andalusia | Azahar Tapas

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

Updated May 2015

Already well-established in Madrid for over 30 years, owner Miguel returned to his native Málaga and opened this second Los Gatos location in Plaza Uncibay. It’s a bright and buzzy spot that serves tapas all day long, many of them are displayed in a long case on the bar pintxo-style so you can just point and choose, or you can get hot dishes made to order. Genuinely friendly service and a fun kitschy atmosphere makes this is a great meeting point for the beginning of a tapeo, or even a full meal.

Make sure you try the morcilla with pine nuts and gambas with alioli, served on slices of crusty bread. Also very nice solomillo al whisky served with great chips. The bar doesn’t have a coffee machine but if you fancy one it’ll be brought over from the café across the square. It also has the best poured beer on tap I’ve had anywhere in Spain (watch them do it in the video below!) and with each drink you get a complimentary tapita. Plus you may find yourself with on-the-house cava and chocolates after paying your bill. This is the ultimate “cheap & cheerful” bar.

[note: the nickname for Madrileños is gato, for Malagueños it’s boquerón]