In my opinion Malaga is one of the underrated cities in Spain for a weekend getaway. I’ve visited twice now and had a great time both visits. It’s cheap, has a nice beach, but most importantly has loads of great tapas options. Here’s my top picks to visit in a day.
1. Cortijo de Pepe
Established in 1971, Meson Cortijo de Pepe is known for grilling meat & fish over hot coals. The house-made chorizo and octopus on potatoes are the stand out items here.
2. La Tranca
This bar is buzzing anytime of day but especially lively in the evenings. The walls are covered with Spanish 70s and 80s records from artists like Julio Iglesias. Go for a glass of house-made vermut & empanadas. Your bill is kept with chalk on the table in front of you.
3. El Pimpi
The most famous restaurant in town set in an impressive 18th-century building. There are two tapas rooms either side of the entrance which you can grab a walk-in table or space by the bar . At the back of the restaurant there is an upstairs and downstairs dining room which you can book. The walls are filled with sherry casks signed by famous restaurant visitors (one even signed by Picasso). You’re going to want to order the jamon here.
4. Casa Vicente
This no-thrills seafood restaurant is always full of locals. There are so many good things to get here but the gambas a la plancha are a must-get for me. The prices are great too.
5. Taberna Antigua De Guardia
With 24 types of sherry being served straight from the barrel this is perfect start to a tapas crawl. The bar has been around since 1840 and seems to have changed relatively little since. They also offer cold seafood seafood dishes. Avoid the mussels.
6. La Campana
A great tapas bar for seafood. All dishes come in full or half racions. Try the tortitas de camerones (tiny fried prawns with egg) or bacalao – a specialty in this region.
7. Taberna Uvedoble
A modern tapas bar with more experimental dishes. Try the squid ink noodles with baby squid. It’s very popular so you might have to wait for table.
8. El Tapeo de Cervantes
A modern tapas bar serving refined Spanish dishes. This is worth booking ahead if you want to visit.
9. Meson Mariano
A tapas bar serving traditional Malaga dishes. One of the must-get items here is the artichokes.
10. La Cosmopolita
An upmarket tapas bar serving some beautifully put together dishes.
James Dimitri 