce and chunks of ham, they’re breaded and fried until golden brown, making them an irresistible snack.
- Churros & chocolate: despite popular belief, it’s not a common breakfast meal and more of an afternoon treat! Deep fried dough dipped in hot chocolate – what could be better?
Tips for the Ultimate Tapas Experience
- Hop Around: The best way to enjoy tapas is to hop from one bar to another. Each place has its specialties, and it’s fun to compare their versions of the same dish.
- Go Local: While there are plenty of tourist-friendly tapas bars, seeking out where the locals go will reward you with authentic experiences and flavors.
- Pair with a Drink: Tapas are best enjoyed with a local beverage. Try a glass of Malaga wine or a cold caña (small beer) to complement your food. Avoid sangria and opt instead for tinto de verano (summer wine).
Conclusion on your Malaga tapa experience
Are you hungry yet? I hope so!
There is no better way to experience a new city than by diving deep into the food scene. And as you can see from this article, a trip to Malaga will be a delight for all your taste buds!
Check out these other posts visiting Andalucia
Specialty foods of Malaga, Spain
AUTHOR BIO
Lucia Pöllä is a travel blogger living in Southern Spain, sharing her discoveries of beautiful locations, hidden gems and stunning historical sights on her travel blog Viva La Vita.
