El Churrasco

Posted on August 15, 2013 by Shawn

Updated February 2017

el churrasco (1)

El Churrasco was founded by Rafael Carrillo senior and his wife Mari in 1970 as a small mesón specialising in grilled meats with two typical “mojo”-style red and green sauces. It’s come a long way since then, expanding into two patios, a main dining room and tapas area upstairs, and a number of private lounges in different styles. The menu has expanded too, with a few tapas, and a full range of fish, seafood and vegetable dishes, though the original grilled meat and Arabic sauces are still the speciality of the house. The largest dining room is the traditional Cordobés patio on the ground floor, and there are two more dining rooms upstairs, including a patio with a fruiting lemon tree.

The bar area at the front is my favourite place for tapas, with exposed brick pillars and arches, wood beams and tile floors, and fridges displaying the day’s meat and fish selections. It’s also fun to watch the chef in action in front of the grills. Would really like to go back sometime with a small group of friends and do a full-on meat feast.

Romero 16
Córdoba
Tel 957 290 819
€ € € €

Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 7 | Ambiance 8

el churrasco atrium el churrasco bar the bar
el churrasco berenjenas fried aubergines with salmorejo and jamón

flamenquín cordobés

el churrasco chorizo grilled chorizo

el churrasco sardina smoked sardine on toast with guacamole and tomato jam glaze

lomo de orza

el churrasco dining area

el churrasco meat MEAT

rabos de lagartija (“lizard tails” really pork strips in sauce)

el churrasco lamb chops

lamb chops

el churrasco salsas

las salsas

el churrasco solomillo grilled solomillo

grilled presa Ibérica

el churrasco view to kitchn view into open kitchen

el churrasco nook nook

el churrasco tapas area upstairs tapas area

el churrasco outside

Updated February 2017

Cafe-Bar Mercado Atarazanas

Posted on August 6, 2013 by Shawn

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.

Mercado de Atarazanas
Atarazanas, 10
Málaga
Open: 9.00 – 15.00 Monday – Saturday
€ €

Food 9 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 9

atarazanas bar pulpo grilled octopus
atarazanas prawn grilled prawns with paprika

atarazanas salmon prawn grilled prawns with salmon

atarazanas bar breaded prawns fried breaded prawns

atarazanas bar calamari calamari

atarazanas artichokes fried artichokes

some of the Atarazanas team

atarazanas bar cazon cazón en adobo (dogfish, known as pintaroja in Málaga)

atarazanas veggies crispy fried veggies

boquerones al limón

atarazanas bar pulpo tuna grilled red tuna and octopus with alioli toasts

atarazanas bar (10) buzzy market bar atmosphere

atarazanas victor owner Victor
atarazanas bar stained glass

Updated July 2016

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

El Mesón de Cervantes

Posted on July 25, 2013 by Shawn

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
€ € €

Food 7 | Wine 7 | Service 6 | Ambiance 7

meson cervantes bar the bar

meson cervantes dining area dining area

meson cervantes wine olives wine and olives at the bar

meson cervantes spinach salad spinach salad with shaved manchego cheese and walnuts

meson cervantes pulpo grilled octopus with fideos and romescu sauce

meson cervantes pumpkin risotto pumpkin & duck risotto

meson cervantes flamenquin flamenquín

meson cervantes meatballs meatballs in tomato sauce

meson cervantes secreto grilled secreto with pumpkin and pineapple jam

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

meson cervantes gambas battered prawns

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

meson cervantes dining area 2 dining area

meson cervantes nook cosy nook

El Refectorium Catedral

Posted on July 22, 2013 by Shawn

Updated July 2016

refectorium catedral

This sister bar of the El Refectorium Malagueta couldn’t be more different in style, but happily it has many of the same dishes from the original menu. El Refectorium Catedral is all chic minimalist elegance – designed by Jean-Claude Schmidt and Rafael Raez Ariza – with a lovely curved wall of windows that lets in lots of natual light. Service is professional and refreshingly unstuffy.

For me a visit to Málaga isn’t complete without at least one stop-in here. You can get the tapas menu at the bar, raciones at the tables. A couple of the many must-try dishes: the super tender slow-chargrilled octopus and the langoustine and jamón brochette. Also make sure to ask about the daily specials. Excellent wines by the glass and I think on par good value for money.

Calle Postigo de los Abades, 4
Málaga
Tel. 952 602 389
€ € € €

Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 8

refectorium cathedral entrance

refectorium catedral boquerones boquerones al vinagre – lots of them!

cheese!

caña de lomo

refectorium catedral bolos bolos (a type of clam served live with a squeeze of lemon)

salmorejo with jamón and egg

refectorium catedral conchas finas conchas finas

refectorium catedral ensaladilla ensaladilla with tuna

refectorium habas broad beans and jamón with fried egg

white asparagus

refectorium cathedral lamb lamb pinchito with chips

refectorium catedral ligeritas ligeritas: pringá, secreto serranito, solomillo & seta (and cheese)

refectorium cathedral langoustin jamon langoustine and jamón brochette

refectorium flamenquin flamenquín

refectorium cathedral padron pimientos de padrón

refectorium catedral chistorras grilled chistorras with chips

refectorium catedral artichokes grilled artichokes with jamón

refectorium catedral coquinas coquinas (small wedge clams in olive oil, white wine and garlic)

refectorium catedral mussels mussels al ajillo

refectorium catedral pulpo slow-chargrilled octopus with smoked paprika

refectorium cathedral albondigon beef albondigones (BIG meatballs)

refectorium catedral green beans jamon green beans with jamón

refectorium catedral presa iberica grilled presa Ibérica

refectorium berenjenas fried aubergine with salmorejo

grilled squid and veg

refectorium catedral calamaritos calamaritos fritos (tiny squid in batter)

refectorium catedral boletus boletus mushrooms with jamón

refectorium catedral equipo Horacio, Victor, María, Abelardo, Paco & Julio (Tío Pollas)

refectorium catedral dining

Updated July 2016

Dom Vinos

Posted on January 4, 2013 by Shawn

Dom Vinos is no more but you can find Antonio working his magic at Eboka

domvinos

Dom Vinos specialises in wine tastings and pairing menus, with an impressive listing of over 140 wines and premium spirits (the wine list changes monthly). But you can also just stop in for a few tapas – be sure to check out the daily specials. It’s also a good idea to call ahead to book in case there is a special event going on.

My first (quick) visit here was back in December 2012 with a friend visiting from New Zealand – our snacks were delish and we loved the casual ambiance and the attentive service. My second visit was a bit more “intense” and Antonio was very happy to set us up with a fab tasting menu paired with some pretty damn fine sherrys. I am always impressed by how passionate Antonio is about sharing his knowledge of food and wine and what a welcoming and generous host he is. Another Dom Vinos lunch with travel writer friend Andrew Forbes (who was also inspired to write about our experience) convinced me that this is a place with consistently excellent wine, food and service. These days a trip to Málaga isn’t complete without a visit to Dom Vinos.

Delightful desserts are by local pastry chef María García ( Candy’s) and crazy good cocktails are creatively prepared by Jesús García Recaj.

Toquero 1
Málaga
Tel 666 330 336
€ € € €

Food 8 | Wine 10 | Service 9 | Ambiance 8

dom vinos reserved
dom vinos (5)

award-winning ecological olive oil from Antequera
served with hot toasted rolls

porra Antequera with jamón and sea urchin

dom vinos ajoblanco ajoblanco with “Málaga ice cream”
(raisins, almonds, rum)

dom vinos pringas pringá montaditos with cocido

dom vinos jamon jamón Ibérico & La Goya manzanilla

domvinos tom tartare Raf & Huevo de Toro tomato “tartare” with cilantro and payoyo cheese

dom vinos chicken ravioli ravioli filled with free-range chicken, mozzarella and basil

dom vinos salmon pastrami salmon “pastrami”

dom vinos salad mixed greens, grilled asparagus, roast cherry toms, almonds & jamón

domvinos pulpo tender pulpo (octopus) with bacon-potato purée and chili threads

26-08-2014 stewed beef cheek drizzled with truffle oil
(before and after mushing and drizzling)

dom vinos cheeses payoyo cheese with walnuts and jam

dom vinos sacristia (1)

dom vinos choc dulce leche
dom vinos candys desserts by Candy

dom vinos petitfours petit fours

dom vinos maria candy pastry chef María García “Candy”

dom vinos antonio and sherry owner Antonio Fernández

dom vinos (8)

dom vinos (2)

dom vinos typical tasting all in a night’s work… a typical Dom Vinos tasting

Updated August 2015

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.

Cristo de la Epidemia, 55
Málaga
Tel 952 267 949
€ € €

Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 8

nerva bar

nerva wine list wine list

la carta

nerva starters complimentary starters

ensaladilla de gambas

nerva croquetas croquetas: Málaga sausage (L) and puchero (R)

nerva gambas pilpil croquetes spicy gambas pil-pil croquetas

nerva serranito serranito especial with bulltail, fried peppers and
jamón Ibérico on toasted beetroot-dyed roll

selection of montaditos

nerva frozen grape white wine kept cool with a frozen grape

nerva arroz de ibericos arroz de Ibéricos

fried hake

nerva clams garlicky clams in sherry sauce

grilled presa Ibérica

nerva pork cheek tender-stewed carrillada Ibérica

nerva solomillo cabrales solomillo Ibérico in cabrales (blue cheese) sauce

nerva choc mousse chocolate cheesecake mousse

father and son Joaquín & Agustín

nerva tio pepe

Updated October 2017

Taberna Uvedoble

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Shawn

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
€ € € €

Food 10 | Wine 9 | Service 9 | Ambiance 9

uvedoble bar
uvedoble wines

uvedoble new (3)

uvedoble olives wine wine and local alora olives

uvedoble ajoblanco ajoblanco with sardines and moscatel grape granita

uvedoble empanadilla empanadilla filled with boletus and gambas

grilled asparagus with romesco sauce

uvedoble spring rolls crispy prawn springrolls with soy sauce

uvedoble ceviche swordfish ceviche with Axarquía avocado

swordfish collar (morillo) in manteca colorada with tomato chutney

uvedoble salmon tataki salmón tataky

tuna tataky with porra antequerana

uvedoble manita deboned pork trotter with tart apple and pistachio

uvedoble pulpo tender roasted pulpo with potato purée

uvedoble chistorras grilled chistorras with crispy potato straws

uvedoble prawn wrap mini 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 lamb lamb with couscous

suckling pig on a brioche bun

uvvedoble presa grilled presa Ibérica with padrón peppers

uvedoble willie noelia chef Willie and Noelia

Updated July 2018

Tragatá

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Shawn

Updated April 2017

Chic sister-bar to Bardal (previously Tragabuches), Tragatá has also undergone a name change (from Traga Tapas), but the hip-fusion eclectic menu remains. The space is pleasantly minimalist, with a terrace out on the pedestrian street. Wasn’t able to get a shot of the new entrance as we had arrived early and the terrace still wasn’t set up.

Food leans to the gastrobar “new cuisine” style of mainly traditional ingredients (pig ears for example) given new forms of combination and presentation. We loved the marinated salmon and crispy filo-wrapped langoustines. Was tempted to try the tempura veg & prawns again but at 18.50€ a plate they seemed somewhat overpriced. The tapas are good value though. The service is friendly, albeit somewhat “relaxed”, and there’s quite a decent list of wines by the glass.