When it comes to enjoying the gastronomy of Malaga, nothing compares to a stop in the city’s tapas restaurants. Their specialties reflect culinary know-how and traditions that can seduce even the most demanding palates. Every bite tells the story of Malaga, between sea, sun, and Andalusian traditions.
Eating in a tapas restaurant in Malaga means tasting recipes passed down for generations. It also means living an experience where every ingredient has meaning.
Malaga is not only a tourist destination: it is also a cultural crossroads where food, flamenco, and the sea meet. Tapas restaurants are the mirror of this unique blend.
Dining in Malaga is like traveling to the very heart of Andalusia. The establishments gathered in this ranking perfectly illustrate this richness and are among the best tapas restaurants Malaga has to offer.
List of restaurants
Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía is more than a restaurant: it is an immersion in Andalusia. Andalusian tradition is present in every dish and in the shows that accompany dinner.
While you enjoy Andalusian specialties, flamenco artists of international renown take the stage. The shows, renewed every week, transmit all the intensity and passion of this art.
For those seeking an even deeper immersion, interactive flamenco initiation activities are offered.
Located steps from the Muelle Uno port and La Malagueta beach, our restaurant charms with its décor that blends modern touches with Andalusian motifs. With 500 m² spread between dining room, terrace, and private areas, it can host both intimate dinners and events with up to 120 guests.
Set menus, shared tapas, warm service: everything is designed to provide a complete experience that places Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía at the top of tapas restaurants in Malaga.
Salmorejo cordobés, corvina in gazpachuelo, Andalusian cheese platter, Iberian ham… the gastronomic tradition of this land is the true star of the menu. Whether as a couple or in a group, it is also possible to book a fixed menu, to enjoy before or during the flamenco performance.
Beyond the food, Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía seduces with the staging that accompanies each meal. Guests leave with a vivid memory, that of having tasted local specialties to the rhythm of music. This concept makes it a unique stop among tapas restaurants Malaga, where art and gastronomy blend. An ideal place to share emotions and flavors.
| Google rating | 4.9★/5 (10,976 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Málaga-Este |
| Address | C/ Vélez Málaga, 6, 29016 Málaga |
| Features | Mediterranean, Spanish, fusion, healthy | Live music | Reservations | Terrace | Vegetarian and vegan options | Accessibility | Wi-Fi | Large capacity |
Open for more than thirty years, El Trillo has become a symbol of local gastronomy. Located just a few meters from Calle Larios, it proudly defends the authenticity of its dishes. The décor recalls traditional Andalusian taverns, with rustic details and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Its specialties are pescaíto frito, bacalao al pil pil, and huevos rotos. These dishes embody the essence of Malaga’s cuisine. Chef Miguel Santiago is widely recognized for his talent. Thanks to his work, the restaurant received the 2024 Tripadvisor Traveller’s Choice award.
El Trillo is an essential stop for those who want to understand the richness of tapas restaurants Malaga. It combines tradition, flavor, and attentive service.
What sets El Trillo apart is its fidelity to tradition. Every dish is prepared as it once was, without artifices. The warm atmosphere of the dining room adds to the charm of the place. Here, the experience is not only culinary: it is a journey into tradition.
| Google rating | 4.0★/5 (1,927 reviews |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Distrito Centro |
| Address | C/ de Don Juan Díaz,4, 29015 Málaga |
| Features | Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine | Late service | Reservations | Terrace | Vegetarian and gluten-free options | Accessible | Large capacity |
It would be impossible to talk about tapas restaurants in Malaga without mentioning La Reserva 12. Perfectly located right in front of the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre, it offers a menu that pays homage to traditional local cuisine. Dishes like porra antequerana or salted anchovies show its close link with Andalusian specialties.
La Reserva 12 adapts to every occasion. You can enjoy a few tapas on the lively terrace, organize a business lunch in one of its private rooms, or host a more formal dinner in its four outdoor dining spaces. This versatility is one of its strengths.
The restaurant has received Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice award, confirming its solid reputation. Beyond its dishes, customers appreciate the animated atmosphere at the bar and the views from the terrace. Its wine list deserves a mention, with local references that match the dishes.
La Reserva 12 represents what makes tapas restaurants in Malaga so unique: authentic recipes, a strategic location, and a welcoming atmosphere.
| Google rating | 4.2★/5 (1,828 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Distrito Centro |
| Address | C/ Bolsa, 12, 29015 Málaga |
| Features | Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine | Late service | Reservations | Terrace | Vegetarian and gluten-free options | Accessible | Private dining | Large capacity |
Opened in 1973 by Francisco Ramírez, El Refectorium Malagueta has become one of the most talked-about tapas restaurants in Malaga. Located next to the bullring, it features a market-based menu where freshness always comes first. The décor is simple and traditional, reflecting the restaurant’s strong commitment to authentic Andalusian cuisine.
Among its most famous dishes are the Russian salad, the artichokes with ham, and the homemade croquettes. These specialties, rooted in Andalusian tradition, have earned El Refectorium Malagueta recognition as a true temple of good food. It was even honored by the Gastronomic Academy of Malaga, confirming its reputation as a reference point for quality and authenticity.
For visitors who want to experience the most authentic side of Andalusian gastronomy, this is a must. It combines heritage, simple cooking, and careful preparation in an atmosphere that feels both local and welcoming. Without a doubt, El Refectorium is one of the most reliable tapas restaurants in Malaga has to offer.
| Google rating | 4.3★/5 (1,420 reviews) |
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| Price | €€€ |
| Neighborhood | Málaga-Este |
| Address | C/ Cervantes, 8, 29016 Málaga |
| Features | Seafood, Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine |
Los Mellizos has become a stop for anyone wanting to discover Malaga and its typical cuisine. Right in the heart of the city, this establishment has been delighting diners with seafood dishes for more than forty years. Its versatile interior makes it the perfect setting, whether for a quick tapas stop or a more formal event.
The star of the menu is the pescaíto frito, perfected over decades. Other highlights include Huelva prawns, small red mullets, and the well-known boquerones from Malaga. Variety, freshness, and quality are the hallmarks of this restaurant. All seafood is carefully selected at the local fish market, guaranteeing the best flavors.
Los Mellizos is a lively address, always full of life. Families, couples, and groups of friends meet here to share generous portions and enjoy the atmosphere. The combination of traditional preparation and high-quality ingredients has made it one of the essential tapas restaurants Malaga offers.
Its reputation extends beyond the city, attracting both locals and visitors. With attentive service and a long history of excellence, Los Mellizos proves why Malaga is known worldwide for its seafood tapas
| Google rating | 4.2★/5 (8,820 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Distrito Centro |
| Address | Sancha de Lara, 7, 29015 Málaga España |
| Features | Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine |
With more than sixty years of history, Tormes has become a symbol of tradition for the people of Malaga. Located near the Picasso Museum, it offers one of the best views of the cathedral from its terrace. This perspective, combined with its history, makes it a unique stop among tapas restaurants in Malaga.
Run by the same family since its opening, the restaurant is known for its warm and homely atmosphere. Dining here feels like eating at home, thanks to its old-fashioned décor and the genuine hospitality of the staff. This sense of closeness is part of what has kept Tormes popular for decades.
The menu is based on fresh, seasonal products. Andalusian and Mediterranean specialties are prepared with a homemade touch that makes them unmistakable. Among the most recommended dishes are tuna with porra antequerana and the classic stewed oxtail. These recipes highlight the essence of Malaga’s traditional cuisine.
For those seeking tapas restaurants in Malaga that remain faithful to their roots, Tormes is an unmissable choice.
| Google rating | 4.3★/5 (904 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Distrito Centro |
| Address | C/ San Agustín, 13, 29015 Málaga |
| Features | Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine |
Among the most traditional tapas restaurants in Malaga has to offer, Mesón Mariano is one of the most experienced. It opened its doors in 1988 thanks to Mariano Martín Navas, a chef with more than fifty years of culinary background. He was honored with the Antonio Espinosa Award for a Life Dedicated to Tourism and Gastronomy, a distinction that underlines his contribution to the city’s heritage.
The restaurant is decorated in a rustic style that evokes the atmosphere of classic Andalusian taverns. On the walls, photos of famous diners, including actor Antonio Banderas, show the reputation this establishment has earned over the years.
Its menu highlights seasonal products and traditional recipes, exalting the characteristic flavors of Andalusia. Artichokes deserve a mention, as they have become the star of the house. Other specialties include cabrito malagueño, a tender local goat dish, and chickpeas with cuttlefish. These recipes reflect the richness of the local cuisine and the chef’s skill in enhancing authentic products.
| Google rating | 4.7★/5 (3,063 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Distrito Centro |
| Address | C/ Granados, 2, 29008 Málaga |
Features | Mediterranean, Spanish cuisine |
Mesón Astorga is one of those establishments that must appear in any list of tapas restaurants Malaga. Founded in 1990 by brothers José and Manuel Calvo, it has become a true symbol of traditional local gastronomy. One of its main strengths is the ability to add innovative touches without ever betraying the culinary roots of its land.
This central tavern has succeeded in reviving classic recipes that had almost disappeared, such as the traditional guisandería malacitana. Among the most recommended dishes are the eggplants with cane honey and the slow-cooked legs of young Malaga goat. Each preparation shows both respect for tradition and the creativity of the kitchen.
Its wine list also stands out. In addition to giving pride of place to local denominations, it offers a remarkable variety of labels. The careful choice of local products and the consistent quality of the dishes earned Mesón Astorga the “Sabor a Málaga” seal, a mark of excellence that highlights the best of the province.
For anyone seeking tapas restaurants in Malaga that represent history and creativity, this is an essential stop.
| Google rating | 4.5★/5 (2,211 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Cruz de Humilladero |
| Address | C/ Gerona, 11, 29006 Málaga |
| Features | Spanish, European, Mediterranean cuisine |
El Pimpi has been consolidating its reputation for more than half a century, making it one of the classics of Malaga’s gastronomy. In 2024, it was even included among the fifteen best bars in the world, proof of its international recognition. Known as “the bodega with the most character in Malaga,” it is much more than a restaurant: it is an institution.
The name comes from a local figure who became famous for helping crews and passengers arriving at the port of Malaga. The establishment itself occupies an 18th-century mansion built on top of an ancient Roman road. Every corner breathes Andalusian identity, with interior patios, feria posters, and barrels signed by celebrities such as the Duchess of Alba or Sean Connery.
On the gastronomic side, the house specialty is the montadito de pringá, a small sandwich full of Andalusian flavors. Customers also enjoy a wide range of tapas that highlight the richness of regional products. The lively atmosphere, combined with its history, makes El Pimpi an essential stop to feel the soul of the city.
It is without doubt one of the most emblematic tapas restaurants Malaga and a must-see for anyone wanting to live the culture of the city through its food.
| Google rating | 4.1★/5 (17,940 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Distrito Centro |
| Address | C/ Granada, 62, 29015 Málaga |
| Features | Bar, Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine |
Since it opened its doors in 1979, Restaurante Antonio has become one of the most distinctive symbols of Malaga’s traditional cuisine. Its menu remains faithfully devoted to Andalusian classics, prepared with care and respect for local products.
Among its highlights are boquerones victorianos, a dish rooted in the city’s culinary identity, and homemade pork sirloin. The scrambled eggs with young garlic, ham, and prawns are perhaps its most emblematic recipe, and one of the most requested by regulars. A carefully selected wine list offers the complement to these specialties.
The restaurant is located on a picturesque pedestrian street in the eastern part of the city. Its décor, inspired by traditional Andalusian taverns, creates a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. With spacious dining rooms and a terrace, it is also the place to enjoy Malaga’s mild climate.
For more than four decades, it has remained true to its origins, while continuing to attract new generations of diners.
| Google rating | 4.2★/5 (3,505 reviews) |
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| Price | €€ |
| Neighborhood | Málaga-Este |
| Address | C/ Playa del Chanquete,41, 29018 Málaga |
| Features | Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Spanish cuisine |
These ten addresses demonstrate the richness and diversity of Malaga’s cuisine. From the refinement of El Refectorium to the family warmth of Tormes, and the complete cultural experience at Alegría Flamenco y Gastronomía, each restaurant highlights an aspect of Andalusian identity.
Choosing tapas restaurants in Malaga is much more than a culinary pleasure. It is an immersion into a world where food, music, and hospitality come together.
In 2025, Malaga confirms its status as one of Spain’s great gastronomic and cultural destinations. Its typical restaurants remain the best ambassadors of that authenticity. Each bite tells a story, from the sea to the mountains, from tradition to modernity. Visiting Malaga means tasting its tapas and living its flamenco, experiences that stay engraved in memory after the journey ends.