Pez Tomillo

Posted on August 1, 2013 by Shawn

Updated January 2014

pez tomillo terraza

Imagine my surprise when I discovered last summer that Pez Tomillo is part of the Equipo Mpuntor group from Sevilla! I went back again on a recent visit to Málaga and remain impressed with the quality of the food and wine and also the service. And of course the restaurant space is fabulous, with the same fun retro-stylish décor that Mpuntor has become known for. There’s a charming covered terrace out front and an ample bar and dining area as you enter, with lots of comfortable seating. The rooftop is open in the evenings and is both restaurant and cocktail bar, offering a lovely seaview. I also like the spacious open kitchen where you can see your food being prepared.

The menu is pretty much the same as at chef Ernesto Malasaña’s cool and eclectic Bar Antojo in Sevilla. I actually think this is a good idea for this barrio as Pedregalejo already has a lot typical seafood restaurants and, especially for those who live out there, I can imagine Pez Tomillo being a welcome change. Both tapas and racións are available for most dishes. The bacalao “al carbón” is tasty plump salt cod in squid ink tempura, the stewed bulltail with creamy potatoes is super-tender, and the eggs with foie and fried potatoes is seriously decadent. There’s a very nice wine list and the very professional service provided by the young and enthusiastic staff is delightful and unstuffy.

From the centre of Málaga you can get to Pedregalejo by catching the Nº 11 city bus, taking a taxi or, as I did, enjoy a 40-minute walk along the seaside promenade (but watch out for speeding cyclists!).

Bread/Service Charge: 1€ PER PERSON

Paseo de Pedregal 1
Málaga
Tel 951 253 627
Open: 12.30 – 2.00
€ € €

Food 8 | Wine 9 | Service 9 | Ambiance 9

pez tomillo terraza 1 the terrace

pez tomillo bar the bar

pez tomillo open kitchen open kitchen

pez tomillo gambas pilpil gambas pil-pil

pez tomillo bacalao carbon bacalao “al carbón” (salt cod in squid ink tempura)

pez tomillo cola del toro stewed bulltail with creamy potato purée

pez tomillo huevos rotos foie fried free-range eggs with potatoes and grilled foie

pez tomillo dumplings dumplings with sweet chili sauce

pez tomillo pollo lagramitas de pollo with barbeque sauce

pez tomillo coulante chocolate coulante with white chocolate ice cream

pez tomillo terraza 2

pez tomillo rooftop bar rooftop bar and restaurant

pez tomillo rooftop view
Updated January 2014

Alumbre

Posted on July 30, 2013 by Shawn

alumbre
Another great recommendation from a friend. I may not have gone into Alumbre otherwise, fearing it might be your typical “gastrobar”, but in fact it’s a charming spot with very friendly professional service and some lovely tapas ranging from 1.50 – 2.50€. Tapas are served in the front section; there’s a separate “raciones” menu for the terrace and dining area, which are also very reasonably priced. Looking forward to going back with friends next visit to Málaga to share some larger plates.

Strachan 11
Málaga
Tel 952 640 108 / 951 500 02
Open 12.00 – midnight (closed Sunday)
Alumbre Website
€ € €

alumbre (3)

alumbre jamon

alumbre (4)

alumbre olives

alumbre spring rolls prawn and seta springroll with kikoman soy reduction

alumbre tortillita salchichon salchicha de Málaga fritter

alumbre albondiga almond sauce pork meatball with almond sauce

alumbre (2) dining area with open kitchen

Bar Nerva

Posted on December 28, 2012 by Shawn

Updated October 2017

Bar Nerva was first recommended to me by my friend Victor @WeLoveMalaga back in 2012 – it’s a bit off the beaten path but definitely worth making the effort. Now more than 25 years old, this traditional family-run tapas bar and restaurant will immediately win you over not only with its fabulous home-style food, but also with the genuine warmth and enthusiasm of the staff. There are only a few tapas on the menu, so best to go with friends and share larger plates. Or try the menú del día, which is excellent value. Be sure to try the croquettes (which is not something I usually say) and the arroz de Ibéricos, which is chock full of jamón and various sausages. Though I think it’s safe to say that you really can’t go wrong here – I’ve never had a dish that wasn’t exceptionally delicious.