Over the last few years, the city of Malaga has become a point of reference for its large variety of cultural offerings. Furthermore, it has without a doubt become a point of reference as a city where you can enjoy the food culture.

And we wouldn’t have it any other way – not only regarding having fun, which it what most visitors’ experience when they spend time in Malaga – but because this cosmopolitan city combines the best of the mountains and the sea. Simple ingredients such as legumes, vegetables, meat, fish, fruit and olive oil are used, each master uses their magic on the stove to provide a range of rich and varied choices which make Malaga’s cuisine one of the most famous in Spain. This is a further reflection of the quality of life of the city.

The good climate of the area, with pleasant and stable temperatures also make it easier to enjoy the food on offer with established routes around the different tapas bars or magnificent candle lit dinners on terraces that are full of life all year round.

When you think about the Malaga coastline, images of “fried fish” probably spring to mind, along with those of “sardine skewers”, some of the main attractions of the city’s cuisine. They are two typical dishes that are in high demand, especially in the summer months. They are also exponents of the Mediterranean tradition.

Beach bars, tapas bars, taverns, wine cellars, beer, pubs, cafes, restaurants, local bars with years of history and new national and international franchises …up to 4,000 establishments related to the hospitality sector, with more than 1,000 restaurants. In the historic centre of the city alone there, known as the “almendra” (almond), there are 445 establishments related to the hospitality sector.

This “rich” vision of Malaga has not gone unnoticed outside of our country. An example of this can be seen in this recent article aimed at “foodie-travellers” in the British paper THE GUARDIAN. The article talks about the opening of a new food market in the old Merced Market Hall (Mercado de la Plaza de la Merced).

Finally, don’t deprive yourself of enjoying a not so well known menu of cakes and sweet treats that the small establishments tend to offer in their own delightful way. They reinvent recipes, incorporating Arabic influences or other important styles that will please even the most demanding of palettes.