cafe bar mercado atarazanas

Updated July 2016

atarazanas cafe bar Market bars are some of my favourite places to eat and the Atarazanas Market in central Málaga is one of my favourite markets. So if you’re walking around town midday and looking for a snack – or even a full lunch – then this is a great place to go. Café-Bar Mercado Atarazanas was the original market bar here and, what started as one small stall years ago, has been expanded with the addition of a couple of extra stalls in front, as well as a few tables outside. But the quality of the food remains the same, which is Very Very Good and also excellent value for money.

It’s all very no-frills as you’d expect, but there’s just something so charming about it, along with the super fast and friendly service, that makes me not very interested in going back to the other newcomer market bars (though I have been to them just to compare). Honestly, if I lived in Málaga I’d be tempted to have lunch here every day. Brochettes of prawns and octopus, perfectly grilled and sprinkled with smoked paprika, crispy-fried lemon-marinated boquerones, breaded or battered prawns, grilled hake, marinated dogfish… and the list goes on, and on. All super-fresh, all made to order, all of it wonderful. And if you are concerned about getting your 5-a-day they also do a tasty plate of tempura mixed veggies. Good ice cold beer and decent wines too.