Malaga’s Tapas Bars: Something New For The Taste Buds

Sampling local food should be part of any foreign holiday. There’s nothing better or more wholesome than getting to know a new place through its cuisine, and there are fewer Spanish towns that taste better than Málaga.

Out of all the local dishes, tapas are some of the best. However, there are so many tapas bars it can be quite a daunting prospect choosing which one to visit first via one of the city’s taxis. From Málaga Airport to Gibralfaro, here are some of the best spots in the city.

El Tapeo de Cervantes

The bar may be small but its menu is large. This is the best and broadest introduction to Andalucían cuisine, where it seems everything is served, from traditional dishes to modern updates and fusions, as well as a number of rather sumptuous local dry wines. Reserve a table ahead of time though, because the Cervantes is popular – and its small size only exacerbates exclusivity.

La Recova

Great for breakfast or lunch, this small tapas bar sits right in the heart of the city. It offers a range of unusual selections, like octopus and snails, as well as large platters so customers can sample a bigger range of splendid food. You’ll also find a selection of artisanal homeware on sale that you can take home as a souvenir (or to use if you want to make Spanish food at home).

Mesón Mariano

Beautifully-presented food can be found at this high-quality restaurant; come ready to sit down and indulge your deepest gastronomic desires. The Mesón offers a range of artichoke dishes unique to its kitchen, as well as fresh fish and locally-sourced produce that is bound to leave the taste buds tingling.

Marisquería Casa Vicente

If fish is your favourite then the Marisquería is the restaurant for you. With a delicious range of fried fish and specialty prawn dishes, it is one of the best examples of authentically prepared seafood in the country. Found next to the Atarazanas Market, this gem can be enjoyed as soon as you arrive; head straight to it via one of the many taxis from Málaga Airport.

Uvedoble

Uvedoble is unavoidable for true foodies. It takes traditional food and twists and invigorates the recipes with modern infusions; check out the slight retouches to garlic soup and meatballs. Great for small bites or proper meals (large plates, raciones, are available), this is a menu to be savoured.

Wendy Gamba

Last on the list is Wendy Gamba; it has some stunning gourmet burgers on its menu. Though it isn’t traditionally malagueño (from Málaga), the food’s quality alone is enough to pay it a visit.

How to Get There

The airport is easily reachable through the major British airlines, and takes just under three hours on direct flights (there are several daily). Also available are pre-booked taxis from Málaga Airport, making the trip to hotels or hostels quick and efficient.

Málaga is a great city for tapas no matter the budget, and there are so many great places to feast on this tasty Spanish food that it’s impossible to go wrong.

Author Plate

Lukas Johannes is a driver for Shuttle Direct, the number one provider of shared and private airport transfers all over Europe and northern Africa. If you’re looking for affordable taxis from Malaga airport Lukas and his colleagues can make sure that you and your luggage get to and from the airport swiftly and safely.