El Pimpi was founded in 1971, and this restaurant is actually an institution in the city, an important part of Málaga's gastronomic and cultural history. You'll enjoy local gastranomy and wines, but mostly, the tradition and culture belonging to Southern Spain. The restaurant is much like a small museum in many respects. Being a very popular meeting point for celebrities, there's signatures on wine barrels and pictures of previous guests. One of the co-owners of El Pimpi is none other than the most famous Malagueño in the world, Antonio Banderas.

You should all experience this brunch concept that was born in Bali. The restaurant in Calle Carretería was the first of its kind in Spain, and is rated as one of Málaga's best restaurants on TripAdvisor. Brunchit like to call themselves flexitarians, which means that everyone will find something on the menu they really love. The selection is diverse, and based on local, fresh ingredients. Brunchit has got a variety of gluten-free and allergy-friendly options. Get into the brunch vibes, you too!

Along Calle Carretería you will find several cozy cafés, gastropubs and different hipster bars. Gloria Hoyos is one of our personal favorites. A classic, small gastropub. This is a great choice from morning until late at night. We especially like to visit in the evenings, and enjoy some good wine in this charming and warm atmosphere. Gloria Hoyos also serves tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner, for example tapas, at reasonable prices. Great reviews, a spot many visitors has named their favourite, and a place we strongly recommend.  

Strictly speaking, you are obliged to visit at least one tapas restaurant on your holiday in Málaga. Tapeo de Cervantes will be a very good choice, located in the historic center just off the Teatro Cervantes. Tapas and wine from top shelf at acceptable prices, served in a small and charming restaurant. After a visit as late as October 2019, we can safely say that this is our tapas favorite. Very good service too, we'd like to add. A Norwegian never gets tired of a waiter who tries to impress by speaking the Norwegian phrases he has picked up over the years.

Unfortunately permanently closed due to construction work in Calle Carretería, which made the running of the bakery impossible. We are hoping they will reopen at a different location, although there are currently no plans to do so. We miss Julia Bakery! 

Asian food with noodles as a specialty. You can choose between classic Asian dishes and an original type of sushi -> noodle rolls. Perfectly located in one of the old town's most popular restaurant squares. You can either sit inside their stylish premises, in a more relaxed atmosphere, or enjoy your food outside in the lively square. We have returned several times, and we don't hesitate recommending Udon.

Ciao serves classic Italian dishes such as pizza and pasta. Very reasonable prices, (courses for approx. € 10), and food "everyone" likes, makes Ciao the perfect choice for families with children. After you have placed your order, the food is served super quick. However, the service at Ciao has got a mixed reputation. If you want more drinks, or even the bill, you may need to be patient. Ciao has got two restaurants in Málaga, and while the one in Carretería 69 might be preferable in terms of service, Granada 33 has a better location and a very nice patio.

A small Italian treasure, literally speaking, that has received great reviews on TripAdvisor for many years. The restaurant offers a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and is known for good service from competent waiters. They serve delicious Italian dishes with style, giving you a true gourmet feeling. Mura Mura has got a maximum of 10 tables. If you like to enjoy an evening dinner, we recommend that you book in advance. It may be worth it, a lot of people believe this is the best food in Málaga.
 

Hard Rock Cafe, a favorite amongst many travelers, is finally established in Málaga. The new 1500 m² restaurant opened on March 10th, 2019, and has got a perfect location @ Muelle Uno no.1. The restaurant is located in the middle of the harbor, and includes a large rooftop terrace overlooking the area. Hard Rock opens as early as 9am, and focuses strongly on their breakfast menu. You can choose between Spanish, English and American between 9am and noon. A new Rockshop is also at the site, located next to the restaurant itself, with the possibility to rock your style if you wish.

Many people got Mexican food as their favorite, with Indian a close second, or vice versa. Amigos Grill at your service! They can help solve the family argument, no stone / scissor / paper the next time you're choosing a restaurant. We have tried both the Mexican and Indian dishes at Amigos Grill in Muelle Uno (along the promenade in Puerto), and we were very pleased with both. Good food and acceptable prices.

On the rooftop of the excellent AC Hotel Malaga Palacio, you'll find the city's oldest, and perhaps most famous rooftop bar. It is located on the 15th floor, hence you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea. You can choose between an indoor restaurant with panoramic windows, or in the open air by the pool. The bar is open from noon every day, giving you all the options; lunch, dinner or brunch cocktail. Rumor has it, that celebrities visiting Málaga may show up here.

Antigua Casa de Guardia opened its doors for the first time back in 1840, and it is really something special. Anonymous from the outside, but impressive and unique on the inside. There's barrels filled with Spanish goodies, all kinds of wine and sherry, lined up behind the bar. Large paintings on the walls also help to depict a long and rich history. Your bill is noted on the bar counter, with chalk, and contributes to a nostalgic feeling one can hardly achieve enjoying a pint back home.

On our very first trip to Málaga, in January 2015, we were determined to experience authentic Spanish tapas. We did it the easy way, and googled the #1 tapas in Málaga on TripAdvisor. El Gastronauta still holds first place today. You can choose from a very good selection of tapas, inspired by both the Spanish and the International cuisine. We also believe part of the reason for the great standing is the informal style and the nice prices. It's also worth mentioning that El Gastronauta is widely recognized for its paella.

This rooftop bar has great views of the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro castle, and has become a very popular spot for both tourists and locals. The rooftop terrace is split in two levels, with a separate bar on each. They are known for a friendly staff and reasonable prices. It is recommended to visit the rooftop during sunset. If you combine the sunset with the view, you are ensured great snap moments. If you get hungry you'll find the Batik restaurant one floor down.

This backyard is about to become one of the hippest spots in town, hidden from the busy downtown streets close by. Urban style, an oasis of colorful murals and surroundings. You can enjoy small dishes and all kinds of drinks in the open air. A cafe and lunch-spot during the day, and a perfect place for some good wine or a cold pint at any time. Occasionally they've got intimate concerts and other kinds of entertainment in the evening, and small markets during the day.

Permanently closed, unfortunately. 

The owners hope to be able to further develop the Ambigú concept elsewhere in the near future. They are proclaiming that this is no goodbye, rather see you soon.

This restaurant offers a very nice rooftop terrace on the 7th floor of the Salles Hotel Málaga Centro, overlooking the city skyline. The terrace includes a nice pool area, but it's (unfortunately) reserved for hotel guests. The restaurant serves lunch between noon and 3pm and dinner until 8pm, after which the bar is open until late at night. We have enjoyed their lunch, and the Club Sandwich is delicious. Furthermore, the bar is well known for different intimate concerts during the summer. The event is called Live the Roof, and it is highly recommended to come by one of these events if you're lucky enough to be in town.

The best bakery in town according to TripAdvisor, and we would also like to recommend Casa Aranda. It's a little difficult to spot, located in a small side street, but what you're more likely to notice are the buzz outside. It's never quiet here, and that is of course a good sign. Casa Aranda is best known for its lovely churros. Churros is a traditional Spanish pastry. An oblong, fried-dough pastry based on wheat flour or potato. It's often served with a hot chocolate sauce for dipping. You can also get churros filled with chocolate, vanilla or caramel sauce. Enjoy.

If you don't want to miss Premier League or Champions League matches while in Málaga, Morrisey's Irish Pub would be a good choice.​ The pub is easy to find in the city center, located in Calle Méndez Núñez 5. The pub shows football and other sports that are popular in the UK.​ Morrisey's is a classic Irish pub. Good selection of beers and other beverages, as well as the kind of food menu you'd expect from an Irish pub. Late in the evenings there's often loud music and good vibes.

Sherlock Holmes Málaga is also a good option for watching football, located only 250 meters away from Morrisey's.​ This bar is a little bit smaller, and the same goes for the selection of food and drinks. However, Sherlock Holmes offers a cozier atmosphere, with a more welcoming staff. They will do their very best to fulfill your wishes when it comes to preferred match or channel. If you ask for TV audio instead of the music playing, they fix that as well, without caring about all the other guests. You'll find the pub in Calle Molina Lario, 4.