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Exploring Málaga’s Old Town means diving into a district where every street tells a story — and where gastronomy plays a role. Between its façades, lively plazas and taverns, Andalusian flavours meet the creativity of a modern culinary scene. From Michelin-starred kitchens to cosy bodegas and contemporary fusion spots, the restaurants in Málaga Old Town represent the finest expression of the region’s vibrant food culture.
Walking through Málaga’s Old Town is like stepping into a living museum. Narrow cobbled streets reveal centuries of history — from Roman foundations to Moorish arches and Renaissance façades. Around every corner, aromas of olive oil, roasted seafood and fresh bread drift from kitchens that have perfected their craft over generations. The area is also home to bustling food markets such as Atarazanas, where chefs source the freshest local produce.
In recent years, the Old Town has experienced a culinary renaissance. Talented young chefs have revitalised its dining scene, turning traditional Andalusian flavours into innovative experiences while preserving the charm that makes Málaga so distinctive.
This selection brings together the city’s most renowned venues, chosen for their quality, atmosphere and contribution to Málaga’s reputation as a gastronomic destination. Whether you’re after a romantic dinner, a family lunch or a unique cultural evening, these ten restaurants capture the very soul of Old Town dining — tradition, innovation and authenticity served in equal measure.
List of restaurants
Among the many restaurants in Málaga Old Town, Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía stands apart for combining two passions: gastronomy and flamenco. Here, dining turns into an immersive cultural experience where music, dance, and flavours come together harmoniously.
Every night, acclaimed flamenco performers take the stage, delivering an authentic show full of emotion and rhythm. Before the performance, guests can even take part in introductory flamenco classes, adding an interactive dimension to the experience.
The menu celebrates traditional Andalusian cooking with signature dishes such as roasted cod loin, braised lamb and the classic poleá dessert. Guests can opt for one of two set menus — Chef or Alegría — both designed to complement the evening’s performance.
Spanning 500 square metres, with a terrace and three distinct dining areas, Alegría is ideal for intimate dinners or private events.
Each visit offers a new line-up of performers and a seasonal menu, ensuring that no two evenings are ever the same. It’s a perfect blend of entertainment and gastronomy for locals seeking a genuine Andalusian experience.
| Google Rating | 4.9/5 (11,122 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| District | Málaga-Este |
| Address | Calle Vélez Málaga 6, 29016 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, Spanish, Fusion, Healthy |
It’s impossible to talk about restaurants in Málaga Old Town without mentioning Bodega El Pimpi. An institution for more than fifty years, this iconic venue has welcomed countless personalities — from international artists to local legends — within its eighteenth-century mansion.
Inside, the décor evokes a traditional Andalusian bodega, complete with sherry barrels signed by celebrities and rustic arches that recall the building’s long history.
The menu is rooted in local tradition, featuring seasonal products and time-honoured recipes like porra antequerana, chestnut-fed Iberian ham and freshly caught fish. El Pimpi’s culinary excellence has earned numerous awards, including the Medal of Honour from Málaga’s San Telmo Academy.
A visit here is not just a meal — it’s a journey through Málaga’s cultural heritage.
| Google Rating | 4.1/5 (18,185 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | €€ |
| District | Old Town Málaga |
| Address | Calle Granada 62, 29015 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Wine Bar |
Hidden in the former Jewish quarter of Málaga’s Old Town, Kaleja is a restaurant that perfectly represents the city’s evolving fine-dining scene. Headed by Michelin-starred chef Dani Carnero, it blends ancestral cooking methods with refined modern techniques.
The tasting menus are constantly evolving, offering dishes like venison with Café de Paris butter, eels cooked all i pebre-style, or seasonal creations prepared over open flames. The minimalist décor — an open kitchen surrounded by a counter and a central hearth — creates a warm and intimate setting.
Kaleja’s approach is simple and profound: a tribute to Málaga’s culinary roots, expressed with innovation and respect.
Guests are encouraged to sit at the counter to observe the chefs at work — a unique opportunity to witness every stage of the creative process. The result is an intimate, almost theatrical dining experience that connects modern cuisine with the ancestral roots of Málaga’s hearths.
| Google Rating | 4.7 / 5 (581 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | €€€ |
| District | Old Town Málaga |
| Address | Calle Marquesa de Moya 9, 29015 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Creative |
Located in two beautifully restored houses from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Patio de Beatas is one of the most admired restaurants in Málaga Old Town. It combines fine dining with an impressive wine collection, curated by renowned sommelier Julián Sanjuán.
The restaurant’s elegant interior, featuring exposed beams and traditional tiles, evokes the charm of Old Málaga. The menu reinvents Andalusian staples with a contemporary twist — think Wagyu beef cecina, pumpkin risotto and delicate tapas crafted from local produce.
With over 600 wine labels from Spain and beyond, Patio de Beatas is a haven for wine lovers seeking a balanced and memorable dining experience.
The restaurant also offers guided wine tastings and pairing workshops led by its expert sommeliers. It’s an ideal stop for anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of Spanish wine culture while enjoying exquisite gastronomy.
| Google Rating | 4.4 / 5 (2,764 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | €€ |
| District | Old Town Málaga |
| Address | Calle Beatas, 43, 29008 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Wine Bar |
Situated on the picturesque Plaza de las Flores, Beluga has become synonymous with sophistication in Málaga’s Old Town. Under the direction of chef Diego René, the restaurant focuses on modern Mediterranean cuisine that highlights the flavours of Levante and Andalusia, with a special emphasis on rice and seafood.
Its signature dishes include dry arroz seco, shellfish paella and creative fish preparations, each executed with precision. The décor combines marble, leather and wood to create a setting that is both elegant and inviting.
Awarded a Repsol Sun in 2025, Beluga captures the refined yet relaxed atmosphere that defines the city’s new culinary era.
| Google Rating | 4.4 / 5 (2,290 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | €€ |
| District | Old Town Málaga |
| Address | Plaza de las Flores 3, 29005 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Contemporary |
Located at the edge of Málaga’s Soho district, La Deriva bridges the gap between classic Andalusian cooking and contemporary style. Run by the Caballero brothers with sommelier David Orellana, the restaurant has become one of the city’s culinary references.
Its menu fuses old and new: the award-winning ensaladilla rusa, grilled octopus with roasted potatoes and seasonal rice dishes all reflect local flavours with modern finesse.
Wine enthusiasts will find more than 500 labels and a collection of artisan cheeses. Designed by studio EME al CUBO, the space features a striking wooden-slat ceiling and subtle lighting that add to its sophisticated atmosphere.
Service here is attentive yet unpretentious, reflecting the restaurant’s philosophy: excellence without excess. Every detail, from presentation, underscores its commitment to offering a refined but welcoming experience.
| Google Rating | 4.2 / 5 (4 015 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | €€ |
| District | Old Town Málaga |
| Address | Alameda de Colón 7, 29001 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Healthy |
At Restaurante Pizzería Gusto, you can experience authentic Italian cuisine. Founded by an Italian family with decades of culinary tradition.
Each dish is reminiscent of elaborate Italian cuisine, with carefully selected ingredients and traditional Italian techniques.
It has two locations in the center of Malaga so you can enjoy authentic flavors. With a cozy atmosphere and exceptional service.
The interior of the restaurant is not very spacious, although the decoration with plants covering part of the walls and ceiling is striking. They also have a large terrace with more tables to enjoy the good weather.
| Google Rating | 4,6/5 (5,548 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | € |
| District | Old town Málaga |
| Address | Calle Bolsa, 11, Distrito Centro, 29015 Málaga |
| Características | Mediterranean, European, Italian |
No list of the best restaurants in Málaga Old Town would be complete without Casa Lola. Loved by locals and visitors alike, it’s famous for its lively atmosphere and its take on traditional Andalusian comfort food.
Expect to queue – it’s that popular – but the kitchen remains open throughout the day. The menu revisits classic tapas: Iberian-ham croquettes, bao buns with braised pork ribs and the playful montadito Cojonudo are among its staples.
Decorated like an updated taberna, with blue-and-white tiles and wooden counters, Casa Lola embodies Málaga’s casual, friendly side – the kind of place where every meal feels like a celebration.
| Google Rating | 4.3 / 5 (15 898 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | € |
| District | Old Town Málaga |
| Address | Calle Granada 46, 29015 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Bar, Mediterranean, European, Spanish |
Futotta brings the delicacy of Japanese cuisine to the narrow streets of Málaga’s Old Town. Its name, meaning “I gained weight” in Japanese, playfully nods to the comfort of good food.
Inside, a calm, minimalist setting allows the focus to remain on flavour and craftsmanship. The menu centres on ramen – the Iberian, spicy red and classic shoyu varieties are stand-outs – alongside favourites such as nasu dengaku (miso-glazed aubergine) and Japanese curry.
Balanced, precise and authentic, Futotta adds an international dimension to the Old Town’s culinary landscape.
| Google Rating | 4.8 / 5 (397 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | €€ |
| District | Old Town Málaga |
| Address | Calle Duque de la Victoria 3B, 29015 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Japanese, Asian |
While technically located by the port’s edge, José Carlos García’s restaurant remains an essential reference for anyone exploring restaurants in Málaga Old Town. Awarded a Michelin Star, it offers seasonal tasting menus that evolve throughout the year.
Signature creations such as the sunflower-seed polvorón, caviar fritters and crayfish with foie gras showcase the chef’s precision and creativity. Since opening in 2011, the establishment has accumulated numerous accolades, including the Best Restaurant Award 2020.
The dining room features an open kitchen and one of Spain’s largest vertical gardens, offering an elegant setting that matches the artistry on the plate.
| Google Rating | 4.3 / 5 (658 reviews) |
|---|---|
| Price | €€€ |
| District | Port of Málaga / Old Town Area |
| Address | Plaza de la Capilla 1, 29016 Málaga |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Contemporary |
Dining in Málaga’s Old Town is an invitation to discover the essence of Andalusian life. Within a few streets, move from rustic tapas bars to avant-garde kitchens revealing a different facet of local culture.
These ten restaurants highlight the diversity and dynamism that define the city’s gastronomy: time-honoured recipes, international influences and a shared devotion to quality ingredients.
Drawn by the passion of Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía, every visit turns into a celebration of Andalusian culture, where authentic flavours, live music and dance come together beneath the Mediterranean sun.