Where to Eat in Málaga – The Local's Guide Including Vegetarian Options

We moved to Málaga three years ago, and as passionate foodies running a food blog, one of our top priorities-right after finding a place to live-was figuring out where to eat in Málaga as a local. Avoiding tourist traps was a must, especially since the city center is packed with restaurants catering to visitors fresh off the cruise ships that arrive daily.

If you're also planning your itinerary, start here: What to do in Málaga.

The challenge was even greater because we follow a plant-based diet, and Málaga is a city renowned for its seafood rather than its vegetarian offerings. At the same time, we have a highly social lifestyle, and most of our friends eat a regular diet. So rather than searching only for vegan or vegetarian spots, we focus on carefully curated restaurants where both omnivores and plant-based eaters can enjoy the experience without compromise.

That's why this guide isn't just about where to eat out in Málaga-whether in the city center or beyond-but about restaurants, tapas bars, international restaurants, ice cream an coffee shops where the menu offers something for everyone. Places where you can sit at a friendly table, enjoy great food, and truly appreciate what the restaurant is all about, no matter your dietary preference.

If you're looking for where to eat in Málaga's old town or its surroundings, whether for breakfast, lunch, tapas, or a special dinner, this guide will take you through the best spots, organized by area and category.

Jump to:

• Cafés and Breakfast Spots - Starting the Day with Good Flavor
• Bars and Tapas
• Casual Lunches and Quick Bites
• Special Dinner Restaurants
• Ice Cream Shops - Ending on a Sweet Note
• Staying in Málaga and want to be near the best food?
• Final Tips for Eating Well in Málaga
• FAQ
• 💬 Reviews and Comments

Cafés and Breakfast Spots - Starting the Day with Good Flavor

Centro

1. Santa Coffee (Soho and Centro)
   If you're a fan of good coffee, this place is perfect. Santa Coffee stands out for its excellent specialty coffee and its wide range of regular and vegan or gluten-free sweets.
   Recommendation: Have breakfast here and try one of their vegan cakes.
2. No Piqui
   This modern café focuses on healthy food. They offer varied breakfasts and lunches, including affordable plant-based options. It is a great place to work with a relaxed ambiance and a good coffee.

3. Café Central
   Just a short walk from the waterfront, Café Central Malagueta brings a more polished, upscale feel to the neighborhood-without the hefty price tag. The interior feels like a refined bar-lounge hybrid, but it's equally cozy for a casual pitufo and coffee. We've only been for breakfast, but it's a solid spot to enjoy a slow morning and maybe sneak in a remote work session. With comfortable seating and a relaxed, elegant vibe, it's one of our favorite low-key cafés in La Malagueta to settle in for a few hours.

Huelin

3. Nina Specialty Coffee
   Run by its owners, this place is a must for coffee lovers and those who enjoy gluten-free pastries. Although they opened recently, they have quickly gained a place in Málaga's vibrant coffee scene. In addition to their excellent freshly ground coffee, don't miss their caprese chipá, almond alfajores, marvelous carrot cake, and delicious cheesecake.
   Ambiance: Relaxed, home vibes and good music, where you can even bring your own vinyl records. They even have their own Spotify chill music Playlist that you must follow.

Eastern Málaga: Limonar, Pedregalejo, El Palo

4. Manhattan
   Also located close to the promenade in Pedregalejo, Manhattan is an affordable and delicious option. Great pitufos with coffee for 3 euros (you won't get a breakfast any cheaper than this!). They also have a great tortilla de patatas with onions and cheap wine by the glass and cañas! They offer varied breakfasts and occasional events, giving it a special ambiance.
5. Al Sur
   Another ideal option for breakfast by the sea. Although their food isn't the best, it's a great place to relax with a "pitufo" sandwich and a cold draft beer. This is where we always meet with friends to play music live with our guitars.
6. Seven Café
   Located in the Limonar neighborhood, which is quite posh, just east from la Malagueta, this is one of the best breakfasts in town. Their bocadillos are to die for. Make sure you ask for their multi-grain bread with any bocadillo. I usually ask for tomato, manchego, and olive oil.

Bars and Tapas

1. La Pechá Taberna (Soho)
   A modern tavern known for its diverse selection of Spanish omelets, each crafted with unique flavors, and an extensive vermouth list-making it a perfect spot for tapas in Soho. Our favorite? The ajo negro (black garlic) omelet-rich, flavorful, and absolutely worth trying!
2. La Vegana
   One of the best vegan tapas bars in Málaga, located near Plaza de la Merced. Their tapas are creative and reasonably priced. They offer great "seafood-based" tapas in their veganized version.

3. El Pimpi
   An iconic spot in the city, perfect for enjoying tapas in a historic setting. With multiple areas to choose from, you can opt for a casual tapas experience or a more formal dinner. The beautifully designed Andalusian interior gardens make it worth visiting more than once to explore different atmospheres.Don't be discouraged by the long line in front of the Roman Theater-that's just for those waiting for a formal dining experience. Skip the queue and head straight to one of their three tapas bars inside, where the high turnover ensures you'll either be sipping a beer or finding a spot by a wooden barrel in no time.

4. La Tranca
   This is a must-visit. They serve classic tapas, delicious empanadas, and have a very authentic atmosphere. Don't forget to try their spinach empanadas, four-cheese empanadas, and cheese and onion empanadas. Their padrón peppers are among the best you'll find in the city. It gets very crowded, so try to arrive before 8 pm for a more comfortable experience. They're open every day of the week from midday. If you are lucky, you'll watch some local dancing to famous Flamenco songs.

5. El Colmado
   Their fried olives and caramelized onion toasts are excellent. They also have a location diagonally across the same street.

6. La Esquinita del Chupa y Tira
   From the same crew behind La Tranca and El Colmado, La Esquinita del Chupa y Tira is a classic taberna malagueña just a few blocks north of Plaza de la Merced. It's packed with character, casual energy, and some of the best montaditos and traditional tapas in the area. While the veggie options aren't listed on the menu, the team was incredibly accommodating-they let us mix and match from the tapas bar to create a custom plant-based montadito that turned out delicious. Come for the old-school vibe, stay for the friendly service and great prices.

7. Arrebato Gastrotaberna
   Tucked into a charming stone alley just off Plaza de la Merced, Arrebato Gastrotaberna offers a more refined take on traditional Andalusian flavors, with solid veggie-friendly picks. The vegan arepas were a standout-crispy, flavorful, and generously filled-and the plant-based croquettes were equally satisfying. The patatas bravas weren't our favorite, but the overall experience made up for it: cozy indoor seating, a quiet outdoor terrace, a well-curated wine list, and genuinely warm service. A great spot to relax over tapas and wine in the historic center without the usual touristy feel.
8. Batik
   A bar located on the top floor of a hotel on the popular Calle Alcazabilla. It's ideal for watching the sunset while viewing Gibralfaro Castle. They have good drinks and attentive service.
9. Antigua Casa de Guardia
   Located in the city center on Alameda Principal, it's a great option for tapas and local wine. It's an excellent option for tapas and local wine in the city center on Alameda Principal.

8. Café Bar Ortega
   This Paraguayan bar is famous for its mbejú, a typical dish you can't miss. Pair it with a cold beer.
9. Casa Lola
   A traditional tapa bar has several locations in the city center. They have a good selection of tapas and vermouth, with outdoor seating perfect for watching people pass by.
10. Tapería El Beato
    Located on the beautiful pedestrian Beatas Street in the city center, it offers a great selection of vegetarian tapas and has a very relaxed ambiance, ideal for having a drink and watching people pass by.
11. El Mesón Mariano
    This vibrant, always-buzzing tapas bar captures the essence of traditional Málaga with its barrels-as-tables, classic tilework, and fast-paced energy. It's a local favorite for a reason-whether you're popping in for a quick midday tapa or settling down for a full dinner of shared plates. The atmosphere is lively but welcoming, with both standing and seated options. Their artichokes are among the best we've had in the city-tender, flavorful, and perfectly charred. Expect authentic, no-frills Andalusian tapas, quick service, and Mariano, the owner, always on hand making sure things run smoothly.

Casual Lunches and Quick Bites

Centro

1. Recyclo Bike Café
   The perfect blend of an alternative atmosphere and healthy food. They offer plant-based menus prepared with fresh ingredients.
2. Vegetariano El Calafate
   One of the first vegetarian restaurants in Málaga. Their homemade dishes are hearty and reasonably priced.
3. La Tetería (Calle Granada)
   A quiet and exotic spot where you can enjoy Arab and Mediterranean dishes with several vegan options.

4. Udon
   This Asian restaurant is known for its noodles and ramen.
   Recommendation: Try the vegetarian ramen, a flavorful and well-balanced option.
5. El Ombú
   If you love empanadas and want something on the go, try their fantastic Argentinean empanadas at great prices. They have various "grab and go" locations in the center.
6. Spago's
   A great choice if you're looking for authentic Neapolitan pasta at a very good price, served quickly near the busy Plaza de Uncibay.
7. Gofre's 2
   This corner spot is perfect if you want good, tasty, and affordable pizza or falafel when you're in a hurry. They're always open!

Limonar, Pedregalejo, El Palo, and Málaga Este

If you're exploring east of Málaga or returning from a day trip to Frigiliana or Nerja, make a stop in Pedregalejo. Known as one of Málaga's top neighborhoods, it offers a lively gastronomy scene and beautiful beaches, perfect for a day of relaxation.

8. La Tabernita del Medio. Next to Seven in el Limonar, is located this fantastic taberna. Their prices are pretty low, and the quality is excellent. We are fans of their blue cheese and apple croquettes, probably the best ones I have ever had. They Russian salad y great (make sure you asked them without seafood), but their "special" Russian salad is even better, they serve it with a black truffle topping, that is quite inventive and works great, jut make sure to ditch the "torreznos" that come with it (which is fried pork rinds).

9. El Morata
   Traditional food at local prices. Their vegetable skewer served with "patatas a lo pobre" is the best espeto-style vegetable dish I've tried in the city. Their eggplants with honey are highly recommended, as well as their roasted pepper salad and garlic-seasoned tomatoes, which are fantastic. As a vegetarian, this is my go-to place to bring friends who want to try traditional espeto-style fish and seafood while I can enjoy delicious vegan food and share the restaurant's concept.

10. Restaurante Maricuchi
    Located on the promenade, this restaurant also offers great traditional food. Their heart lettuce salad is outstanding.
11. El Galerna
    Famous for their generous, fresh salads. It's the perfect spot if you're looking for a light and delicious lunch by the sea. It is also an excellent spot for breakfast and has a very calm second-floor room where you can get your computer and do some work and a fantastic sea view.
12. Molabassa
    Besides good food, Molabassa is known for its lively atmosphere and live music on weekends.

14. Pez Tomillo (temporarily closed, due to reforms in the promenade)
    This restaurant combines Mexican and Spanish cuisine. They have great veggie dumplings, a majestic burrata salad with smoked tomatoes, great egg cascaras with truffle sauce, and a very nice veggie risotto. Their margaritas are outstanding.
    Recommendation: Don't miss their smoked burrata salad, crispy egg shells, and mushroom risotto. For dessert, the French toast is the best choice. They also serve excellent margaritas, and the ambiance is lovely with a sea view.
15. Restaurante El Balneario Baños del Carmen
    While their service isn't the best, they offer one of the best sunset views in Málaga. Their roasted potatoes and vegetarian broth rice are excellent.
16. Bar Kali
    Exceptional service and delicious potato wedges served with three great sauces. Their "roscas" (bread ring) are also fantastic; we especially love the one with cheese, tomato, and oregano. A great place to grab a bite near the beach, and their pizzas are also worth trying.
17. La Machina
    This spot offers the best ambiance with music on the Pedregalejo promenade. Despite the less-than-stellar service, the atmosphere is enjoyable, and the caprese croquettes are delicious. The vegetable wok and salted edamame are also great.

18. Lume
    This is a great place with outdoor seating. Their ensaladilla rusa and cheese dice are amazing. They also have great veggie options, such as the grilled vegetables I chose for my birthday lunch, which was outstanding.

19. Kanaloa
    This new venue sits right on the sand in Pedregalejo, serving up good vibes and seriously delicious plant-based options. We were impressed by the friendly service and surprisingly affordable prices for such a prime beachfront spot. The patatas bravas were golden and crispy, and the boletus croquettes-along with the rest of the mushroom dishes-were outstanding. Don't skip the vegan crepe, which was both light and satisfying. Perfect for a post-beach meal with a sea breeze and a local, low-key atmosphere. They also have great pitufos (bocadillos) for breakfast.

20. Casa Anuel de Lonja
    Located a bit further along the El Palo promenade, this spot offers excellent vegetarian paella and plenty of traditional food options by the sea. We love their berenjenas with sugarcane molasses, they are one of the best in Málaga.

20. La Calma
    About 7 km further from Alma, you'll find this restaurant with a lovely atmosphere and great dishes such as roasted avocados, carrot hummus, falafel, and patatas bravas. They offer reasonable prices, and it's also an ideal place to swim and spend the day.
21. 7 mares
    The local place to eat seafood is El Candado, located by the beach, and they also cater for veggies! Their vegetarian paella is one of the best I have tried and they also have great berenjenas with molasses.

Special Dinner Restaurants

Centro

1. El Vegetariano de la Alcazabilla
   Elegant ambiance and creative dishes, such as their vegan risotto.
2. Canela Fina
   Located in Plaza de la Merced, it's perfect for a modern dinner with seasonal products.

3. Pachamama
   Authentic Peruvian cuisine with standout vegetarian options, such as the chaufa rice and a fantastic plant-based ceviche.

4. La Caravana: Run by its super friendly and experienced Chilean chef and owner, Álvaro, this Latin American fusion spot offers a menu where every dish can be veganized without losing its essence. They work with plant-based proteins like tempeh, tofu, and jackfruit. Must-tries: boniato with caramelized onions and vegan cheese, chipotle pil-pil with tempeh, and the vegan "duck" with passion fruit sauce. Don't skip the milhojas cake for dessert!
5. Mimo Vegan
   This fully vegan gem in Málaga consistently surprises us with its bold, innovative flavors and commitment to organic, sugar-free ingredients. While it's about 50% pricier than the city average, the quality and creativity justify every euro. We often go, and the roasted potatoes on a creamy mushroom sauce are simply outstanding-earthy, savory, and deeply satisfying. The Onigirazu sandwich, crafted with nori, seasoned rice, and mushrooms, is unique and excellently executed, offering a delicious take on Japanese fusion. For something light and refreshing, both the raw zucchetti and Spaguetti Limonetti are strong picks, full of brightness and texture. While the cheesecake isn't our favorite, it's still a wholesome, guilt-free treat for those craving a clean finish. Add to that a gorgeous ambiance and genuinely attentive service, and it's no wonder this place has become one of our go-tos in Málaga.
6. Meet Vegano
   Another one of Málaga's best vegan restaurants. They offer a varied and tasty menu, ideal for casual dinners.
7. La Casa del Perro
   An intimate, cozy restaurant run by its owners, with an excellent selection of natural wines.

8. Descorche Málaga
   It's perfect for a special evening, with a great wine selection and vegetarian dishes. We loved the confit artichokes, eggplants with cane honey, and spinach-stuffed portobello mushrooms topped with cheese.
9. Mamuchis - Cocina del Mundo
   They serve excellent healthy cuisine with exotic flavors from Greece, Indonesia, the Middle East, and Mexico. They have great vegetarian options.

10. Cb23
    The former Casa de Botes, located next to Mamuchis. They serve the best paellas, eggplants with cane honey, and Russian salad. The service is excellent, and the location is perfect, right on the pedestrian street in Soho.
11. Atrezzo
    Located in Soho, they serve fantastic truffle pizza, have a great wine list, and offer a refined ambiance for a pleasant dining experience. Their pasta and cocktails are also very good.

12. Restaurante Alyamal
    Also located in Soho, this spot offers excellent Moroccan food in a beautiful, intimate setting with great service. Their hummus and vegetarian couscous are outstanding.

Huelin and Pacífico

Returning from West Málaga or the best beaches in Cádiz?...you're in for a treat.

13. Odissei
    If you're looking for something truly different, you have to try this Georgian restaurant. Although they don't have many vegan options, if you're vegetarian, you can try their famous khachapuri. This traditional bread is made with a soft dough and filled with cheese, often a mix of fresh and lightly salted cheeses. It's shaped like a boat and served with butter in the center, which is mixed with the hot cheese before eating. We also tried the typical dumplings called khinkali, which are a type of dough ball filled with seasoned meat, though they have options with mushrooms, potatoes, or cheese. Additionally, we enjoyed the spinach and beet pkhali, which are vegetable pastes made with ground walnuts, garlic, fresh herbs (such as cilantro), vinegar, and spices.

13. Terra Mia
    If you're craving authentic Neapolitan pizza, Terra Mia is the perfect choice. Their prices are very reasonable, and they have five locations across the city, including in the center, Teatinos, and Pacífico. (Terra Mia Playa). They have amazing Argentinean empanadas, pasta, and I good (eggplant parmesan).

Ice Cream Shops - Ending on a Sweet Note

1. Santini Gelato
   Our favorite ice cream shop. Don't miss their pistachio and mascarpone ice cream. They have very Argentinean flavors like dulce de leche, and dulce de leche with alfajores. Apart from their water-based ice creams, they also have vegan creamy options, since they use oat milk for some of their ice creams, and they are outstanding.
2. Gianduia
   Artisan ice cream with intense and creamy flavors. If you are Argentinean or can fake the accent... ask for the Argentinean discount.
3. Luciano (Soho)
   Notable for its wide variety of ice creams, especially their chocolate options. Varoius locations including the Alameda Principal and the city center.

Final Tips for Eating Well in Málaga

• Explore the local markets:
  • Atarazanas Market: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and tapas.
  • El Carmen Market: Great for high-quality local products.
  • Huelin Market: Ideal for finding fresh vegetables.

FAQ

If you're exploring the culinary scene and wondering where to eat in Málaga, why not make the most of your visit? If you're venturing beyond the city, don't miss Discovering Frigiliana: What to see and the Best Restaurants, where you can experience Andalusia's charm and enjoy delicious local cuisine. And for those craving coastal adventures, our post on Activities in Nerja: The Balcony of Europe will guide you through breathtaking seaside views and exciting things to do.

Just a quick train ride away, spending One Day in Córdoba offers the perfect blend of historical beauty and modern conscious travel - think shaded patios, vibrant local markets, and reimagined Andalusian flavors made for vegetarians.

If you have a little extra time, explore the best beaches in Cadiz, in the same region. It is sunny Andalusia.