Let’s take a walk around the capital of the Costa del Sol, but not among its monuments or museums, but among tradition and good gastronomy.
There are cafés, bars and restaurants whose names have been associated with those of their city for years and which tell its history better than any tourist guide could. Let us take you to the most emblematic places in Malaga, those that have already taken root in the history of the city.
La Antigua Casa de Guardia
Open since the Malaga-born José de Guardia took the reins in 1840, this is the longest-established tavern in Malaga. It is located in the heart of the Alameda Principal and it is here that the legendary Pajarete, Pedro Ximénez, vermouth, Guinda and Moscatel have been and still are enjoyed. An ode to the wines of Malaga.
If you are looking for something to accompany this liquid gold, ask for prawns, prawns, mussels or any other seafood or tinned food that catches your eye. The most traditional, with its chalk notes on the bar, that you will see and with an exceptional quality.
El Bar Málaga
Calle Santa María has been home, since 1852, to a tavern where the decoration reminds you that no fashion or trend can beat them. Enjoy artichokes, bull tail, croquettes, octopus or sirloin steak in sweet wine. Manuel knows what he’s doing and has the best of Andalusian gastronomy at hand. If you are lucky enough, you can enjoy his two luxurious tables on the small balconies overlooking the Calle Santa Maria. Good luck.
Casa Carlos
Half-height tiling with Andalusian courtyard style, bullfight posters, and local products within mythical and classic recipes of the most authentic cuisine. The district of La Malagueta has a jewel that should not be missed, and that shines more than ever after more than 75 years of work. Order gazpachuelo, callos, berzas o arroz. You’re bound to get it right.
El Pimpi
Make way for the most emblematic and nowadays well-known place in the whole province of Malaga; El Pimpi. It opened its doors in 1971, on the site of an old 18th century mansion on Calle Granada. If you take a look at the map, you’ll discover that this street is… well, let’s just say it couldn’t be better located.
From its terrace you can have a wine or a coffee while being just a few metres away from the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba.
What was started by Francisco Campos as a wine cellar has evolved little by little to become a place where you can eat a wide variety of products full of flavour and good workmanship. Its “ligeritos” and, of course, its wines, stand out.
It has become a tourist attraction and a must to visit, its interior is like walking through the cobbled streets of an ancient Andalusian village. It has been visited by celebrities such as Carmen Thyssen, Salvador Dalí, Antonio Banderas, the Duchess of Alba, Antonio Gala, Álex de la Iglesia and countless other famous faces.
El Pimpi Florida
It sounds similar, but it is not the same, and the mistake can cost you several kilometres on foot. El Pimpi Florida is located in El Palo, not in the city centre.
Since 1953, Calle Almería has not stopped receiving visitors. In its narrow but at the same time infinite bar, the best that the sea has to offer is served in dishes that will make you travel and enjoy yourself. The atmosphere is one of the keys to success, as well as the spectacular food. Gambas al pil pil, the roe, the squid and the white wine must be on your order, otherwise you haven’t really been to Pimpi Florida.
La Recova
The best thing about the Iglesia de San Juan is not its façade, nor its interior, but that it is on the doorstep of La Recova. A personal, unique, antique, vintage decoration, call it what you want, but you won’t believe it until you see it.
You can’t think of a better place for breakfast, and if you’re short of time, all the better, because you can stop by at midday for a snack, and enjoy their wines and vermouth. It is a must for real Malagueños.