Malaga has become Spain's new cultural hub and is experiencing a resurgence in tourism, while also becoming a leading light in all matters culinary. Beyond the sun and the beach, the city has become a destination in which travelers can pair brilliant art and architecture with delicious food. The Picasso Museum and the Casa Natal Picasso, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the Centre Pompidou will likely form a core part of your visit, but it's also worth making a note of our recommendations of restaurants where you can enjoy local gastronomy and avant garde creations.
Andalusian Flavors
A few steps away from Malaga Cathedral, in the historic city center, is the restaurant La Cosmo, a relaxed, modern place where you can let yourself be swept up in Andalusian flavors, especially those from the coast. At the helm is Chef Dani Carnero, who wanted to present the most traditional Malaga cuisine prepared using local ingredients, with an avant garde slant.
Rice and The Sea
Strolling along Marqués de Larios, one of the most famous streets in the city and one of the most elegant in Spain, you'll find Beluga. Located in the central Plaza de las Flores, this restaurant run by a couple from Alicante has turned its rice and seafood dishes into a culinary calling card. The 'Arroz del señorito' comes in a variety of versions, including monkfish and shrimp, Angus beef and chickpeas, and seasonal black mushrooms. Alternatively, go for the 'lobster fideuá', one of the kitchen's stand-out dishes.
City Views
On the same street as Beluga, in a building dating back to 1821, is the Vincci Larios Diez hotel. With a modern aesthetic, it's one of the best accommodation options if you want to explore Malaga's historic city center. Don't miss its rooftop terrace, El Taller de Larios 10, to enjoy magnificent views of the city.
A Sensory Journey
Located in downtown Malaga, a few steps from the Cathedral, is Blossom, from Argentine chef Emi Schobert. This restaurant is an ode to its origins through local raw materials and know-how, but also to a whole continent, allowing diners to take a gastronomic journey throughout South America. Its menu, says the chef, is inspired by "the sea, the mountains and local products."
Sea Views
In front of the port, specifically overlooking the luxurious yachts of Pier One, is the eponymous restaurant of Chef José Carlos García. A native of Malaga and in love with his land, García has managed to combine the essence of this province's gastronomy with an interior characterized by light, the vegetation of its vertical garden and industrial design. His cooking is available from two tasting menus where local produce is the center of attention, while the flavors of Malaga guide his imagination.
Back to the Past
Located in the heart of Malaga's Jewish quarter is Kaleja, whose name means 'alley' in the Sephardic language. The Picasso Museum is just a few meters away and Kaleja is worth a visit not just for the visual beauty of its dishes, but also for its historic 'candle cooking' concept where ingredients are cooked over embers for several hours. These slow-cooked dishes appear on two tasting menus, 'Menú Memoria' and 'Gran Menú Memoria', in which Chef Daniel Carnero manages to take diners on a journey to the Andalusian flavors of their childhood.
These are just some of the fantastic restaurants where you can enjoy dining in Malaga, a city with cooking ranging from traditional Andalusian cuisine to modern invention.
Hero Image: Sunset in Malaga (© GettyImages)
