Al-Yamal

Al-Yamal is the first Arabic restaurant in Malaga, and it still holds up. It’s small, warmly lit, and full of detail — the décor is inspired by the Mosque of Córdoba, with candles on every table. The menu features Moroccan classics, including couscous, lamb tagine, and mezze. Don’t skip the mint tea — it rounds things off nicely.

• Web:

  https://restaurantealyamal.eatbu.com/?lang=en#

• Address:

  Calle Blasco de Garay, 7, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 21 20 46

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat noon–4:15pm / 7pm–11:15pm; Sun & Mon closed

Bodega El Pimpi

El Pimpi is Malaga’s most iconic restaurant — a sprawling 18th-century bodega filled with Andalusian charm, colourful tiles, and walls lined with wine barrels signed by local celebrities and Spanish icons like Antonio Banderas and Carmen Thyssen. Right in the heart of the Old Town, it’s a popular stop for tapas, wine, and people-watching, with great views of the Alcazaba from the terrace. The menu focuses on local classics — Iberian ham, fried aubergine with honey, Malaga-style anchovies — along with a strong selection of regional wines. Beyond food, El Pimpi often hosts cultural events like flamenco, poetry, and music nights in its Palomar de Picasso space, keeping the spirit of southern Spain alive.

• Web:

  www.elpimpi.com

• E-mail:

  eservas@elpimpi.com

• Address:

  Calle Granada, 62, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 22 54 03

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–1am

Casa Lola

Casa Lola has grown into a small empire in Malaga, but the original taberna on Calle Granada still steals the show. It’s compact, noisy in the best way, and often packed within minutes of opening. The menu features Andalusian classics — pintxos piled with prawns, salt cod or morcilla, crisp croquetas, and chicharrones fritos that are pure fried bliss. Pair it with a cold vermouth and you’ve got yourself a proper local ritual.

• Address:

  Calle Granada, 46, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 22 38 14

• Opening hours:

  Daily 12:30pm–11:30pm

Chiringuito El Tintero

El Tintero is one of Malaga’s most entertaining places to eat — a loud, no-menu seafood spot right on the beach in El Palo. Waiters wander between tables shouting out dishes like crispy fried fish, garlic prawns, or grilled squid, and you just wave to claim what you want. It’s fast, chaotic, and full of character, with the sea just steps away and the smell of fresh seafood in the air.

• Web:

  https://eltinteromalaga.com

• Address:

  Avenida Salvador Allende, 340, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 650 68 09 56

• Opening hours:

  Daily 12:30pm–11:30pm

La Campana

This no-frills little tavern is all about doing one thing right: pescaíto frito. Crispy, golden anchovies and other fresh fish are fried to perfection in olive oil and best washed down with a cold beer or a glass of local Malaga wine.

• Web:

  www.lacampanamalaga.es

• Address:

  Calle Granada, 35, Malaga

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 12:30pm–4pm / 8pm–midnight; Sun 12:30pm–4pm

La Tasquita de en Medio

Right in Malaga’s historic centre, La Tasquita brings traditional Andalusian and Mediterranean flavours with a modern twist—pintxos, montaditos, varied tortillas, pescaíto, raciones, and Alicante-style rice dishes. The vibe is relaxed and cheerful, with whitewashed walls, sea-blue shutters, and bursts of bougainvillaea that make it feel like a corner of the Greek islands.

• Web:

  https://latasquita.es

• Address:

  Calle Calderería, 11, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 06 57 60

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–1am

Antigua Casa de Guardia

A Malaga landmark since 1840, this old-school bar pours fortified wines straight from the barrel. Tapas are minimal—cold cuts, cheese, maybe a bit of seafood to go with your glass. It’s mostly standing room, with a casual, no-frills vibe. Locals and visitors both drop in, especially mid-afternoon or early evening.

• Web:

  https://antiguacasadeguardia.com

• E-mail:

  antiguacasadeguardia@gmail.com

• Address:

  Alameda Principal, 18, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 21 46 80

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 11:30am–10pm, Fri & Sat 11:30am–10:45pm, Sun 11:30am–3pm

Bambu

Right in the heart of Malaga, Bambu is a buzzy nightclub where local DJs keep the energy high with a mix of current hits and reggaeton. It’s a popular late-night stop for drinks, dancing, and even a bit of hookah, drawing a young, lively crowd most nights of the week.

• Web:

  www.fourvenues.com/fr/bambu-malaga

• Address:

  Calle Santa Lucia 11, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 653 20 92 43

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 10pm–3am, Fri 10pm–4am, Sat 5pm–4am, Sun 5pm–3am

Bubbles Club

Bubbles is a trendy nightclub offering an eclectic and exciting experience for everyone. It hosts nights filled with live music and energetic parties, ensuring a fantastic time for all who step through its doors.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/bubblesclub.malaga

• Address:

  Calle Mártires, 14, Malaga

La Biblioteca

La Biblioteca is a small, library-themed bar in Málaga’s Old Town. Shelves, books and retro touches set the scene, but it’s really a late-night spot for dancing and cocktails. Some nights lean toward salsa or Latin, others more general party tracks.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/labibliotecamalaga

• Address:

  Calle Juan de Padilla, 15, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 665 42 93 18

• Opening hours:

  Sun–Thu 4pm–3am, Fri & Sat 4pm–4am

Lo Güeno Mesón

Lo Güeno Mesón is a traditional Spanish tapas bar serving Andalusian paella and grilled delicacies, along with a selection of tapas and beer.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/logueno

• E-mail:

  meson@logueno.es

• Address:

  Calle Marín García, 9, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 22 30 48

• Opening hours:

  Daily noon–midnight

MalaFama

Despite its name, which means 'bad reputation,' this is a great place for dancing and drinking in the centre of Malaga. Combined with their affordable prices, cool music, and a fun crowd and you've got yourself the perfect venue for a memorable night out.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/malafama.malaga

• E-mail:

  malafama.malaga.club@gmail.com

• Address:

  Pasaje Mitjana, 1, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 623 59 32 68

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9:30pm–3am

Brunchit

Brunchit is a lively brunch spot just around the corner from Mercado de Atarazanas. Indulge in fresh-roasted coffee and colourful brunch plates like healthy bowls, pancakes, avocado toast, and Eggs Benedict, all served in a bright and clean setting. There are outdoor tables too, perfect if you want to soak up some street buzz.

• Web:

  https://brunchit.es

• Address:

  Calle Alhóndiga, 2, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 911 08 94 46

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–4pm

Casa Aranda

Eating churros is a must when visiting Malaga. And for nearly nine decades, Casa Aranda has been serving this delicious treat to be dipped in velvety, hot chocolate to both locals and visitors with great success. Drop by for some breakfast or an afternoon coffee with the locals.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/casaaranda

• Address:

  Calle Herrería del Rey, 2, Malaga

• Opening hours:

  Daily 8am–8:15pm

Casa Mira

Casa Mira is an institution in Málaga. Praised by locals and tourists alike, it’s often called the city’s best ice cream—a claim backed up by the long queues out front. It’s also the oldest ice cream shop in town, serving handmade ice creams and turrones since 1890. There’s no seating, but plenty of benches near the Cathedral where you can sit and enjoy your scoop. And don’t worry about the line—the staff are friendly, helpful, and quick.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/heladeriasmiramalaga

• Address:

  Calle Marqués de Larios, 5, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 22 30 69

• Opening hours:

  Daily 10:30am–1am

La Recova

La Recova is a quirky café, where antiques and crafts spill across the walls and make you wonder whether you’re in a shop or a café. Their signature breakfast is a thick slice of bread with paper-egg-carton servings of sweet and savoury spreads, plus coffee. Come mid-morning and you'll find a queue, but staff are brisk. Later in the day it becomes a laid-back tapas spot, serving dishes based on fresh picks from Mercado de Atarazanas. Outdoor seating’s quiet and shaded—ideal for a restful pit‑stop in the Old Town.

• Address:

  Pasaje Nuestra Señora de los Dolores de San Juan, 3, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 744 61 76 58

Santa Coffee Soho

Santa Coffee Soho is a café and roastery in Malaga’s Soho district where they roast their own beans on-site. You can choose how you want it brewed—filter, espresso, cold, whatever suits you. They also serve crêpes (sweet and savoury), toast, cakes, and fresh juices if you’re staying longer than just one cup.

• Web:

  www.instagram.com/santacoffeeshop/

• Address:

  Calle Tomás Heredia, 5, Malaga

• Phone:

  +34 952 02 52 35

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat & Sun 9am–8pm