Tag Archives: andalucia

Arte de Tapas

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Updated November  2016
arte tapas

Just next to the Arte de Cozina restaurant, Arte de Tapas is actually a part of this authentically rustic old townhouse, which includes a guesthouse that has been lovingly restored. The theme of maintaining tradition also applies to the food (which is excellent), the menu including a number of dishes/recipes from medieval times, executed with love and care by chef Charo Carmona.

Every new visit here leaves me just as happy with both the food and the service as on previous visits. To me this is THE place to go for tapas in Antequera. Be sure to try the croquetas and breaded rabbit ribs. But DO NOT LEAVE without having the lomo de orza (cooked pork loin preserved in lard) that is served on garlicky confit potatoes, on toast – serious porky heaven. Desserts are also interesting (and that’s me saying it) and you will no doubt be given a recipe or two to take home with you.

Calle de la Calzada, 29
Tel 952 840 014
Arte de Cozina Website
€ € € €

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Food 9 | Wine 9 | Service 9 | Ambiance 9

arte tapas bar
arte tapas tall tables

arte tapas sardines escabechesardines in escabeche

arte tapas cheesegoat cheese with tomato jam

arte-tapas-lomo-sallomo a la sal with rosemary, poppyseeds, potato parmentier

arte tapas spinach pinenutsspinach and pinenut croquetas

arte tapas chorizochorizo croquetas

arte-tapas-croquetas-setascroquetas de setas with beetroot mayo

arte tapas rabbit ribsbreaded rabbit ribs

arte tapas meatballshomemade meatballs in saffron sauce

arte tapas langostino threadsslarge prawns wrapped in skinny noodles

arte tapas bravaspapas bravas

arte-tapas-papas-payoyopapas with payoyo cheese

arte tapas fried fishbattered fried fish

arte tapas morcilla tartaremorcilla tartare with apple, served with mango-mustard sauce

arte-tapas-salchichon-burgersalchichón burger with spicy tomato sauce

arte tapas chorizo burgerchorizo burger

arte tapas lomo orzalomo de orza on confit potatoes and toast

arte-tapas-chorizo-espetochorizo espeto with PX

arte tapas lemonyfrothy lemony foam dessert

arte tapas drunken bizcochodrunken bizcocho

arte tapas almojabana

almojábana (a dessert from medieval times)

arte tapas almojabana recipethe recipe for almojábana

arte tapas charo carmonaowner and chef Charo Carmona

arte tapas seating

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Updated November 2016

Cumbres Mayores

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Updated March 2019

cumbres_mayores

Trust me to go to a Spanish coastal city famous for its fabulous seafood and end up loving this place for its amazing MEAT dishes. One of the best known and most popular bars in Cádiz, Cumbres Mayores, just off the Plaza Mina, is traditional in both style and cuisine, but with more meat and less fish than is typical in Cádiz. It’s all about the pig here, and often unusual cuts (see “pig parts” photo below). We stop in as often as possible during our visits to Cádiz and we are never disappointed. In fact, I wish somewhere like Cumbres Mayores existed in Sevilla.

Aside from the cosy tapas bar area that greets you when you walk in, there are also a couple of dining rooms for sit-down meals, but my favourite place is at the bar, preferably in front of the jamón leg beer taps. It’s often super-crowded but just grab a drink and hang around awhile and you’ll usually be rewarded with a couple of bar seats. The tapas are very good and very reasonably priced, and the service is terrific. Favourites included the pork abanico Ibérico in PX sauce, which is honestly worth going to Cádiz for, grilled secreto (you can also get it breaded and deep-fried!) and the presa al ajillo. They also offer a special parrillada para dos (grilled meat for two) but I think it’s more fun to just order the tapas and share them with a friend.

Zorrilla, 4
Cádiz
Tel 956 21 32 70
€ € €

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Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 8| Ambiance 8

cumbres mayores bar

cumbres mayores jamoes

cumbres mayores (10)stewed pluma Ibérica

cumbres mayores carrillada

carrillada Ibérica (pork cheeks)

cumbres mayores churrascochurrasco a la parrilla

cumbres mayores criollogrilled chorizo criollo

cumbres mayores secretosecreto Ibérico

breaded secreto Ibérico

cumres mayores presagarlicky grilled presa Ibérica

albóndigas en salsa

cumbres mayores pork tonguestewed pork tongue

cumbres mayores flamenquinflamenquín

grilled paleta Ibérica

tender stewed abanico Ibérico in PX sauce

grilled presa Ibérica

cumbres mayores beerAlfonso pouring beers

cumbres mayores bar areabar area

cumbres mayores diningdining area

cumbres mayores pig partspig parts

cumbres mayoresBest. Beertaps. Ever.

cumbres mayores tiles

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Updated March 2019

La Candela

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Updated July 2017

My first impression of La Candela a few years ago was “gastrobar” (and I am never being kind when I use that term), but once inside I was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is friendly and informal, and the food, a modern but not pretentious menu, is generally very good. On subsequent visits I’ve been pleased to see that things hadn’t changed in that respect.

Try the chicharrones de Cádiz (very different from the usual deep-fried version) and also the croquetas and tempura vegetables.  As an unusual touch, if you like the furniture or the paintings you can buy them.

Feduchy 1
Cádiz
Tel 956 22 18 22
€ € €

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Food 8 | Wine 7 | Service 8| Ambiance 8

la candela entradaentrance

la candela kitchenopen kitchen

la candela croquetasjamón and setas croquetas

tuna tempura with tomato, parmesan & oregano sauce

la candela chicharroneschicharrones de Cádiz with cheese and sun-dried tomatoes

mixed green salad with tempura sardines, parmesan,
toasted hazelnuts,honey vinaigrette

la candela veggie tempuraveggie tempura with soy mayo

la candela pulporoasted pulpo with pimentón mashed potatoes and squid ink alioli

wagyu burger

la candela beefgrilled beef platter

Santiago, Pejie, co-owneres Carmen & Victor, Carmen, Lourdes

la candela window seatwindow seat

la candela dining areadining area

la candela diners Sunday diners

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Updated July 2017

Casa Mazal

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casa mazal (1)

Casa Mazal (Hebrew for fortune) can be found tucked away in a little side street in the old Jewish quarter of Córdoba, in a house with a courtyard with its origins in the 14th century. The speciality is the Sephardi cuisine of the Spanish Jews of the late mediaeval period, together with Arabic-Spanish dishes typical of the Moors and other traditional Andalucian dishes, prepared in accord with accepted kosher rules. The menu features lots of beans and vegetable dishes, fish, and lamb and chicken.

Bread Charge: 0€

Tomás Conde, 3
Córdoba
tel. 957 941 888
Open 7 days a week
12.30 – 16.00 / 20.00 – 23.00
Casa Mazal Website
€ € €
*vegetarian friendly

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Food 8 | Wine 6 | Service 7 | Ambiance 9

casa mazal (4)

casa mazal (5)

casa mazal (6)
casa mazal auberginedeep-fried aubergines with honey

casa mazal olivecod and vegetables on toasts

casa mazal salmorejothree kinds of salmorejo

casa mazal chickenchicken with tabouleh

casa mazal couscous duckduck confit couscous

casa mazal falafelfalafel

casa mazal ventrescagrilled tuna ventresca with sesame seeds

casa mazal icecreamviolet, rose and green tea ice creams

casa mazal (7)

casa mazal (8)

casa mazal (3)

casa mazal (2)

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Isabella Taller de Cocina

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Updated February 2015
isabella tdc

Just off buzzy Plaza Uncibay, Isabella T de C is a charming spot with a bar area on the main floor, an upstairs dining area and a little sidewalk terrace. The market-kitchen menu features both traditional and trad-fusion food that can be a bit hit or miss. Their house speciality of  free range fried eggs with gambas pilpil and fried potato straws didn’t work for me, and I’ve yet to have a decent caesar salad in Spain. But in general the dishes (more large plates than tapas) are good, along with knowledgeable and welcoming staff, and a fun ambiance.

Jose Denis Belgrano, 25
Málaga
Tel 951 130 018
€ € €

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Food 6 | Wine 6 | Service 8 | Ambiance 8

isabella tdc (2)

isabella tdc wine olives
isabella tdc porra porra caprese with buffalo cheese, tuna ventresca and basil

isabella tdc cauliflowercauliflower au gratin with creamy white wine sauce

isabella tdc tomato garlic cheese toastcheesy tomatoey herby garlic toast

isabella tdc rollitos turcocrispy cordero “al stilo turco” in filo

isabella tdc caesar“caesar” salad – really it’s a smoked chicken tropical fruit salad

isabella tdc sardinassardines, wheat sprouts and aubergine confit

isabella tdc eggs gambas pilpilfree range fried eggs with gambas pilpil and fried potato straws

isabella tdc croquetas pucherocroquetas de puchero

isabella tdc andres frank rosaAndrés, Frank & Rosa

isabella tdc wall

isabella tdc tapas menu

isabella tdc (3)

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Updated February 2015

Pez Tomillo

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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
€ € €

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Food 8 | Wine 9 | Service 9 | Ambiance 9

pez tomillo terraza 1the terrace

pez tomillo barthe bar

pez tomillo open kitchenopen kitchen

pez tomillo gambas pilpilgambas pil-pil

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

pez tomillo cola del torostewed bulltail with creamy potato purée

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

pez tomillo dumplingsdumplings with sweet chili sauce

pez tomillo pollolagramitas de pollo with barbeque sauce

pez tomillo coulantechocolate coulante with white chocolate ice cream

pez tomillo terraza 2

pez tomillo rooftop barrooftop bar and restaurant

pez tomillo rooftop view
Updated January 2014

El Mesón de Cervantes

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Updated February 2015

meson cervantes
El Mesón de Cervantes is just around the corner from its hugely successful sister bar El Tapeo de Cervantes. This new location is bigger and more stylish than the original location, with a bar area in the front for tapas and two dining areas for larger plates (raciones), though the menu and wine list are pretty much the same. Nice open kitchen and attractive space, though service can be a bit slapdash. Be sure to check out the daily specials.

Alamos 11
Málaga
Tel. 952 216 274
El Tapeo de Cervantes Website
€ € €

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Food 7 | Wine 7 | Service 6 | Ambiance 7

meson cervantes barthe bar

meson cervantes dining areadining area

meson cervantes wine oliveswine and olives at the bar

meson cervantes spinach saladspinach salad with shaved manchego cheese and walnuts

meson cervantes pulpogrilled octopus with fideos and romescu sauce

meson cervantes pumpkin risottopumpkin & duck risotto

meson cervantes flamenquinflamenquín

meson cervantes meatballsmeatballs in tomato sauce

meson cervantes secretogrilled secreto with pumpkin and pineapple jam

meson cervantes bacalao with orange confit and spicy tomatobacalao with orange confit and spicy tomato

meson cervantes gambasbattered prawns

meson cervantes salmongrilled salmon with herb butter, garbanzo puree and black rice

meson cervantes dining area 2dining area

meson cervantes nookcosy nook

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Updated February 2015

Taberna Uvedoble

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Updated July 2018

Modern tapas are smartly served up by chef Willie Orellana at this minimalist taberna in the heart of Málaga, a stone’s throw from the Cathedral. Excellent food with a wine list that is also well thought out and very well priced, either by the glass or bottle. Friendly and informed staff offer good attentive service.

For me the most important thing is how well it all works together: fabulous food, friendly service, reasonable prices. If I lived in Málaga this would be a regular hangout – check out the tapas menu on their website and you’ll see what I mean. But it fills up fast, especially at weekends, so try to get there early. Must tries include the swordfish collar in Iberian pork fat (you know you want this!) the toasted squid ink fideo noodles with eensy Málaga calamares and alioli, and the super tasty mini prawn pil-pil kebab.  But it’s all good. Just go.

Cister 17
Málaga
Tel 951 248 478
Uve Doble Website
€ € € €

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Food 10 | Wine 9 | Service 9 | Ambiance 9

uvedoble bar
uvedoble wines

uvedoble new (3)

uvedoble olives winewine and local alora olives

uvedoble ajoblancoajoblanco with sardines and moscatel grape granita

uvedoble empanadillaempanadilla filled with boletus and gambas

grilled asparagus with romesco sauce

uvedoble spring rollscrispy prawn springrolls with soy sauce

uvedoble cevicheswordfish ceviche with Axarquía avocado

swordfish collar (morillo) in manteca colorada with tomato chutney

uvedoble salmon tatakisalmón tataky

tuna tataky with porra antequerana

uvedoble manitadeboned pork trotter with tart apple and pistachio

uvedoble pulpotender roasted pulpo with potato purée

uvedoble chistorrasgrilled chistorras with crispy potato straws

uvedoble prawn wrapmini kebab of gambas pil-pil with pimentón mayo

uvedoble flamenquin (1)flamenquín with presa Ibérica, cheese and padrón peppers

toasted fideos negros with calamaritos de Málaga and alioli

uvedoble lamblamb with couscous

suckling pig on a brioche bun

uvvedoble presagrilled presa Ibérica with padrón peppers

uvedoble willie noeliachef Willie and Noelia

uvedoble new (1)orange orange orange orange orange
Updated July 2018

El Tapeo de Cervantes

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Updated November 2014

tapeo cervantes
I was first introduced to this fabulous little bar just off the Plaza Jeronimo Cuervo (where the Teatro Cervantes is) a couple of years ago by friends who had just moved to Málaga. Co-owners and partners Gabriel and Romina have created a super-popular spot that is always packed with locals and visitors alike. If you don’t call ahead to book a table either get there early or be prepared to wait a while.

There’s a great selection of wines by the glass to pair with either traditional or innovative tapas. Favourites include the crispy jamón & manchego cheese flamenquín, grilled red tuna with cauliflower and carrot purées and the grilled secreto Ibérico. Be sure to check out the daily specials. Excellent value for money.

Also check out their second location El Mesón de Cervantes around the corner at calle Álamos 11.

Cárcer, 8
Málaga
Tel. 952 609 458
El Tapeo de Cervantes Website
€ € €

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Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 8

tapeo cervantes the bar (2) the bar

tapeo cervantes jamonjamón Ibérico w/grilled asparagus, artichokes, porra antequerana

tapeo cervantes boqueronesboquerones al vinagre with salmorejo and guacamole

calamari with preserved lemons

 tapeo cervantes gambascrispy battered prawns

tapeo cervantes seabasshake with sweet potato

 jamón Ibérico and manchego flamenquín with tomato chutney

tapeo cervantes red tuna with purées red tuna with cauliflower and carrot purées

tapeo cervantes meatballsmeatballs in tomato sauce

tapeo cervantes bacalaoconfit bacalao with leek purée and piquillo pepper jam

tapeo cervantes chiperonespan-fried chipirones and spinach

tapeo cervantes pulpogrilled octopus with smoked paprika mash

pink salmon with herb butter and crispy black rice

tapeo cervantes secreto with pumpkingrilled secreto with pumpkin and pineapple jam

tapeo cervantes morcilla sweet potatomorcilla with egg and sweet potato

tapeo cervantes boletus asparagusgrilled boletus and asparagus with jamón

carrillada Ibérica with white beans and green chilis

warm apple crumble with vanilla ice cream

tapeo cervantes gabriel and romina  co-owners Gabriel and Romina

 

tapeo cervantes corchos

tapeo cervantes tables

Updated November 2014

El Caleño

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el caleno playa

Another fabulous seafood restaurant in the old fishing quarter of Málaga, Pedregalejos. Right on the beach you get wonderful food with a view. Best to call ahead and book a table.

Paseo Maritimo (El Pedregal)
Malaga
tel. 952 299 148
€ € €

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Food 9 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 7

el caleno conchas finasconchas finas

 el caleno bolosbolos

 el caleno salada “small” house salad

el caleno salmoretessalmonetes

el caleno puntillitaspuntillitas (baby squid)

el caleno pimientosroasted red pepper salad

el caleno coquinascoquinas (cockles)

el caleno gambasgambas a la plancha

el caleno espetosardines “espeto”

el caleno boqueronesfried boquerones (anchovies)

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